# Plateau judiciary expands small claims courts’ jurisdiction

> Plateau State’s courts now handle debts up to ₦5 million to speed business disputes.
- Title: Plateau judiciary expands small claims courts’ jurisdiction
- Summary: Plateau State’s courts now handle debts up to ₦5 million to speed business disputes.
- Keywords: plateau state, small claims courts, judicial jurisdiction, monetary limit, business disputes, court proceedings, debt recovery, saber programme, world bank funding, judicial training, Premium Times Nigeria
- Source: Premium Times Nigeria — https://premiumtimesng.com/regional/north-central/924145-plateau-judiciary-expands-small-claims-courts-jurisdiction-to-%e2%82%a65-million.html
- Author: Chuwang Dungs
- Published: 2026-11-10T14:52:25+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: plateau state, small claims courts, judicial jurisdiction, monetary limit, business disputes, court proceedings, debt recovery, saber programme, world bank funding, judicial training, news, politics
## Plateau judiciary expands small claims courts’ jurisdiction
Plateau State’s Chief Judge David Mann announced the expansion of small claims courts’ monetary jurisdiction to ₦5 million.
## Goal: Speed up commercial disputes
The reform aims to accelerate debt recovery, reduce delays in commercial disputes, and improve access to justice for small businesses.
## SABER programme implementation
The State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) programme, funded by the World Bank at $750 million, supports business environment reforms across Nigeria.
## SABER partnership structure
SABER involves the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council, Federal Ministry of Finance, and Nigeria Governors’ Forum.
## Chief Judge’s economic argument
The chief judge stated that economic growth depends on efficient courts, where businesses can trust contracts and disputes are resolved promptly.
## Enforcement of judgements
The chief judge warned that unenforced judgements are a denial of justice, as paper books without enforcement do not constitute real justice.
## Small claims court benefits
Small claims courts provide an affordable, speedy mechanism for debt recovery, especially for small businesses and commercial transactions.
## Workshop purpose
The two-day workshop for judicial officers aims to improve court performance, case management, and enforcement of judgments.
## Timeframe for cases
Small claims cases are expected to conclude within 60 days, compared to six months for regular court proceedings.
## Public awareness challenge
Inadequate public awareness remains a major challenge, as some people are unaware of the small claims court’s existence.
## SABER timeline
Plateau State has been implementing SABER since 2023, with the project expected to close in mid-2027.
## Training for judicial staff
Judicial officers are urged to transfer knowledge to colleagues and mentor others to ensure sustainability.
## Key quote on justice
Efficiency must never compromise integrity. Speed without fairness is not justice.

> Efficiency must never compromise integrity. Speed without fairness is not justice.
## Next steps
The reforms aim to reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks, attract investment, and create employment opportunities through improved dispute resolution.
## Key takeaway

Plateau State expanded small claims courts’ monetary jurisdiction to ₦5 million to resolve commercial disputes faster.