The Kwara State Government has commenced capacity-building sessions for District Court judges as Small Claims Courts (SCC) begin operations in the state. The initiative, approved by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, aims to fast-track trials of commercial disputes and improve the state’s ease of doing business ranking.
The two-day workshop, held between Monday, December 16 and Tuesday, December 17, 2024, was organized by the Kwara State Ease of Doing Business Council (EODBC), led by Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Hauwa Nuru.
According to a statement by AbdulRasheed Toyin Babatunde, the Press Secretary, Ministry of Finance, the session provided judges with practical insights into Small Claims Court practices and their role in enhancing judicial efficiency.
“This gathering represents a significant step forward in our collective efforts to enhance the ease of doing business in Kwara State, with a focus on promoting quick and easy access to justice as a cornerstone of economic growth and social stability,” Dr Hauwa Nuru told reporters at the event in Ilorin.,” Dr. Nuru said during the event in Ilorin.
She emphasized that the SCC system will provide a quicker, cost-effective resolution of commercial disputes, particularly benefiting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by reducing time and financial barriers to justice.
“The establishment and effective operation of Small Claims Courts is critical in fostering an enabling environment for businesses. These courts are designed to provide quick, efficient, and cost-effective resolution of commercial disputes, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs),” she added.
The Commissioner noted that the initiative aligns with the State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER), a Federal Government program supported by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) and the World Bank, aimed at improving the overall business environment across states.
“The discussions here will not only deepen our understanding of the Small Claims Court system but also reinforce our commitment to creating a steady business ecosystem in Kwara by addressing issues such as regulatory efficiency, and judicial reform,” Dr. Nuru added, while commending Governor AbdulRazaq’s continued efforts in driving legal and institutional reforms.
Key stakeholders at the session included the Acting Head of Service, Alhaji Ibrahim Muhammed; Chief Registrar of the Kwara State High Court, Mrs. Kudirat Yahaya; Professor Abdulkadir B. Abdulkadir; Secretary of EODBC, Iyabo Adebayo; Guest Speaker, Justice Nureni Kuranga; Bar representative Ibijoke Olabisi Olawoyin, and district court judges across Kwara State.
In his address, Justice Kuranga highlighted the special features of Small Claims Courts, which include simplified procedures, speedy trials, and limited appeals. “These courts are cost-effective, as court fees are minimal, and parties may not require the services of a lawyer,” he explained.
Justice Kuranga further recommended that some Area Court judges be designated as Small Claims Court judges to ensure wider coverage and efficiency. He also advocated for a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Bar and the Bench to reduce unnecessary technicalities that may delay proceedings.
“Small claims court has its own special features that are sometimes different from the proceedings in other courts. Notable among the features are limited jurisdiction, simplified procedures, speedy trials, and limited appeals,” he said.
The workshop marks a significant milestone in Kwara’s ongoing reforms to foster a more business-friendly environment, with SCCs expected to play a vital role in resolving disputes swiftly and promoting economic growth in the state.
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