In a bold step towards strengthening community peace and improving access to justice, the Lagos State Government has announced plans to elevate the Citizens’ Mediation Centre (CMC) from a department to a Bureau.
EpeInsights reports that the upgrade, driven by the Office of Transformation, Creativity and Innovation (OTCI), is designed to give the CMC more authority, greater access to resources, and improved operational efficiency in delivering free conflict resolution services to Lagos residents.
During a recent strategy session with the leadership of the CMC, Director-General of OTCI, Mrs. Toyin Anjous Ademuyiwa, highlighted the significance of this transformation. She described the move as part of a larger commitment to ensuring that every citizen has access to effective dispute resolution without the burden of legal fees.
“This elevation underscores the government’s dedication to service delivery and the promotion of peace across the state,” said Mrs. Ademuyiwa. “It’s a key milestone in our ongoing mission to make conflict resolution more accessible and efficient for all.”
She noted that upgrading the CMC to Bureau status would bring several benefits, including: Enhanced authority and visibility, increased funding and resources, wider accessibility for citizens and greater institutional efficiency.
Also sharing her thoughts on the development, Mrs. Aderinsola Olarewaju, the newly appointed Permanent Secretary of the future Bureau, expressed confidence in the positive impact of the transition.
“This transformation can only yield positive outcomes for the people of Lagos State,” she affirmed.
The Lagos State Government sees this upgrade as a significant move toward building a more harmonious society, one where justice is within reach for everyone, and disputes are resolved quickly, fairly, and peacefully.
