Lagos recovers N1.5bn taxes from a commercial bank as Attorney General Lawal Pedro highlights reforms in justice, revenue, and governance

Pedro, who marked his second year in office with a press briefing in Alausa, said the recovery was part of broader efforts to strengthen fiscal governance and accountability.

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He explained that the creation of revenue courts at both the High Court and magistrates’ levels, alongside a dedicated Revenue Recovery Unit, had begun to produce tangible results.

“Many companies have responded to our pre-action protocol notices and have started paying or made arrangements to pay their outstanding liabilities,” Pedro said.

The Attorney General stressed that Lagos justice reforms were focused on delivering faster legal services, safeguarding rights, and reinforcing inclusive economic growth.

“Justice in Lagos is not an abstract ideal but a living reality, shaping governance, protecting rights, and driving economic development,” he noted.

Pedro also highlighted a landmark win under his tenure: Lagos’ victory at the Supreme Court in the lottery case, where the court ruled that lotteries and games of chance fall under state powers, not federal control.

On criminal justice, he pointed to the conviction of Andrew Nice in the BRT rape and murder case of Miss Bamise, describing it as evidence of the government’s resolve to pursue justice without fear or favour.

To tackle delays in civil litigation, Pedro cited the Administration of Civil Justice Bill, which proposes stricter timelines of 18–24 months for concluding cases, tighter adjournment rules, and punitive costs of up to N1m for frivolous suits.

He disclosed that, within two years, 361 plea bargain applications were filed, with 314 approved and 37 declined.

In addition, 263 inmates were released under the governor’s prerogative of mercy, while 4,800 offenders served community service sentences.

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Pedro concluded that the Ministry of Justice had been repositioned to deliver justice that resonates with the everyday lives of Lagosians.