Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, revealed the decision during a press conference in Lagos. He emphasised that the December 10 observance represents a global commitment to human dignity, equality, and the rule of law, referencing the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights as a foundational document for nations pursuing justice.
Pedro highlighted the work of Lagos State’s Directorate of Citizens’ Rights, established in 1999 to safeguard citizens’ access to justice. The Directorate processed approximately 1,950 petitions over the past year, successfully mediating 1,200 cases. The state currently handles nearly 50 fundamental rights cases in Federal and State High Courts, addressing matters ranging from unlawful detention and police abuse to property conflicts and child custody disputes.
The Attorney-General called on Lagos residents to uphold the rights of others and maintain lawful conduct, stressing that the protection of fundamental freedoms remains a cornerstone of the state’s human rights policy.