The Zamfara state government has introduced a small claims court to enhance the timely delivery of justice, as stakeholders hold a review meeting on the bill for the establishment of an alternative dispute resolution centre in the state.
The meeting was organised on Monday by the Zamfara State Ministry of Justice and supported by a non-governmental organization ‘International Alert’, with support from Ukaid, held at the command guest house in Gusau, the state capital.
ALSO READ FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE : Oyo Judiciary launches Small Claims Court for liquidated debts
Earlier on, the Zamfara state Anthony General and commissioner of justice Abdulaziz Sani Muhammad (SAN) represented by permanent secretary Barr. Musa Garba Bukkuyum appreciated International Alert, particularly the Country Director for providing all the support required to carry out the stakeholders meeting.
“Our gratitude also goes to the other stakeholders who had shown keen interest toward the development of the bills at hand whose hard work and commitment have made this workshop possible,” he said.
He revealed that the Zamfara State Government under the leadership of Dauda Lawal through the support of the SABER Programme has introduced the small claims court into the judicial system which has played a pivotal role in enhancing the timely delivery of justice in the state.
In his opening remarks, the country director of International Alert, Dr Paul B.Nyulaka disclosed that there is a need to use a multidimensional approach to settle disputes.
According to him, an alternative dispute resolution centre when established would provide more opportunities to seek redress.
He said, “The purpose of the meeting is to have your input as a critical stakeholder in the administration of justice in the state in providing access to justice and to ease ways of resolving conflict in the state.”
Also, Director of the INGO forum, Musa Baba said the focus of non-governmental organisations is to have an integrated solution to disputes, saying “we only complement, support government efforts, allow them to coordinate.”