Chief Judge of Plateau, Justice David Mann
Plateau State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) has organised a two-day training on the speedy resolution of business-related cases for magistrates, clerks and bailiffs in the state.
Speaking at the event on Thursday in Jos, Mr Samari Moddibo, the SABER Reform Champion in Plateau, said the training aimed at ensuring ease of doing business in the state.
The workshop had the theme, “Judicial Efficiency and Enforcement of Business-Related Judgments.”
Moddibo, who explained that the exercise was supported by the World Bank, said it would also promote small-scale businesses in the state.
“Essentially, this workshop is meant to equip not just the magistrates who are in charge of the small claims courts, but the bailiffs and the court clerks as well,” he said.
“The World Bank feels that if we do not bring cases that are miniature in nature and resolve them on time around the business environment, people will not be incentivised to engage in businesses.
“Cases that are below ₦10 million should be resolved within weeks, so that people are happy that they don’t have to stay in court for years before they get their issues resolved.”
He added that competent and experienced facilitators were on ground to train the participants on the subject matter.
Moddibo further stated that the project, now in its third year in Plateau, had so far resolved more than 45 business-related cases.
“Plateau happens to be one of the states in the federation that undertook and successfully resolved more cases in this category than any other state.
“As of the last count, we have about 45 cases that were resolved successfully; we are hoping to reach a target of about 80 cases soon,” he said.
Earlier, the Chief Judge of Plateau, Justice David Mann, described the initiative as timely, explaining that it would also address the challenge of limited courts in the state.
He added that the move would enhance an enabling business environment and positively impact foreign direct investment into Plateau.
Mann called on the participants to pay keen attention during the sessions, insisting that the knowledge gained would be useful for the state.
