The Chief Judge of Kwara State, Hon. Justice Abiodun Adebara, has urged stakeholders to work together to develop a small claims court system that will serve as a national model of excellence.

Speaking at a one-day workshop titled "Reviewing and Updating the Small Claims Court for Effective Service Delivery" held on Friday in Ilorin, Justice Adebara stressed that true effectiveness goes far beyond merely assigning magistrates to hear cases.

"The effectiveness of the small claims court extends beyond merely designating a magistrate to hear cases.

"It requires deliberate infrastructural and logistical support, including a registry that operates with the speed of the internet age, mobile bailiffs, and technologically empowered magistrates," Justice Adebara said.

He commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for creating an enabling environment that has accelerated judicial reforms, particularly in the small claims courts, and challenged the state to surpass the performance of Lagos, Oyo, Kebbi, Bauchi, and Rivers.

Chairperson of the State Committee on Ease of Doing Business and Commissioner for Finance, Dr Hauwa Nuru, described the small claims court as a cornerstone of the administration's ease-of-doing-business reforms, providing fast, affordable, and efficient resolution of minor commercial disputes for small businesses.

Chairman of the Judicial Committee on Small Claims, Hon. Justice Ibijoke Olabisi Olawoyin, disclosed that between May and December 2025, 77 cases were filed, 66 determined, and 11 remain pending.

Secretary of the Committee, Magistrate Adeniyi Oluwaseyi Moses, presented detailed monthly statistics showing consistent progress in case filings and disposals, with only two appeals recorded in 2025.

Participants discussed strategic policy directions for 2026, introduction of new PEBEC-compliant reporting formats and website uploads, and plans for aggressive public sensitisation through jingles and awareness campaigns.

Stakeholders reaffirmed their resolve to strengthen small claims court operations, widen access to justice, and solidify Kwara's position as an investor-friendly state.