The Niger State Judiciary has introduced revised practice directions for Small Claims Courts to enhance access to justice and boost 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 increasing court efficiency. The revised directions, published in State Gazette No. 16 of 2025, raise 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 cost.
The new practice directions also simplify service of summons. Article 5 now permits substituted service via electronic mail, improving clarity, transparency, and timelines in notifying parties while minimizing delays. Article 14 has been streamlined 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 proceedings. These provisions take immediate effect, as confirmed by the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Halima I. Abdul Malik.
In addition to the procedural changes, the judiciary has expanded the number of Small Claims Courts from two to fourteen, locating them in magistrate courts across Niger State. This expansion is expected to increase access to justice for citizens, particularly in resolving simple debt‑recovery matters. The Chief Registrar emphasized that all stakeholders should familiarize themselves with the new provisions to maximize the use of Small Claims Courts.
Together, the revised practice directions and the expanded court infrastructure demonstrate the judiciary’s dedication to enhancing access to justice and building public confidence. With these reforms, the Niger State Judiciary aims to provide a more efficient and effective dispute‑resolution process, promoting justice and fairness for all citizens. The implementation of these updates marks a significant step toward improving the state’s judicial system, and its impact is expected to be felt in the coming months.
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