Biodun Esan, Ilorin
Kwara State has organised capacity-building sessions for District Court judges in the state as Small Claims Courts (SCC) begin operations.
The training, according to a statement signed by AbdulRasheed Toyin Babatunde,
Press Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, is an initiative that would enhance its ease of doing business efforts.
The Small Claims Courts (SCC) approved by Governor Abdurrahman AbdulRazaq, was established to fast-track trials of cases affecting the business community in Kwara State.
The two-day workshop held between Monday, 16th, and Tuesday, 17th, 2024, gave insights into the concept and how justice could be served on small claims offenders in quick time.
The technical session was organised by the Kwara State Ease of Doing Business Council (EODBC) headed by Commissioner for Finance Dr Hauwa Nuru.
Speaking at the event, Commissioner for Finance Dr Hauwa Nuru said that the workshop was in line with the objectives of State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER).
SABER is a Federal Government initiative that is being implemented in collaboration with the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) and the World Bank.
“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.
“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).
“By reducing the time and financial barriers to justice, businesses can focus on economic growth and innovation rather than being bogged down by lengthy legal processes.
“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,” the Commissioner said.
Dr. Nuru commended Governor AbdulRazaq for continually creating a supportive environment that enables legal and institutional reforms to thrive.
Addressing the session, the guest speaker, Justice Nureni Kuranga, said Small Claims Courts are recognised by the Nigerian Constitution to provide simple and cost-effective services, with cases being decided within a limited time.
“Proceedings in this court are cost-effective as court fees are very low and may not require the services of a lawyer.
“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 jurist recommended that some Area Court judges should also be designated as small claims court judges and that the Bar and the Bench should have an MOU to minimise technicalities in the system.
The workshop was attended by the acting Head of Service Kwara State, Alhaji Ibrahim Muhammed, and Chief Registrar Kwara State High Court, Mrs Kudirat Yahaya.
Others were Prof Abdulkadir B. Abdulkadir; Secretary Kwara State Ease Doing Business Council (EODBC) Iyabo Adebayo; Guest Speaker Justice Nureni Kuranga; Bar Ibijoke Olabisi Olawoyin; and judges from across district courts.
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