By Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

Kwara State Ease of Doing Business Council (EODBC) has sensitised critical stakeholders in the judiciary and business community on the procedures and benefits of the newly established Small Claims Courts (SCC) in the State.

Held in Ilorin, the state capital, the programme was organised in collaboration with the Kwara State High Court of Justice, and attended by the Chief Judge of Kwara State Justice Abiodun Adebara.

It was also attended by cabinet members, other high court judges and magistrates, Executive Chairman, KW-IRS, Mrs Shade Omoniyi; Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Rafiu Ajakaye; other legal professionals led by the Chairman, NBA Ilorin Branch, Suleiman Hassan Kosemani, State Artisans Congress and leaders of marketers associations.

Justice Adebara, who keynoted the session, said the time for the prosecution of cases under the Small Claims Courts will be relatively short, noting this will greatly benefit the claimants and lawyers who handle such cases.

He requested all stakeholders to support the government’s initiative and charged the legal officers who will be working with the special courts to do their work conscientiously and shun all forms of financial inducement.

The Chief Judge, however, appreciated the Governor for prioritizing the welfare of judicial officers in the state.

Commissioner for Finance and Chairperson for EODBC, Dr Hauwa Nuru, in her remarks, said the programme was put together to empower key stakeholders such as legal professionals, entrepreneurs, government agencies, and the general public with basic knowledge on the operations, benefits, and pivotal role of the Small Claims Court.

She said the SCC is designed to provide a simplified, swift, and cost-effective mechanism for resolving commercial disputes involving small monetary claims.

“This initiative is particularly beneficial to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which are the backbone of our economy,” Dr Nuru said.

“This sensitization programme aligns seamlessly with the objectives of the State Action on Business Enabling
Reforms (SABER), a Federal Government initiative implemented in collaboration with the Presidential Enabling the Business Environment Council (PEBEC) and the World Bank.

“Through SABER, the Council is focused on enhancing the efficiency of land administration, strengthening the regulatory framework for infrastructure, improving services provided by investment promotion agencies, and ensuring transparency and efficiency in government-to-business services.”

The Commissioner commended Governor AbdulRazaq for his unwavering commitment to the rule of law, the advancement of the state judiciary, and his dedication to creating a conducive environment for businesses to thrive.

Ajakaye said the gathering was to ensure that every stakeholder is on the same page as far as the Small Claims Court is concerned, appreciating the Chief Judge and other stakeholders in the judiciary for the support to the implementation of ease of doing business in the state.

Chairman, Judicial Committee on Small Claims Court, Justice I. O. Olawoyin, who gave insight into the small claims court practice direction, said article 12 of the District Court Law requires the District Judge to endeavour to deliver judgement within 14 days of the completion of hearing.

“The entire period of proceedings from filing till judgement shall not exceed 60 days. The judgement shall not be invalid by reason of the entire proceedings of the Court having exceeded 60 days,” she said.

Magistrate M.O Adeniyi, in his submission, said the proceedings at the new court will be accessible, affordable, accountable, and accelerative.

Babaloja General of Kwara State, Alhaji Abdullahi Sa’ad, said the Court will serve as a relief to some of their members, who may have defaulted the repayment conditions on credit facilities they accessed, explaining that they face a lot of inconveniences in getting quick justice through the normal courts.

Iyaloja General of the State, Alhaja Muibat Olumo, lauded Governor AbdulRazaq for the establishment of the Small Claims Courts that she noted was timely and can save them some cost on litigation.