Free Legal Aid and Access to Justice Scheme

Overview

The Free Legal Aid and Access to Justice Scheme is a statutory service unit established under the Legal Unit of Coker-Aguda Local Council Development Area. The Scheme was enacted in 2025 by the Legislative Council of Coker-Aguda LCDA through the Free Legal Aid and Access to Justice Bye-Law, 2025.

Legal Framework

The Bye-Law derives its legal authority from:

• Section 7 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended);
• the Lagos State Local Government Law; and
• all other relevant enabling laws.

Significance of the Scheme

This Scheme is the first initiative of its kind by any Local Government or Local Council Development Area in Nigeria. It operates as an integral part of the LCDA’s Legal Unit, reflecting the government’s commitment to removing financial and institutional barriers to justice.

Recognising that many citizens suffer injustice not from a lack of substantive laws but from the inaccessibility of legal support, the Scheme ensures that access to justice is treated as a right, not a privilege.

Legislative and Executive Sponsorship

• Conceptualisation and initiation: Barr. Khadijat Tijani, Head of Legal Unit, Coker-Aguda LCDA
• Legislative passage: The Legislative Council under the leadership of Hon. Afeez Wale Sulaimon
• Assent into law: Hon. Azeez Owolabi Ogidan, Executive Chairman, Coker-Aguda LCDA

Mandate

The Scheme provides free legal aid and facilitates access to justice for eligible residents of Coker-Aguda LCDA, advancing the rule of law and upholding the constitutional promise of legal equality for all citizens.

Objectives

• Provide free legal advice to indigent residents.
• Promote Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).
• Protect vulnerable persons.
• Reduce unnecessary litigation.
• Provide public legal education.

Scope of Services

• Legal consultations.
• Drafting of simple legal documents.
• Mediation services.
• Representation in deserving cases, subject to approval.
• Referral to appropriate institutions, including the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria.

Eligibility Criteria

• The applicant must be a resident of Coker-Aguda LCDA.
• The applicant must demonstrate financial incapacity or vulnerability.
• The applicant will undergo a means test conducted by the Legal Unit of the LCDA.