Jigawa High Court, Presidential Council Partner to Empower Small Claims Court with Specialized Training

In a significant move to bolster the state’s economic landscape and enhance access to justice for small businesses, the Jigawa State High Court, in collaboration with the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), has successfully organized a comprehensive two-day training program for Magistrates and officials of the Small Claims Court.

Abbas Rufa’i Wangara, Director Publicity & Protocol Matters, Judiciary, Jigawa State disclosed this in a statement issued to newsmen today.

The training, declared open by the Deputy Governor of Jigawa State, His Excellency Engr. Aminu Usman Gumel, was held at the High Court Judicial Complex in Dutse.

The event marks a critical step in strengthening the operational capacity of the Small Claims Court, a specialized judicial body designed to provide swift and cost-effective resolution of commercial disputes involving small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

In his opening address, Deputy Governor Engr. Aminu Usman Gumel emphasized the state government’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for business to thrive.

He stated that the effective functioning of the Small Claims Court is pivotal to boosting investor confidence and empowering local entrepreneurs, aligning with both state and national economic development agendas.

The Chief Judge of Jigawa State, Hon. Justice Umar M. Sadiq delivered a welcome address, underscoring the judiciary’s role as a key facilitator of economic growth.

He highlighted the commitment of the Jigawa State Judiciary to the success of the Small Claims Court initiative, noting that the training was essential for equipping judicial officers with the specialized skills required to handle small business disputes efficiently and fairly.

Providing deeper insight into the court’s mandate, the Chairman of the Small Claims Court Committee, Hon. Justice Musa Ubale, shed light on the profound importance of the court.

He explained that the Small Claims Court is designed to simplify legal procedures, eliminate unnecessary technicalities, and ensure that justice is delivered within a drastically shortened timeframe, thereby reducing the cost and delays that often plague conventional litigation for small businesses.

The Leader of the PEBEC team, Mr. Jafar Shu’aibu, in his remarks, positioned the training within the broader national context. He stated that, “The Small Claims Court is a cornerstone of PEBEC’s judicial reform agenda. Collaboration with the Jigawa State Judiciary is a practical demonstration of how we are building the capacity of institutions to serve the business community better. By ensuring that a petty trader or a small manufacturer can reclaim their debt quickly and without prohibitive cost, we are injecting confidence and liquidity into the local economy. This directly contributes to poverty alleviation and national prosperity.”

The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by the Chief Registrar of the Jigawa State High Court, Barr. Aisha Ahmed Babura. She expressed profound gratitude to PEBEC for its invaluable collaboration and to the state government for its support.

Barr. Babura also commended the participating Magistrates and court officials for their dedication, urging them to utilize the knowledge gained to serve the public effectively.

This collaborative training is expected to significantly enhance the delivery of justice for Jigawa’s business community, fostering a more robust and attractive economic environment in the state.