Small claims courts: CPC commends Lagos Judiciary

Consumer Protection Council has commended the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Opeyemi Oke on the designation of some courts as Small Claims Courts within the jurisdiction and issuing of Practice Directions in that regards.

The commendation was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the Director General of the Council, Mr. Tunde Irukere. He noted that the initiative provides a better mechanism, and expanded access to justice for disputes arising out of consumer grievances.

“The council commends Lagos State and the leadership of its judiciary for this bold and practical initiative to improve attention to, and speed securing remedies for consumers.

“This effort reinforces a key statutory mandate of the council to ensure speedy redress to consumer complaints.

“The council encourages consumers to exercise their rights to the fullest possible extent, and invites other states to emulate this initiative,” he said.

The Small Claims Court is a recent initiative by the Lagos State Judiciary which provides speedy and efficient dispensation of cases involving claims within the threshold of 5 million over a maximum period of 60 days.

Justice Opeyemi Oke, had announced the deployment of 15 magistrates in the newly-opened Small Claims Courts. in