Niger State High Court Updates Small Claims Court Practice Direction to Enhance Access to Justice.

Niger State High Court Updates Small Claims Court Practice Direction to Enhance Access to Justice.

BY UTHMAN BABA-SIRAJDEEN,MINNA

In an effort to bring Justice closer to the citizens, the Niger State Judiciary has announced an update to the practice direction for the small claims court, now published in the state Gazette No 16 of 2025.

This revised direction, according to a press statement signed by Barrister Amina Laminde Musa Saidu,the Chief Registrar of the Niger State High Court supersedes the 2018 guidelines reflecting the Judiciary’s commitment to improving access to justice,expediting dispute resolution and enhancing court efficiency.

Significant changes include an increase in the financial jurisdiction of the Small Claims Court, raising the threshold from ₦3,000,000 (three million naira) to ₦5,000,000 (five million naira). This adjustment allows a broader range of litigants to pursue debt recovery and related claims efficiently and at reduced costs.

Additionally, Article 5 has been revised to simplify the service of summons, now allowing for substituted service via electronic mail. This enhancement aims to improve clarity, transparency, and timelines in notifying parties, ultimately minimizing delays.

Article 14 has been simplified to streamline appeal procedures, ensuring litigants have rapid access to appellate review without facing unnecessary technicalities. Furthermore, the introduction of Article 15 provides general guidelines that facilitate court operations.

The Statement indicates that the updated provisions take immediate effect. Chief Judge Justice Halima I. Abdul Malik emphasized that these reforms demonstrate the judiciary’s steadfast dedication to enhancing access to justice and building public confidence in the judicial system.

All stakeholders are urged to familiarize themselves with these new provisions to maximize the use of Small Claims Courts for resolving simple debt recovery matters.

Notably, the Chief Judge Justice Halima Ibrahim Abdulmalik has expanded the number of Small Claims Courts in the state from two to fourteen, which are now located in magistrate courts across Niger State.