Lagosians have been advised to take full advantage of the free legal Services, provided all year round by departments in the Lagos State Ministry of Justice.

They were encouraged to embrace and explore alternative dispute resolution as their first choice in resolving disputes within their communities.

Director, Lagos State Public Advice Centre, PAC, Tunji Dawodu, gave the advice while speaking as a guest on the popular programme, ‘Oju Taye’ on Radio Lagos 107.5fm.

Speaking on how residents can access free legal services provided by the State government, he disclosed that Alternative dispute resolution platforms, such as: the Citizens’ Mediation Centre, Office of the Administrator General and Public Trustee (AG &PT), Community Service Unit, Office of the Public Defender (OPD), Citizens Rights Directorate, Public Advice Centre (PAC) and the Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team (DSVRT) have come together to establish a robust platform called, Joint Legal Clinic, designed to
attend to the legal needs of all residents in all the five divisions of Lagos State, especially the indigent and vulnerable members of the society.

According to him, the Ministry, using the vehicle of the Joint Legal Clinic, is undertaking Public Sensitisation and Enlightenment Campaigns to all local government areas of the State in addition to the Free Legal Services on offer.

Dawodu, while answering a question during the interview, explained that, the Public Advice Centre, (PAC) has continued to carry out its mandate, as a one -stop Centre that residents can easily reach, in their quest to get credible Advice on any matter.

Commending Governor Sanwo-Olu for his support in enhancing the capacity of the Ministry of Justice to deliver on its mandate, the Director pointed out that, better collaboration among State Mediation Agencies has greatly impacted the Administration of Justice in Lagos State.

He reiterated that all services rendered by the Public Advice Centre (PAC) are free and accessible to all residents.

Dawodu affirmed that PAC, which is located at 15, CIPM Avenue, Alausa, Ikeja is open to receive all complaints and requests. And that residents can contact the Agency through its official mobile number 08057357860 for any enquiry.

According to Dawodu; “with our online presence, we are giving residents the opportunity to access our services 24 hours everyday.
Residents are invited to visit our website @ publicadvicecentre.org, tweet at us @publiccentre, and also visit our Instagram page @publiccentre.”

This is contained in a statement by Public Affairs Officer, Adeola Ishola-lemomu.