Lagos State has successfully recovered N1.5 billion in outstanding taxes from a commercial bank, marking a significant victory in the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen fiscal governance, the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro (SAN), announced on Tuesday.
Speaking at a press briefing in Alausa to mark his second year in office, Pedro said the recovery was the result of enforcement actions taken by the Ministry of Justice. He highlighted the establishment of specialized revenue courts at both the High Court and magistrate court levels, as well as the creation of a dedicated Revenue Recovery Unit, which have collectively contributed to the improved collection of outstanding government revenues.
“Many companies have responded to our pre-action protocol notices and have started paying or made arrangements to pay their outstanding liabilities,” Pedro stated, underscoring the positive impact of the Ministry’s proactive legal strategies.
Pedro also detailed broader reforms aimed at improving the efficiency of the Ministry of Justice. He said the Ministry had been repositioned to deliver faster legal services, enhance access to justice, and protect the rights of Lagos residents. “Justice in Lagos is not an abstract ideal but a living reality, shaping governance, protecting rights, and driving inclusive economic growth,” he said.
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Among the landmark achievements under his tenure, Pedro cited Lagos State’s decisive victory at the Supreme Court in the ongoing lottery dispute. The court ruled that lotteries and games of chance fall under the jurisdiction of state governments rather than the federal government—a ruling that has significant implications for state revenue.
On the criminal justice front, Pedro referenced the successful conviction of Andrew Nice in the high-profile BRT rape and murder case involving Miss Bamise, which he described as a testament to the government’s determination to pursue justice without fear or favor.
To address the issue of delays in civil litigation, the Ministry of Justice has championed the Administration of Civil Justice Bill. The proposed legislation includes provisions to ensure cases are concluded within 18 to 24 months, enforces stricter adjournment rules, and imposes punitive fines of up to N1 million for frivolous suits.
Pedro also provided an update on plea bargain applications, noting that 361 applications had been submitted in the past two years, with 314 approved and 37 declined. Additionally, he reported that 263 inmates were released under the governor’s prerogative of mercy, while 4,800 offenders had been assigned community service sentences as part of efforts to reform the criminal justice system.
The Attorney General’s remarks signal a robust and strategic approach to governance in Lagos State, combining fiscal responsibility with judicial reforms aimed at promoting justice and economic growth.
