December 14, (THEWILL) — Sokoto State House of Assembly says it will work with stakeholders to expand access to justice and implement reforms that genuinely serve the people.
The Deputy Speaker of the Sokoto State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Kabiru Kware, stated this at a stakeholders’ dialogue held in Sokoto. The event was organised by a non-profit organisation, International Alerts Nigeria.
Hon. Kware said the dialogue was timely, affirming that the State House of Assembly is ready to collaborate with International Alert and other partners to advance meaningful justice sector reforms in the state.
“We believe in the value of the Multidoor Courthouse model as a tool to ease court congestion, promote peaceful dispute resolution, and build public trust in the justice system”, he said.
The Country Director of International Alert Nigeria, Dr Kingsley Udo, in his remarks reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to work closely with the Sokoto State Government to strengthen justice institutions in the state.
He said the programme will design conflict-sensitive policies, and build the capacity of state agencies to better address insecurity and governance challenges in the region.
He, however, raised concerns over the growing strain on justice institutions across the country.
Dr Udo stressed that strengthening the justice sector is essential for peace, stability, and restoring public confidence in the state.
He cited rising insecurity, slow judicial processes, and limited access to justice services as key challenges undermining stability.
“Effective justice systems help prevent disputes from escalating into violence or criminality”, he said.
Udo highlighted International Alert’s ongoing support to the Northwest states, which include Zamfara state’s Multidoor Courthouse Bill, which, according to him, has reached its third reading, while Katsina State is receiving support on public awareness campaigns and training of traditional leaders on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).
According to him, the Multidoor Courthouse model offers faster, cheaper, and more accessible avenues for resolving disputes, easing the workload on conventional courts, and broadening pathways for peaceful conflict resolution.
Also speaking, Programme Manager of International Alert Nigeria, Sunday Mommoh Jimoh, noted that the Northwest continues to grapple with heightened insecurity, making justice sector reforms even more urgent.
“When citizens can access justice promptly, fairly, and affordably, trust in the state improves. Grievances are resolved peacefully, and communities have alternatives to violence, retaliation, or criminal networks,” he said.
Jimoh added that the Multidoor Courthouse will provide community-friendly mechanisms for dispute resolution, reduce pressure on the courts, and address drivers of violence and criminality.
Tunde Omolehin is an award-winning Journalist with prose in investigative and storytelling that is connecting the dots between the under-reported communities and policymakers to ensure good governance and accountability.
