Former Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Fashola, SAN, has called for a statewide survey to be conducted by the Lagos State Judiciary on residents about their experience of the quality of service within the existing court system in the state, as well as its impact on them. …
Former Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Fashola, SAN, has called for a statewide survey to be conducted by the Lagos State Judiciary on residents about their experience of the quality of service within the existing court system in the state, as well as its impact on them.
The former governor, who also served as a two-time minister, made the declaration while delivering the keynote address at the 2026 New Legal Year Summit in Lekki, Lagos, on the theme, ‘Justice as an Economic Infrastructure: Strengthening the Judiciary for Africa’s Fifth Largest Economy.’
He said the initiative must probe whether court users are satisfied with the length of time it takes for a case, especially about land and other commercial matters, to be fully heard; how responsive the courts are to the peculiar needs of small business owners; the process of enforcing judgements, as well as whether there is a need to appoint more judges and create more courts.
He also advocated that the Judiciary should adopt an informal system of resolving disputes, so as to better serve residents, arguing that some disputes could be resolved outside conventional court processes.
Mr Fashola says, the continued evolution of Alternative Dispute Resolution could help reduce pressure on the formal court system, particularly where disputes are customary or community in nature.
He urged the judiciary to examine whether existing reforms were still adequate for present-day demands, and called for the establishment of a judicial ombudsman to enable members of the public lodge complaints where necessary.
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria adds that the Judiciary, in carrying out its duties, must complement other arms of government, while maintaining its independence.
Also speaking at the event, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, described justice as another form of infrastructure that is less visible and yet equally fundamental.
She urged the Lagos State Judiciary to remain ambitious in its pursuit of excellence, saying, ”Let us continue to ask difficult questions about our processes. Let us be willing to change what no longer serves the interests of justice. Let us embrace innovation without
compromising principle, and efficiency without sacrificing fairness. Most importantly, let us remember the human being at the centre of every judicial process.”
In his opening remarks, the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Kazeem Alogba, said the judiciary needs to be strengthened so as to increase access to justice and attract investment. He also called for innovative models of reform in the sector in order to boost economic growth.