… Governor boosts judiciary with first-ever housing scheme for magistrates and new facility to secure court-ordered assets
Lagos State has taken a major step in supporting its judicial system, with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu commissioning two major projects aimed at enhancing the welfare and efficiency of legal officers in the state.
The first, a newly completed set of residential buildings in Ketu, offers comfortable 3-bedroom apartments for magistrates, a move designed to ease accommodation challenges faced by lower bench officers and reinforce their independence in decision-making.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, speaking at the handover, emphasized the role of magistrates as the public’s frontline access to justice. He stressed that providing decent housing is not merely a welfare gesture, but a strategic investment in justice delivery.
“We are offering a dignified place to live so that these officers can carry out their duties without undue stress or outside interference,” he said.
The housing initiative marks the first of its kind under his administration, aimed specifically at judicial officers and legal counsel from the Ministry of Justice. The governor affirmed the state’s commitment to respecting the independence of the judiciary while also recognizing the interconnectedness of all arms of government.
In a parallel move to enhance legal infrastructure, Sanwo-Olu also inaugurated a dedicated Deputy Sheriff Warehouse in Majidun, Ikorodu. This facility is designed to safely store and manage items seized or held under court orders — a move that will reduce clutter at court premises and ensure that such properties are protected until legal matters are resolved.
With advanced security and cataloguing systems in place, the new facility is expected to streamline case handling, reduce backlogs, and bolster public confidence in legal processes. “This warehouse is about safeguarding the integrity of our justice system and preserving the value of contested assets,” the governor said.
Chief Judge of Lagos, Justice Kazeem Alogba, praised the twin projects, describing them as much-needed interventions. He acknowledged that some magistrates had previously been subjected to eviction notices, which the new housing directly addresses. “This provision ends a long-standing challenge and reflects the administration’s understanding of the realities we face,” he said.
He also noted that the land for the warehouse had been secured years ago but remained undeveloped due to funding constraints, a gap the current administration has now closed.
The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, added that the projects reflect a deeper respect for rule of law, judicial independence, and the protection of rights. “With this warehouse, we now avoid the previous practice of dumping court-ordered assets in open areas where they deteriorated or went missing. It’s a bold, thoughtful step forward,” he stated.
These initiatives collectively underscore Lagos State’s push to build a more effective, dignified, and resilient justice system, setting an example for how governance can directly support judicial effectiveness through practical infrastructure.
