The Niger State Judiciary has introduced revised practice directions for Small Claims Courts, aimed at enhancing access to justice and boosting public confidence in the state’s judicial system. According to a statement by Barrister Amina Laminde Musa Saidu, Chief Registrar of the Niger State High Court, the updated guidelines supersede the 2018 version and reflect the judiciary’s commitment to improving access to justice, expediting dispute resolution, and enhancing court efficiency.
The revised direction, published in State Gazette No. 16 of 2025, raises the financial threshold for Small Claims Courts from ₦3 million to ₦5 million, allowing more litigants to pursue debt recovery and related claims efficiently and at reduced costs. Additionally, the service of summons has been simplified, with Article 5 now permitting substituted service via electronic mail to improve clarity, transparency, and timelines in notifying parties and minimizing delays.
Furthermore, Article 14 has been simplified to ensure rapid access to appellate review without unnecessary technicalities, with appeals expected to be resolved within 30 days. Article 15 provides guidelines to facilitate court operations, ensuring consistency and efficiency in court proceedings. The updated provisions take immediate effect, as confirmed by the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Halima I. Abdul Malik.
The judiciary has also expanded the number of Small Claims Courts in the state from two to fourteen, now located in magistrate courts across Niger State. This move is expected to increase access to justice for citizens, particularly in resolving simple debt recovery matters. The Chief Registrar emphasized the importance of all stakeholders familiarizing themselves with the new provisions to maximize the use of Small Claims Courts.
The reforms demonstrate the judiciary’s dedication to enhancing access to justice and building public confidence in the judicial system. With the revised practice directions and expanded court infrastructure, the Niger State Judiciary aims to provide a more efficient and effective dispute resolution process, ultimately promoting justice and fairness for all citizens. The implementation of these updates is a significant step towards improving the judicial system in Niger State, and its impact is expected to be felt in the coming months.
