By Adebola Lema, Former Secretary, NBA Lagos Branch
The newly completed Commercial Court House on Tapa Street, Lagos Island, stands as a sevenstorey symbol of Lagos State’s unwavering commitment to efficient, investorfriendly justice. Designed, built and funded entirely by the Lagos State Judiciary, this purposebuilt edifice ushers in a fresh chapter for commercial dispute resolution in Nigeria’s economic capital.
A Brief Historical Journey
2009 — Demolition of the Igbosere Magistrate Court: Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, approved the demolition of the historic—but dilapidated—Magistrate Court at Igbosere to pave the way for a modern complex.
Interim Years on Tapa Street: To prevent a justice vacuum, the Judiciary erected a temporary “container court” on the present site. After the new Igbosere Magistrate Court opened, the makeshift structure became a storage yard for properties recovered through court executions.
2020 — #EndSARS Arson: On 22 October 2020, violent protests engulfed Lagos. Several court houses, police stations and correctional centres—including the newly rebuilt Igbosere complex—were razed. Judges were forced to improvise, holding proceedings in converted jetties (Osborne), satellite courts at Yaba and Alausa, and even sharing a single courtroom.
2023 — Rebuild Lagos Initiative: Rebuild Lagos Limited by Guarantee undertook to reconstruct the burnt Igbosere High Court in phases while simultaneously financing a stateoftheart Commercial Court House on Tapa Street.
2025 — Commissioning of the Commercial Court House: Governor SanwoOlu formally opened the building on 15 April 2025, bringing the era of “sharedcourt syndrome” to a dignified close.
Architectural & Functional Highlights
Seven floors with two courtrooms per floor—a total of ten modern courtrooms.
Three elevators and three stairwells ensure smooth circulation and fire safety.
Dedicated registries and libraries on every floor, plus wellequipped offices for Sheriffs, Bailiffs and support staff.
Four restrooms per floor and comfortable waiting areas for counsel and litigants.
Marked car park—smaller than the former Igbosere facility but efficiently laid out.
Judges Already Assigned
Hon. Justice Jumoke Pedro
Hon. Justice O. O. Jose
Hon. Justice A. O. Olukolu
Hon. Justice IpayeNwachukwu
Hon. Justice Lateefat Okunnu
Hon. Justice M. A. Sunmonu
Hon. Justice AnjorinAjose
Counsel are advised to verify the exact courtroom postings as sittings commence Monday, 19 May 2025.
Neighbourhood Landmarks & Vistas
From its lofty windows one can glimpse:
Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) and the historic Tapa burial ground.
Iconic commercial towers along Broad Street and Marina—NITEL Building, Eleganza House, Sterling Bank HQ, Bank of Industry, Western House and LAPAL House.
Essential state agencies: LASTMA, the Licensing Authority and LAWMA on Olowu Street, plus the new Massey Children’s Hospital.
Why This Matters
“Justice delayed is justice denied.”
The Commercial Court House restores full judicial capacity after five turbulent years. By granting every commercialdivision judge an independent, technologyready courtroom, Lagos sends a powerful message to investors: contracts will be enforced swiftly and transparently.
Looking Ahead
Phase I of the rebuilt High Court of Lagos State, Igbosere—faithfully preserving the façade of the historic court—is scheduled for completion by 2027. Together with the new Commercial Court House, these projects will anchor a rejuvenated judicial district on Lagos Island.
An Ode to Collaboration
This milestone belongs to:
Governor Babajide Olusola SanwoOlu—for steadfast political will;
Hon. Justice Kazeem Alogba, Chief Judge of Lagos State—whose vision steered the project;
Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, Honourable AttorneyGeneral—whose advocacy secured funding;
The resilient judiciary staff who kept the wheels of justice turning in borrowed spaces.
Conclusion
From the ashes of adversity has risen a beacon of hope. The Lagos State Judiciary Commercial Court House is more than brick and mortar; it is a tangible pledge that the rule of law will always outlast the forces that assail it. May every judgement delivered within its walls strengthen public confidence, attract global commerce and remind future generations that Lagos builds back—better, bolder, and fairer.
16 May 2025
See attached document below
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