By Muyideen Aliyu, llorin
The Kwara State Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Afees Abolore Alabi, has encouraged farmers and business operators across the state to make use of the newly established Small Claims Court, a key reform introduced under the Ease of Doing Business initiative.
Speaking during a sensitisation programme in Ilorin on the court’s establishment, Alabi explained that the initiative, developed in partnership with the Kwara State High Court, offers a fast-track judicial process for resolving financial disputes involving sums of up to ₦3 million, with cases expected to be concluded within 60 days.
He described the court as a timely and practical solution for farmers, traders, artisans, and small-scale entrepreneurs who often face financial disagreements but lack access to efficient and affordable legal remedies.
“This court provides a straightforward and fair route for our farmers and business owners to resolve disputes,” the Commissioner said. “It is a bold, people-centred reform introduced by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq that responds directly to the needs of the grassroots.”
Focusing on the agricultural sector, Alabi said the court would play a critical role in helping farmers resolve issues such as payment defaults, produce delivery disagreements, and other transactional conflicts across the agricultural value chain.
He described the court as an essential mechanism for protecting farmers’ earnings, enhancing trust among stakeholders, and reducing friction in commercial relationships.
Alabi also commended Governor AbdulRazaq for his continued commitment to public welfare and his consistent efforts to build trust in governance. He stated that initiatives like the Small Claims Court not only empower local businesses but also strengthen investor confidence and reinforce the credibility of the state’s legal and economic systems.
The Commissioner encouraged stakeholders in agriculture and the informal economy to make active use of the court in order to safeguard their income and maintain smooth operations along the value chain.
He reaffirmed the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development’s commitment to supporting reforms that promote rural development, strengthen agro-enterprises, and ensure equitable access to justice for farmers and other small-scale business owners throughout Kwara State.