Abolore Urges Farmers, Business Owners to Embrace Small Claims Court Initiative

The Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Afees Abolore Alabi, has urged farmers and business owners across Kwara State to take full advantage of the newly established Small Claims Court — a pioneering reform under the Ease of Doing Business initiative of His Excellency, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON.

Dr. Abolore made the call on Monday during a sensitization programme on the establishment of the Small Claims Court, held at the Kwara State Innovation Hub in Ilorin. The initiative, implemented in collaboration with the State High Court of Justice, provides a fast-track judicial platform to resolve financial disputes involving sums up to ₦3 million, with a target resolution period of 60 days.

He described the court as a timely and practical solution for farmers, artisans, traders, and SMEs who often face financial disputes but lack access to swift, affordable resolution channels.

“This court offers a clear and fair route for our farmers and business people to address such challenges. It is a bold and people-centred reform by Governor AbdulRazaq that speaks directly to the needs of the grassroots,” the Commissioner said.

Specifically for the agricultural sector, Dr. Abolore noted that the Small Claims Court will be instrumental in helping farmers settle payment defaults, disputes over produce deliveries, and other transactional challenges that arise within the agricultural value chain. He described it as a vital mechanism to protect farmers’ income and improve trust among stakeholders.

Dr. Abolore commended the Governor for continuously prioritizing the welfare of the people and reinforcing public trust in governance and emphasized that reforms like the Small Claims Court not only support local enterprise but also boost investor and community confidence in the State’s justice system and economy.

He urged all actors in the agricultural and informal sectors to utilize the platform to resolve disputes, safeguard their income, and sustain productive engagement across the value chain.

The event was attended by the Chief Judge of Kwara State, Hon. Justice Abiodun Adebara, along with top government officials including the Commissioner for Finance and Chairperson of the Ease of Doing Business Initiative, Dr. Hauwa Nuru; Commissioner for Communications, Mrs. Bolanle Olukoju; Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Dr. Segun Ogunsola; Commissioner for Planning and Economic Development, Dr. (Mrs.) Mary Arinde; Commissioner for Mineral Resources, Mrs. Abosede Olaitan Buremoh; Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Hajia Sa’adatu Modibbo Kawu; and Commissioner for Environment, Hajia Nafisat Musa Buge.

Also present were Local Government Chairmen led by the ALGON Chairman and Executive Chairman of Kaiama Local Government, Alhaji Abubakar Abdullahi Danladi; Development Officers from across the State; and other highly respected dignitaries.

The Commissioner affirmed that the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development remains committed to supporting every reform that enables rural prosperity, strengthens agricultural enterprises, and improves access to justice for farmers and agro-based entrepreneurs across the State.

Ashaolu Omotola

Press Secretary

Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development

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