The Lagos State Government says the introduction of information technology has assisted in the quality and quick dispensation of justice in the state.
The State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Mr. Lawal Pedro, also believes that technology plays a vital role in transforming every aspect of human life, and the legal sector is no exception.
Lawal Pedro stated this in a message to the official launching of the Eko Laws Simplifier App held in Alausa, Ikeja.
Represented by Mr. Olamide Ibrahim, the Commissioner for Justice said electronic filing of cases has greatly improved the accessibility and delivery of the justice system in the state.
Lawal Pedro noted that considerable progress made in digitalizing and automating courtrooms has enhanced the efficiency of court proceedings and is acceptable to all parties.
While acknowledging that e-filing is not perfect yet, the Senior Advocate of Nigeria said it has made a significant impact in the sector.
According to him, the Eko Laws Simplifier App provides residents with easy access to exercise their rights and responsibilities, thereby reducing conflicts and fostering social harmony.
He was of the view that the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy is not just nurturing future leaders in the state but also driving the desired change in society.
On her part, the State Commissioner for Agriculture, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, said that the team of the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy had done justice to the project.
She described the atmosphere among the LJLA as a homecoming, adding that it shows the high level of abundant talent in the state.
Abisola Olusanya noted that they have left an indelible mark on many projects while urging the heads of MDAs to deploy their fellows to full capacity in the state, citing the impacts they have made in agriculture in particular.
In her contribution, the Legal Adviser to Governor Sanwo-Olu, Mrs. Bukola Odoe, believes technology has come to stay, saying it has helped many countries in terms of development.
She said that she works smart rather than working long hours due to the use of artificial intelligence and technology.
She, however, pointed out that the major challenge with technology is human resistance to change, adding that some feel it will lead to job losses.
Bukola Odoe explained that human beings are still required to do last-minute checks on whatever technology has assisted us in arriving at.
“People are also worried about data protection of their jobs while using robots to do a lot of work. She advised lawyers to continue to develop themselves in the technological space in order to be in touch with the ever-changing world. Law is not static but keeps evolving,” she added.
During the panel session on enhancing access to justice through technology, legal consultant Moyo Maku described law as the bedrock of society while technology makes it easier for seamless application.
He said that securing justice during business engagements could also be made easier through technology, noting that it prevents workers from being molested or maltreated by their employers.
According to him, the Lagos State Government has been able to apply technology in arresting some traffic offenders rather than the old practice of running after them.
He maintained that the speed to access laws is now a game-changer, assuring that the residents can build a Lagos of our dreams by decentralizing access to justice, citing the example of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency.
Moyo Maku clarified that the delay in getting feedback or the widespread belief that justice is unlikely makes some residents feel reluctant to access justice.
Another member of the panel, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, who is the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, agreed that technology plays pivotal roles in upholding the rule of law.
She disclosed that the Agency provides a lot of services to residents through the use of Twitter, now X.
According to her, social media is very instructive in exposing crimes committed somewhere, as it takes just one person to make a video that can immediately go viral.
Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi said that technology encourages people to speak out the truth and keeps the government on its toes until the needful is done.
She mentioned that the government is doing a lot that people are not aware of, and social media helps to amplify these efforts.
The Executive Secretary said that their mode of operations allows for anonymous petitions or complaints to protect the image of the whistleblower.
Just last year, she noted that the Agency received 6,389 cases of domestic and sexual violence offenses across the metropolis.
A further breakdown by her revealed that 3,813 were adults, while 2,576 were children. From the total complaints received, 90% of the offenses were carried out against women and ten against men.
Funmi Omoyele, who spoke on the journey through Capstone: Eko Laws, said it was a key component of activities in the Academy designed to provide solutions to numerous societal challenges.
