The Zamfara State Government has adopted the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the Zamfara Multi-Door Courthouse (ZMDC) as part of efforts to strengthen the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) system in the state.
The SOP was adopted during a stakeholders’ engagement held at the State Ministry of Justice. Participants at the meeting included representatives of the police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), traditional rulers, civil society organisations and other justice sector actors.
Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Zamfara State Ministry of Justice, Musa Garba Bukkuyum, said the document would guide the operations of the ADR centre and ensure smooth handling of cases.
He explained that the SOP provides detailed procedures on how complaints will be filed, handled and resolved at the centre.
According to him, the ADR mechanism will focus mainly on civil matters and help reduce the number of cases pending before conventional courts.
Bukkuyum said the centre would handle disputes such as matrimonial issues, disagreements between individuals and financial transactions. He added that cases brought before the centre would be resolved within a limited timeframe to encourage quick and amicable settlements.
He noted that the document outlines the responsibilities of arbitrators and other actors involved in the process, ensuring fairness and efficiency in resolving disputes.
“The intention of this document is to regulate and guide the centre on how to receive complaints, handle cases and ensure their proper disposal,” he said.
The Permanent Secretary also commended International Alert for supporting the state government in establishing the ADR system.
He added that the Zamfara State House of Assembly had already passed the bill for the establishment of the Multi-Door Courthouse, which is currently awaiting the assent of the state governor.
Also speaking, a representative of International Alert, Stephen John, said the organisation had been supporting Zamfara and Katsina states in promoting alternative dispute resolution mechanisms to improve access to justice.
He explained that the SOP clearly defines how cases will be referred to the centre and the roles of various stakeholders, including traditional leaders, religious leaders and security agencies.
According to him, the ADR centre will provide a faster and more affordable way for people to resolve disputes without going through lengthy court processes.
He added that the initiative would help ensure timely justice and prevent conflicts from escalating within communities.Stakeholders at the meeting expressed optimism that the adoption of the SOP would support the effective operation of the Zamfara Multi-Door Courthouse and promote peaceful settlement of disputes across the state.
