In a bold step towards enhancing the State’s financial integrity and Justice delivery system, key stakeholders gathered on Friday for a Revenue Recovery Summit themed “Speedy Dispensation of Revenue Cases in Court”, organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Justice at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.
Presenting his remarks, the Hon. Chief Judge of Lagos State, Hon. Justice Kazeem Alogba, represented by Hon. Justice Hakeem Oshodi, reaffirmed the judiciary’s dedication to judicial efficiency and innovation.
He announced a renewed commitment to fast-tracking revenue cases through the designation of specialised judges and the integration of technology in adjudication processes.
“Justice delayed is indeed revenue denied,” he stated firmly, pledging continued collaboration with all revenue-generating agencies and the Ministry of Justice.
Delivering the Keynote address, the Hon. Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, emphasised the urgency of the summit, noting that revenue is the lifeblood of public service delivery across sectors such as healthcare, education, security, sanitation, and infrastructure.
Pedro stated that when revenue is trapped in prolonged legal processes, the true cost is borne by ordinary citizens.
The A.G. also reiterated Lagos State’s strategic interventions to fast-track revenue cases, including the commissioning of the Commercial Courts Complex in Tapa, Lagos, which is currently serving as the designated Revenue Court, as well as the creation of a Revenue Recovery Unit within the Ministry.
He pointed out that legal frameworks such as the Lagos State High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules 2019 and the recently enacted Tax Administration Act 2025 already empower the government to pursue outstanding revenue efficiently and transparently.
The Attorney General called on members of the judiciary, revenue authorities, and legal practitioners present to commit to practical solutions that will ensure expeditious resolution of tax and revenue disputes.
The Government’s policy is very clear: all revenue matters must be heard and determined speedily. Delay in revenue cases is a delay in governance,” the Attorney General affirmed.
Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, urged stakeholders to embrace case management strategies that would support a fast, fair, and accountable system that serves both the state and the taxpayers.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Mr. Hameed Oyenuga, set the tone for the day, emphasising that the summit is not merely a discussion platform but a collective call to action.
Oyenuga noted that revenue generation and recovery remain the backbone of governance, and any delay in revenue adjudication weakens service delivery to the people.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS), Mr. Ayodele Subair, ably represented by Director of Legal Services, LIRS, Mr. Seyi Alade, expressed deep concern over the slow pace of adjudicating revenue-related matters, describing it as a major challenge to effective revenue administration.
He commended the Ministry of Justice for convening the summit and emphasised that prompt resolution of tax cases is crucial for deterring tax abuse and strengthening voluntary compliance.
Mr. Seyi Alade highlighted LIRS’ recent reforms, including the e-Tax platform, advanced tax intelligence tools, and enhanced enforcement mechanisms, and called for a more responsive judicial process.
Key proposals included specialist training for revenue judges, strict timelines for litigation, and the establishment of a Revenue Justice Working Group. He stressed that “justice delayed in revenue matters is not only justice denied, it is development deferred.”
Other notable dignitaries and presenters include Hon. Justice Jumoke O. Pedro; Hon. Justice Yhaqub Oshoala; Chairman House Committee on Finance member representative of Kosofe 2, Hon. Femi Saheed; Permanent Secretary, Citizens Mediation Bureau, Mrs. Aderinsola Olanrewaju; Former AG/CJ & DCOS to the President FRN, Office of the Vice President, Mr. Ade Ipaye OFR; Hon. Justice Anjorin-Ajose; Magistrates, Lawyers, Directors and Counsel in the State Ministry of Justice.
