Breaking Barriers: Kaduna State Judiciary Launches Settlement Week

Enhancing Access to Justice through Mediation and Arbitration…

By AbdulHakeem Mutiu Adejumo-Ajeseku, Kaduna-Nigeria

BTvNEWS: In a groundbreaking move to expand access to justice and reduce court congestion, the Kaduna State Judiciary has announced the temporary closure of all courts from July 28 to August 1, 2025, to observe the Kaduna State Settlement Week.

This pioneering initiative, spearheaded by the Kaduna State Multi-Door Courthouse (KDMDC), aims to promote alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms, such as mediation and arbitration, as faster, cheaper, and more inclusive ways of resolving disputes.

The Director of the KDMDC and ADR Centre, Dorcas Levy Daniel, revealed this during a media engagement held in Kaduna on Friday.

According to her, the Honourable Chief Judge of Kaduna State, Justice M.T. Aliyu, will formally declare the event open on July 28 at the High Court Complex, Bida Road, Kaduna.

“The Chief Judge has directed the closure of all courts across the state to allow full participation of judicial officers in this week-long settlement initiative,” Daniel stated.

“Anyone, individual or organization, can walk into the Multi-Door Courthouse during this period and submit disputes for free mediation services.”

According to her, the event is designed to redirect eligible court cases to mediation and encourage voluntary settlements without prolonged litigation, as part of a broader shift toward restorative and community-based justice models.

During the same event, the Chairperson of the Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Kaduna Branch, Olufunke Bamikole, emphasized the critical role of the media in extending the reach of justice to the grassroots.

“FIDA handles paralegal training, community mediation, and free legal aid, yet most rural communities remain unaware of these services,” she said.

“We need the media to raise awareness, especially around issues of gender-based violence and the channels available to survivors,” she further stressed.

Bamikole stressed that media engagement is crucial in combating sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), particularly in underserved areas where access to justice remains a challenge.

Also speaking at the event, Gladys Matthew, Executive Director of Iron Grace Empowerment Centre, highlighted the essential role of civil society organizations in the justice delivery ecosystem.

“We run safe spaces, train survivors in life and digital skills, and support their reintegration,” she said.

“Economic empowerment remains one of the strongest defenses against abuse. But this must go hand-in-hand with parenting. Parents need to be more alert and accountable for the well-being of their children,” she further emphasized.

She advocated for stronger alliances between NGOs, parents, and state institutions to protect vulnerable populations and prevent child abuse.

In preparation for the Settlement Week, the breakfast meeting was convened to facilitate collaboration and strategy development among the media, civil society, and judiciary in Kaduna State.

By dedicating a week to free mediation services and court closures, Kaduna’s judiciary is making a bold move towards community-driven justice.

This innovative approach proves that justice doesn’t always require a gavel, and that alternative dispute resolution mechanisms can be a powerful tool in promoting access to justice for all.