RismadarVoice Reporters
June 21, 2026
The Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Lawal Pedro (SAN), has challenged State Counsel in the Ministry of Justice to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, innovation and accountability in the discharge of their duties, emphasising the critical role of justice administration in governance and public service delivery.
Pedro gave the charge on Friday during the Ministry’s 2026 Mid-Year Meeting with State Counsel, held at the Adeyemi-Bero Auditorium, Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja, under the theme, “Enhancing Service Delivery, Professional Excellence and Justice Sector Reform.”
In his keynote address, the Attorney-General described the Ministry of Justice as the principal legal institution of the Lagos State Government, responsible for promoting justice, upholding the rule of law and providing efficient legal services to government ministries, departments and agencies.
He noted that the Ministry occupies a strategic position in the governance framework of the state through its roles in legislative drafting, law reform, dispute resolution, criminal and civil justice administration, as well as the protection of citizens’ rights.
Highlighting the significance of the work carried out by legal officers, Pedro reminded participants that every legal opinion, prosecution, defence, legislation and dispute resolution process ultimately affects the lives of millions of residents.
He stressed the human impact of legal practice, stating that behind every case file or legal document lies a person, family, business or community whose future may depend on the decisions of legal practitioners.
According to him, “every file on your table has a soul in it.”
The Attorney-General also underscored the need for continuous performance evaluation across the Ministry, disclosing plans for strategic engagements with heads of directorates and senior officers aimed at strengthening institutional efficiency and capacity development.
On emerging trends in legal practice, Pedro encouraged State Counsel to embrace technological innovations such as electronic filing systems, virtual court proceedings, digital records management, legal research technologies and artificial intelligence.
He, however, cautioned that the adoption of technology must be accompanied by strict adherence to professional ethics, data protection regulations and cybersecurity standards.
The Attorney-General further advocated a stronger culture of mentorship within the Ministry, urging senior legal officers to guide younger colleagues while encouraging junior lawyers to pursue continuous learning and professional development.
He assured that leadership opportunities within the Ministry would continue to be based on merit, integrity, competence and performance.
Pedro reaffirmed his commitment to positioning the Lagos State Ministry of Justice as Nigeria’s foremost public law office, while celebrating the achievements of several distinguished alumni of the Ministry who have excelled in the judiciary, legal profession and public service.
Also speaking, Justice Iyabo Muyibat Oshodi of the Lagos State High Court urged State Counsel to remain diligent and focused despite challenges, recalling her own career progression from the Ministry of Justice to the Bench.
She encouraged legal officers not to be discouraged when their efforts appear unnoticed, stressing that dedication, integrity and hard work inevitably yield rewards.
Earlier, the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Mr Hameed Oyenuga, described the meeting as an important platform for reflection, engagement and professional development.
According to him, the gathering provided an opportunity to review the Ministry’s performance during the first half of the year, assess ongoing initiatives, identify challenges and strengthen institutional capacity for improved service delivery.
The event also featured interactive sessions with leading legal practitioners and academics, including Professor Akeem Bello of the University of Lagos, former Ogun State Attorney-General Gbolahan Adeniran, SAN, Mrs Oyinkansola Badejo-Okunsanya, SAN, and Mr Lanre Akinsola, SAN, who shared insights on leadership, integrity, public service and career advancement in the legal profession.
The meeting formed part of efforts by the Lagos State Ministry of Justice to enhance service delivery, strengthen accountability and drive reforms within the justice sector in line with the state’s development agenda.
