The Lagos State Government is planning a public-private partnership to manage and sustain a newly inaugurated legal research and training institution, in a move aimed at strengthening professional development and institutional capacity within the state’s justice system.
Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro, SAN, disclosed the arrangement on Wednesday during the inauguration of the Centre for Legal Study, Research and Training in Alausa, Ikeja, according to Channels Television.
Under the proposed model, private-sector partners will provide financial resources, technical expertise and operational support, while the Ministry of Justice retains responsibility for policy direction and strategic supervision.
Pedro said the Centre would be incorporated as a not-for-profit organisation, with both parties participating in its day-to-day administration to ensure its long-term viability.
He explained that the institution was established to provide opportunities for legal research, professional education and policy development, particularly in response to the changing demands of justice administration.
The Attorney-General described it as the first institution of its kind established within a Ministry of Justice in Nigeria, noting that legal institutions must continually build knowledge and improve their practices to remain effective.
The facility also honours individuals who have contributed to the development of the state’s justice system. Their names, including those of former attorneys-general, solicitors-general and permanent secretaries, have been documented on a Roll of Honour at the Centre.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration was credited with providing the leadership behind the project. The governor was represented at the ceremony by the Secretary to the State Government, Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin.
Among those present were former Nigerian Bar Association president, Wole Olanipekun, SAN, Femi Falana, SAN, Adeniji Kazeem, SAN, and Jelili Owonikoko, SAN, alongside other senior members of the legal profession.
Pedro said the institution would contribute to the development of skilled legal practitioners, stronger public institutions and reforms capable of improving justice delivery across Lagos State.
