The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Lawal Pedro revealed this on Thursday, while Speaking on the Ministry of Justice’s achievements over the past three years.
He says the ministry recommended to the governor, new venues in Epe, Badagry, Ikorodu, Lagos Island and Alimosho, and that the recommendations are currently awaiting final executive approval and gazetting.
Mr Pedro (SAN) adds that this consideration was made in recognition of citizens’ fundamental right to assembly and engage in public protest, and in reaction to the public that two locations are inadequate for the State.
He also defended the state government’s decision to regulate public protests, saying the move is aimed at protecting lives, businesses and public infrastructure to avoid a repeat of the destruction witnessed during the 2020 #EndSARS unrest.
On January 30, 2025, the state secured a landmark court judgment restricting protests to to Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park, Ojota, and Peace Park, Ketu. The court also ruled that organisers and participants of protests held outside approved venues could be held jointly liable for any destruction, injuries or losses arising from such gatherings.
The state government argued that the decision became necessary in a bid to balance citizens’ rights with public safety.
The judgment also follows moves by the state government to enhance public order, after the #EndSARS protests were allegedly hijacked by hoodlums, leading to widespread destruction of public assets and private businesses across Lagos.
