Roles and Responsibilities of Court Registrars in Customary Courts in Local Governments (LGS)/Local Council Development Areas(LCDAs) in Lagos State
It has come to the attention of the Commission, the growing concerns regarding the roles and responsibilities of Court Registrars in Customary Courts, particularly the administrative overlaps between Court Registrars and Local Government Legal Officers in some LGs and LCDAs across the state. These challenges have created bottlenecks in the delineation of duties and responsibilities in the Administration of Customary Courts.
- In the light of the foregoing and to arrest the undesirable situation, it has become expedient to clarify the appropriate reporting lines and responsibilities of both offices. This to ensure seamless collaboration and effective working environment in the Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas (LGs/LCDAs) across the state.
- Furthermore, in order to avoid administrative overlap, the roles of Customary Court Registrars and Local Government Legal Officers are distinct with each serving a specific function which are highlighted below:
A. The Court Registrars: Court Registrars are Officers deployed by the Office of
Local Government Establishments & Training (OLGE&T), to perform Clerical functions in the Customary Courts and are saddled with the responsibility of managing the day-to-day operations of the Court within the Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas (LGS/LCDAS) in the State. Their responsibilities include:
L Prepare court room for sitting
Ensure safety of the court room
Prepare files for Alternative Dispute Resolution hearing/trial
iv. Preparation of case list
V. Calling of cases
vi. Filling/placing of relevant documents in court file
vii. Reading out charge in court
viii. Serving as interpreter
ixPreparation of warrants, Hearing notice, court order and Certify True Copy of proceeding for judge signature
X. Dealing with bail bonds for the signature and approval of the judge
xi. Compilation of quarterly returns on civil matters, family petitions and other applications
xii. Collecting and classifying statistical information relating to the court as may be required by Lagos State Customary or other external agencies
xiii. Keeping proper custody of record books and exhibits
B. The Local Government Legal Officers: Legal Officers are Professionals employed by Local Government Service Commission and deployed by OLGE&T to Local Governments/Local Council Development Areas (LCDAS) to provide legal advice and services to the Local Government. Their primary role is to ensure that the activities and operations of the Local Government comply with applicable Bye-Laws and Regulations. The under listed are the functions of Legal Officers as embedded in the Guidelines on Administrative Procedure for Local Government/Local Council Development Areas:
i. Legal Advice: Providing legal counsel to the local government on a wide range of issues, including governance, administration, contracts, public policy, and disputes.
ii. Litigation: Representing the local government in court matters, either as a plaintiff or defendant, in cases related to local governance, land disputes and contractual issues.
iii. Drafting Legal Documents: Drafting and reviewing legal documents such as contracts, Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs), agreements and other formal documents for the Local Government.
iv. Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring that the Local Government complies with statutory regulations, including Public Service Rules, Environmental Laws and Land Use Laws.
V. Advising on Policy and Procedure: Advising on the legal implications of Local Government Policies and Procedures, including the review of administrative decisions and their potential legal impact.
vi.Dispute Resolution: Assisting in resolving disputes within the Local Government, such as conflicts between Staff, Contractors or the community. and advocating for legal remedies when necessary.
vii. Public Service and Governance Issues: Offering legal advice regarding public service matters, including staff disciplinary processes, promotion, pension and other employee-related issues.
viii. Representing the Local Government in External Affairs: Acting as the legal representative of the Local Government when dealing with external entities, such as other Government Agencies, Non-Governmental Organizations or Private Organization.
a) the Court Registrars shall report directly to the Court President as their immediate supervisor for all judicial and courtroom-related matters.
b) the Court Registrars shall also report to the Council Manager of the host Local Government/Local Council Development Area (LG/LCDA) through the Human Resource Officer concerning the day-to-day execution of their duties.
- Accordingly, all Heads of Administration and Human Resource Officers are hereby enjoined to note the contents of this Circular for compliance and accord it the wide publicity it deserved.
Bibilomo Olushekun (Mrs.) Permanent Secretary
