By Pwanagba Agabus, Jos
The Plateau State government, through the State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER), organised a two‑day training on the speedy resolution of business‑related cases for magistrates, clerks and bailiffs in Jos.
The workshop, held under the theme “Judicial Efficiency and Enforcement of Business‑Related Judgments,” aimed to improve ease of doing business and promote small‑scale enterprises in the state.
Speaking at the event, SABER Reform Champion in Plateau, Mr Samari Moddibo, explained that the exercise was supported by the World Bank. He said:
“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.
“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.
According to him, “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 hand to train participants. Moddibo noted that the project, now in its third year in Plateau, had already 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,” he explained.
“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.”
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Chief Judge of the State, Justice David Mann, described the initiative as timely.
Adding that the training would address the challenge of limited courts in the state, enhance an enabling business environment and positively impact foreign direct investment into Plateau.
He urged participants to pay keen attention during the sessions, noting that the knowledge gained would be useful for the state.
