By Henry Ojelu
LAGOS—Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lagos State, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, has rallied legal officers in the state’s Ministry of Justice to embrace excellence, innovation, accountability and professionalism as part of efforts to improve service delivery and deepen justice sector reforms.

Pedro gave the charge at the Ministry’s 2026 Mid-Year Meeting with State Counsel held at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa Secretariat, where he underscored the critical role of legal officers in promoting good governance, protecting citizens’ rights and strengthening the administration of justice.

Addressing participants on the theme, “Enhancing Service Delivery, Professional Excellence and Justice Sector Reform,” the Attorney-General described the Ministry of Justice as Lagos State’s principal legal institution responsible for upholding the rule of law, advancing justice and providing responsive legal services to government agencies and residents.

He noted that the ministry occupies a strategic position within the state’s governance structure through its responsibilities in law reform, legislative development, dispute resolution and the administration of civil and criminal justice.

Pedro reminded State Counsel that their work has a direct impact on the lives of millions of Lagos residents, stressing that every legal opinion, prosecution, defence, legislative draft and dispute resolution process carries significant human consequences.

According to him, “every file on your table has a soul in it,” urging legal officers to approach their duties with diligence, empathy and a strong sense of responsibility.

As part of ongoing reforms aimed at improving efficiency and accountability, the Attorney-General disclosed that the ministry would intensify performance reviews across its departments and directorates.
He said strategic engagements with heads of directorates and senior officers would be held before the end of the year to strengthen institutional effectiveness, enhance capacity development and improve service delivery.

Pedro also encouraged legal officers to leverage emerging technologies transforming legal practice globally, including electronic filing systems, virtual court proceedings, digital records management, legal research platforms and artificial intelligence.

He, however, cautioned that technological advancement must be balanced with strict adherence to professional ethics, data protection standards and cybersecurity requirements.

On capacity development, the Attorney-General stressed the importance of mentorship and continuous learning, urging senior officers to guide younger lawyers while encouraging junior counsel to pursue professional growth and skills enhancement.

He assured participants that opportunities for leadership and career progression within the ministry would continue to be based on competence, integrity, commitment and performance.

Reaffirming his vision for the justice sector, Pedro said efforts were ongoing to position the Lagos State Ministry of Justice as Nigeria’s leading public law office.

Also speaking, Justice Iyabo Oshodi of the Lagos State High Court urged State Counsel to remain committed to excellence despite workplace challenges.

Drawing from her experience as a former officer of the ministry before her elevation to the Bench, Justice Oshodi advised legal officers not to be discouraged when their efforts appear unnoticed, noting that diligence, professionalism and integrity ultimately attract recognition and reward.

“The principle of harvest remains constant. People eventually reap the rewards of the seeds they sow through hard work, dedication and integrity,” she said.

Earlier, the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Mr. Hameed Oyenuga, described the gathering as an important platform for reflection, assessment and professional growth.

According to him, the meeting provided an opportunity to review the ministry’s performance in the first half of the year, assess ongoing initiatives, identify challenges and develop strategies for improving service delivery.

He said the engagement reflects the ministry’s commitment to efficiency, innovation, accountability and institutional development.

In her vote of thanks, the Permanent Secretary, Citizens Mediation Bureau, Mrs. Aderinsola Olanrewaju, commended the Attorney-General, guest speakers, panelists and participants for contributing to the success of the programme.

The meeting featured panel discussions and interactive sessions with legal experts, including Professor Akeem Bello of the University of Lagos; former Ogun State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Gbolahan Adeniran; Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okunsanya, SAN, of Africa Law Practice; and Mr. Lanre Akinsola, SAN, Lead Partner at Priory Terrace Solicitors.

The panelists shared insights on leadership, integrity, professional development, career progression and public service as the ministry reviewed its mid-year performance and outlined priorities for the remainder of 2026.