The Zamfara State Government has introduced a Small Claims Court to enhance the swift delivery of justice, as stakeholders convened to review a bill for the establishment of an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Centre in the state.
The review meeting, held at the Command Guest House in Gusau, was organized by the Zamfara State Ministry of Justice with support from the non-governmental organization International Alert and funding from UKaid.
Speaking at the event, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Abdulaziz Sani Muhammad (SAN), represented by Permanent Secretary Barr. Musa Garba Bukkuyum, expressed gratitude to International Alert for its role in facilitating the meeting. He also commended stakeholders for their commitment to advancing the bills under discussion.
He noted that the Zamfara State Government, under the leadership of Governor Dauda Lawal, with the support of the SABER Programme, had introduced the Small Claims Court into the judicial system. This initiative aims to enhance efficient and timely justice delivery in the state.
In his remarks, Dr. Paul B. Nyulaka, the Country Director of International Alert, emphasized the need for a multidimensional approach to dispute resolution. He stressed that the proposed ADR Centre would offer alternative avenues for conflict resolution and improve access to justice.
“The purpose of this meeting is to gather input from key stakeholders in the administration of justice to ease dispute resolution and enhance justice accessibility in Zamfara State,” Nyulaka stated.
Similarly, Musa Baba, Director of the INGO Forum, highlighted the role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in fostering integrated solutions to disputes. He reiterated that NGOs complement and support government efforts while allowing authorities to coordinate justice initiatives effectively.
