The honourable Chief Judge and Chairman Judicial Service Commission, Kaduna state, hon. justice Muhammad Tukur Aliyu, has signed the Small Claims Handbook and Practice Directions in Kaduna.
This followed the flag off and the establishment of Small Claims Court across the three senatorial district of the state, which aimed at providing an accessible and efficient forum to resolve monetary disputes of five million naira and below without the need for complex legal processes.
According to the C.J, during the Inauguration of the Small Claims Court and 2024/2025 Legal New Year ceremony in Kaduna yesterday, he said, the Small Claims Court will ensure speedy trials and quick resolution of actions.
This is just as he disclosed that the idea was conceived to improve ease of doing business in Nigeria.
” The Small Claims initiative was kick started by the Presidential Enabling Busiess Environment Committee (PEBEC) of the Federal Government of Nigeria. The sole objective of the programme is the quick resolution of commercial disputes.
” This initiative, we hope, will reduce the workload on our dockets as well as provide speedy and efficient justice to deserving parties. The Executive Governor of Kaduna State has graciously released funds to enable us kick start the programme,” the CJ explained.
While speaking, Justice Aliyu also lauded the state government for considering and passing into law, the Magistrates Courts Law, with Novel provisions been included in the Law to improve Administration of Justice in both Criminal and Civil Cases, as well to enhanced the welfare of the Magistrates.
Meanwhile, in his speech, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Kaduna state, Sule Shu’aibu (SAN), said, under his watch, he is committed to ensuring a harmonious working relationship between the Executive and the Judiciary.
The A.G also assured that the Kaduna govenment will soon assent to the Bill that will help to improve on the welfare of the Magistrates in the State.
in his part, the Chairman of the Small Claims Court Committee, Hon. Justice Darius Hyet Kobo said, the Small Claims Court, being a global concept and also a specialised court operates in a unique manner when compared to District Court.
He explined further that, at present, Kaduna state has 19 designated Small Claims Court spread across 3 senatorial zones, making Kaduna, the only state with the highest number of Small Claims Court in Nigeria.