Fagbemi: Lagos Has Set Pace in Innovative Access to Justice Services

*Sanwo-Olu seeks justice system that fosters trust, confidence in Nigerians

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), said the Lagos State Government, for many years, has continued to set the pace in the provision of innovative access to justice services.
This, he said, included the development of creative reforms aimed at improving the system of administration of justice, generally.

In another breath, the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has charged the Federal Ministry of Justice to build a justice system that not only dispenses justice but fosters a sense of trust and confidence in the citizens.
Speaking at a three-day retreat of top management of the Federal Ministry of Justice, held at Sheraton Hotels, Ikeja, Lagos, Fagbemi also did not take Sanwo-Olu’s presence for granted.

“Governor Sanwo-Olu’s presence here, not only attests to his interest in supporting measures to enhance the administration of justice but further exemplifies that state of preparedness, readiness and disciplined work culture, all of which have made Lagos State the Centre of Excellence in our nation.
“The choice of Lagos State for this retreat was one that is both deliberate and strategic. It has been resilient and strategic in tackling contemporary justice sector challenges and successful in developing effective access to justice programmes over the years.
“It was therefore important for us to come here to learn and share experience on challenges and best practices for enhancing systems and structures to support the justice sector,” he said.

Fagbemi said the Ministry of Justice was critical to the agenda of the government to build a strong economy and combat corruption and insecurity.
“You are all well aware that the Federal Ministry of Justice plays a very critical role in the overall developmental agenda of the country, as it offers services that impact all areas of national development.

“The role of the ministry is critical to the agenda of the Government to build a strong economy and combat corruption and insecurity. Our duties are an amalgamation of law and policy.
“It is therefore critical that we continually review our operational strategies to enable us to meet the yearnings of our people for an effective and people-oriented justice system.

“We need to strive further to achieve improvement in all areas of our mandate. We need to take all necessary steps to surmount all the challenges associated with coordinating justice sector institutions.”
Sanwo-Olu, while seeking a justice system that not only dispenses justice but fosters a sense of trust and confidence in the citizens, noted that the success of the ministry would be measured by the positive impact felt by the ordinary Nigerians seeking justice.

He advised the ministry to adopt a holistic approach that addresses not only legal processes but also the social and economic factors influencing the administration of justice in Nigeria.

The Lagos governor, who commended Fagbemi, for his steadfast commitment to advancing justice in Nigeria, said the theme of the retreat, ‘Enhancing Systems and Structures in the Federal Ministry of Justice for Effective Justice Sector Service Delivery,’ underscored the pivotal role that the justice system plays in the well-being of the society.

Noting that “a robust and efficient justice system forms the bedrock of a just and equitable society,” he said: “The challenges we face in our justice sector demand a collective and strategic response.
“Our duty as stewards of justice is to ensure that the structures in place are not only resilient but also adaptable to the evolving needs of our society.
“This requires a careful examination of our existing systems, identification of gaps, and a commitment to implementing reforms that will enhance the delivery of justice services to the Nigerian people.

“Our justice system is not an isolated entity; it is intricately linked to the broader societal fabric. As we enhance systems and structures within the Federal Ministry of Justice, let us adopt a holistic approach that addresses not only legal processes but also the social and economic factors influencing the administration of justice.”