In an official announcement on the 29th September 2023, the Hon. Chief Judge unveiled the Anambra State Small Claims Court Practice Directions 2023. These practice directions serve as comprehensive guidelines for the process and proceedings of the newly established Small Claims Courts. Key highlights of the Practice Directions include:

  1. Expedited Procedures: Small Claims Courts will employ simplified and accelerated procedures to ensure the swift resolution of cases.
  2. Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution: The Practice Directions encourage the use of mediation and alternative dispute resolution methods to reach amicable settlements before resorting to formal court proceedings.
  3. Monetary Limit: The Small Claims Court will have jurisdiction over financial disputes where the claimed amount does not exceed N5, 000,000.
  4. No Legal Representation Required: Litigants in Small Claims Court are not required to be represented by legal counsel, although they have the option to do so if they wish.
  5. Limited Discovery: Discovery processes will be limited to expedite the proceedings, ensuring that cases are resolved as quickly as possible (not exceeding 60 days from date of filing.
  6. Cost Efficiency: The Small Claims Court system aims to be cost-effective for all parties involved, with streamlined processes.
  7. Speedy Judgments: The Small Claims Courts are committed to issuing judgments promptly to minimize delays in resolving disputes.

As Anambra State is well known for high commercial activities, the establishment of Small Claims Courts by the State Judiciary marks a significant step towards enhancing access to justice and expediting the resolution of financial disputes within the State. With the designation of specific Magistrates’ Courts, training of Learned Magistrates and Customary Court Presidents, and the unveiling of the Practice Directions, the Chief Judge has set in motion a system that promises efficient, cost-effective, and accessible dispute resolution for all residents of the State.This initiative reflects the Judiciary’s dedication to ensuring that justice is not only fair but also swift. It is expected that the Small Claims Court system will contribute significantly to reducing the backlog of cases and promoting a more efficient judicial process within the state.

In designating Courts to sit over the Small Claims Cases, Hon. Justice Onochie M. Anyachebelu designated two Learned Magistrates in each of the following Magisterial Districts:

  1. Chief Magistrates’ Court Awka,
  2. Chief Magistrates’ Court Onitsha,
  3. Chief Magistrates’ Court Ogidi, and
  4. Chief Magistrates’ Court Nnewi.

 

Designating these magistrates’ courts as Small Claims Courts further ensures that sufficient time is available to handle these cases effectively. Overall, the Small Claims Court is poised to make a positive impact on Anambra State legal landscape.