Lagos Tenants face shake-up as LASG unveils sweeping new Laws

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

The Lagos State Government has unveiled sweeping legal reforms designed to ease rental disputes, formalise marriage registration, and reduce delays in civil litigation.

The reforms, officials say, will strengthen justice delivery and boost investor confidence in Africa’s largest city economy.

Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN), announced the measures during a press briefing on Tuesday to mark his second year in office.

He explained that three key Bills-the Tenancy Law reform, the Registration of Marriages and Dissolution Bill, and the Administration of Civil Justice Bill, have been forwarded to the Lagos State House of Assembly for consideration.

On tenancy, Pedro disclosed that a new law is being proposed to repeal and re-enact the existing Tenancy Law of Lagos State.

The Bill, which has already undergone public hearing, introduces measures such as compulsory registration of agents, a limit of three months’ rent advance for monthly tenants, automatic termination of tenancies after three months of arrears, and a simplified procedure for recovery of premises in court.

According to him, these changes are expected to strike a fair balance between landlords and tenants while encouraging private developers to invest in rental housing for the benefit of ordinary Lagosians.

Turning to family law, the Attorney General revealed that Lagos is set to become the first state in Nigeria to provide official registration and certification of customary, Islamic, and Christian marriages.

The proposed legislation, he noted, would give Lagosians the opportunity to obtain documentary proof of their marriages and provide greater legal certainty in family relations, particularly in cases of dissolution.

In addition, Pedro highlighted the state’s determination to reform the civil justice system, which he described as vital for protecting investments and enhancing economic growth.

The Administration of Civil Justice Bill seeks to ensure that litigation in Lagos trial courts is concluded within 18 to 24 months.

It introduces innovations such as allowing courts to decide uncontested motions in chambers, encouraging trials based on documents where appropriate, and setting strict cost penalties for unnecessary adjournments and frivolous suits.

These measures, Pedro said, would promote efficiency, deter abuse of court processes, and create a more predictable, business-friendly legal environment.

The Attorney General stressed that the reforms reflect Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to entrenching efficiency, fairness, and innovation in the Lagos justice sector, while also delivering tangible benefits to citizens and investors alike.