Kwara State Ease of Doing Business Council (EODBC), in collaboration with the State High Court of Justice, has sensitised stakeholders across different layers on the newly established Small Claims Court (SCC) in the State.
The two-day workshop, which commenced on Monday and ended during the week, was attended by Abiodun Ayodele Adebara, the Chief Judge of Kwara State; Local Government Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen; Senior Government officials; Magistrates; Legal Practitioners; Top Bureaucrats; and Leaders of Marketers’ Associations.
Some of the topics discussed at various sessions included Understanding Small Claims Court and Pre-trial Process; the Legal Process of Small Claims Court in Kwara State; Filing and Pre-trial Procedure in Small Claims Court; and Trial Process in Small Claims Court.
In his keynote address, Oyedeoe Adebara, the Chief Judge, said the new Small Claims Court is a quick path to justice, especially for small business owners and minor monetary claims.
He further explained that the intricate technicalities, procedural complexities, and the cost often associated with traditional litigation had prevented many people from pursuing their legitimate claims, saying the initiative would give room for speedy and cost-effective dispute resolution.
A statement by Babatunde Toyin Abdulrasheed, Press Secretary – Ministry of Finance, quoted him saying, “The court offers a much-needed solution, providing easy and informal access to justice for simple debt recovery and liquidated money demand not exceeding three million naira.
“This serves as a vital tool in decongesting the District Court and improving the economy of our state. This is not only about resolving disputes but also about promoting economic ties”, said the Chief Judge.
For her part, Hauwa Nuru, the Chairman of the Ease of Doing Business Council and Commissioner for Finance, noted that the Court is poised to remove traditional barriers to justice and create a conducive environment for businesses to thrive.
She noted that Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq’s Administration continues to undertake infrastructure projects and implement numerous reforms to enhance the ease of doing business and transform the State.
“This court is especially critical to our micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) – the lifeblood of our economy that provides them with a swift, low-cost mechanism to enforce contracts and protect their rights.
“By removing traditional barriers to justice—such as high legal costs and long trial delays—we are creating an environment that allows businesses to operate confidently, expand steadily, and contribute meaningfully to job creation and economic development.
“This sensitisation programme is also a key part of the broader SABER (State Action on Business Enabling Reforms) agenda, which focuses on improving land administration and strengthening the regulatory framework among other objectives,” she said.
The Commissioner hailed Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq for his commitment to justice and economic growth, which she noted is evident in the establishment of the Court.
Bola Olukoju, Commissioner for Communications, urged participants to continue to support the Administration in the efforts to make Kwara not only a hub of innovation and enterprise but also a place for progress and economic prosperity.
Ibijoke Olawoyin, Chairman of the Judicial Committee on Small Claims Courts, in her lecture, said the Court was established to streamline the recovery of simple monetary claims and enhance access to justice.
“Under small claims court, judgement is expected to be delivered within 14 days of the conclusion of the hearing with the entire process taking 60 days,” Olawoyin said.
