The Bayelsa judiciary has officially opened two Small Claims Courts to handle debt recovery cases below N5 million to fast-track the dispensation of justice.

This is contained in a statement issued by Mr. Julius Lambert Nyananyo, Head of the Media and Information Department at the Bayelsa Judiciary.

Recall that the judiciary on Jan. 4 inaugurated a five-member management committee to run the small claims courts in Bayelsa.

Nyananyo said the establishment of the courts was an innovation in the Nigerian legal system to help small business operators recover the debt owed for goods supplied.

The courts are located in the Bayelsa Multi-door Courthouse, High Court Complex, Ovom, Yenagoa, and the Justice Koripamo David Ungbuku High Court complex, in Onopa.

Nyananyo said the courts are affordable and easy to use because one does not need the services of a lawyer.

He said the judiciary has also released a handbook and practice directions are available at the Bayelsa state judiciary and online at the judiciary website www.bayelsastatejudiciary.gov.ng.

He enjoined the general public to take advantage of the courts.

Lagos and Kano States were chosen as the pilot states to implement the reform initiatives.

On April 23, 2018, Lagos State became the first state in Nigeria to establish a small claims court.