In a move aimed at strengthening the state’s justice delivery system, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Friday inaugurated two key projects modern housing for magistrates and a new Deputy Sheriff Warehouse.
Both projects are part of the state’s continued effort to boost the welfare and efficiency of its judicial officers.
The newly built housing scheme, consisting of two blocks of 3-bedroom apartments, is located in the Ketu area.
It is the first housing initiative by the Sanwo-Olu administration specifically designed to support officers in the magistrate cadre and legal counsels within the Ministry of Justice.
The projects are expected to significantly improve judicial performance and promote fair delivery of justice in Lagos.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, while speaking at the commissioning ceremony, described magistrates as frontline officers in the justice system.
According to him, “Today, we are handing over a housing scheme that comprises two blocks of 3-bedroom each to our judicial officers in magistrate cadre and our counsels in the Ministry of Justice to support them in carrying out their statutory duties effectively.”
He added that “this gesture is considered as a necessary step to ensure the welfare of our judicial officers remains the top priority of the Government they serve.”
Moreover, the Governor emphasized the need to provide comfort for magistrates to shield them from external pressure and allow them function without fear.
“It is only when they have comfortable accommodation and welfare packages they can do their job without fear or favour,” Sanwo-Olu added.
In addition, the newly commissioned Deputy Sheriff Warehouse in Majidun, Ikorodu, was built to store and preserve properties involved in legal disputes.
The Governor noted that the warehouse would help reduce clutter in court premises and prevent damage or loss of items pending judgment.
“We are not only providing a modern facility equipped with advanced security and efficient retrieval systems, but we are also safeguarding the very foundation of justice,” the Governor said.
“This will help reduce administrative bottlenecks, minimise case backlogs, and facilitate the swift dispensation of justice.”
Chief Judge of Lagos, Justice Kazeem Alogba, described the initiatives as a reflection of Governor Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to the judiciary.
He said the intervention was timely and addressed real challenges.
“Today’s commissioning of Magistrates’ Quarters is a manifestation of the promise made by Governor Sanwo-Olu. Now, some of our magistrates facing accommodation challenges now have places of refuge,” Alogba remarked.
Furthermore, he explained that the land used for the warehouse had long been secured by former Chief Judge Justice Inumidun Akande (rtd), but it remained undeveloped until Sanwo-Olu took the bold step to fund and complete the project.
Meanwhile, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN), praised the Governor’s leadership.
He described the Magistrates’ Quarters as “dignified, comfortable shelter,” adding that the warehouse would ensure judgment-related assets were properly preserved.
“This pragmatic approach is to avoid the needless deterioration of assets and ensures that, regardless of how long a case may take, the value of the goods or property is preserved for the party entitled to it,” Pedro said.
He added that properties used to be scattered across court premises.
“The properties were exposed to the weather elements, making them vulnerable to theft or damage,” Pedro said.
“This was an unacceptable situation for a judicial system in a Centre of Excellence.”
These steps by the Lagos State Government mark a new chapter in its efforts to support justice and its enforcers.
By addressing accommodation and facility challenges in the judicial sector, Governor Sanwo-Olu is helping to build a stronger legal system.
