The Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN), on Friday, underscored the need for a speedy resolution of revenue-related cases,
By Adenike Ayodele:
The Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN), on Friday, underscored the need for a speedy resolution of revenue-related cases, in a bid to boost development in Lagos State.
Pedro made this known at the Lagos State Ministry of Justice Revenue Recovery Summit, held at the Radisson Blu Hotel, in Ikeja.
The summit had the theme: “Speedy Dispensation of Revenue Cases in Court”.
In his keynote address, he noted that the summit is aimed at strengthening the legal process for effective recovery of revenue, especially as the administration of Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, prioritises strengthening of the revenue framework.
He said that while the state remains Nigeria’s economic “nerve centre”, challenges still exists in sustaining its development, adding that revenue, is an indispensable tool in this regards.
According to him, government facilities like: schools, hospitals, roads, security, sanitation and transportation, all depended on revenue.
“When that revenue is delayed, denied, or trapped in legal bottlenecks, the cost is borne by the ordinary people who rely on government services every day.
“The state, has taken proactive steps to ensure a faster resolution of revenue cases, including the establishment of the Commercial Courts Complex in Tapa, Lagos, which currently serves as revenue courts.
“The state has also introduced a special procedure for revenue matters under the High Court of Lagos State (Civil Procedure) Rules 2019, and set up a revenue recovery unit within the ministry of justice.
“We have the tools but what we need is the will to use them effectively for the benefit of the state and interest of the general public.” he said
The AG, consequently, urged judges and stakeholders, to partner government, in a bid to expedite revenue cases.
“Government’s policy is very clear; all revenue matters must be heard expeditiously.
“This summit is intended to bring judges and other stakeholders, into the heart of the state’s revenue policy and implementation,” he said .
Earlier in his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Mr Hameed Oyenuga, described the summit as being a critical platform for strategic engagement on revenue generation and recovery.
According to him, revenue is “the lifeblood” of any government’s ability to deliver on its mandate to the people.
He, also harped on the need for a sustainable revenue framework, without which he said, no state could hope to meet the expectations of its citizens in terms of infrastructure, public services and development.
“This summit is another testament to the state’s commitment to deepen the synergy between law, policy, and fiscal governance.
“It is our hope that the insights and resolutions from today’s engagement, will serve as a policy guide and catalyst for future reforms,” he said (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)