By Musa Ubandawaki, Sokoto

SOKOTO — International Alert Nigeria has convened senior government officials, legislators, judges, traditional rulers, civil society organisations and development partners in Sokoto for a roundtable focused on improving justice delivery for communities experiencing increasing insecurity.

The two-day dialogue aims to advance justice sector reforms in the North West, with particular attention to the Multidoor Courthouse model and a new climate-action initiative intended to help reduce conflict pressures in vulnerable communities.

Country Director of International Alert Nigeria, Dr. Kingsley Udo, said the effort is supported by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office under the Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria (SPRiNG) programme. He emphasised that timely, affordable and community-responsive access to justice is vital for preventing grievances from escalating.

Dr. Udo noted that emerging challenges in the region underscore the need for flexible and people-centred mechanisms for resolving disputes.

One of the central interventions discussed was the Multidoor Courthouse, a system that offers alternatives to traditional litigation. The model, currently undergoing consideration at the Zamfara State House of Assembly, is also being supported with public awareness activities in Katsina to strengthen citizens’ understanding of its benefits.

International Alert further introduced a new initiative titled “Powering Peace Through Climate Action,” which will be implemented in Sokoto to address climate-related pressures that can heighten local tensions.

In his remarks, a representative of International Alert expressed appreciation to the Sokoto State Government for its collaboration and to the British FCDO for its continued partnership. He also acknowledged the presence of the Speaker of the Sokoto State House of Assembly, describing the dialogue as a reflection of ongoing efforts to promote inclusive and conflict-sensitive governance.

He added that the meeting seeks to reinforce trust between communities and public institutions by promoting peaceful, fair and accessible justice mechanisms.

The roundtable is expected to produce clear Standard Operating Procedures for case referrals and a practical roadmap for expanding the Multidoor Courthouse model across the North West.

Declaring the event open, the Speaker of the Sokoto State House of Assembly, Tukur Bala Bodinga—represented by Deputy Speaker Kabiru Ibrahim Kware—affirmed the legislature’s readiness to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to drive justice reforms. He assured participants of the Assembly’s commitment to enacting laws that support effective justice delivery and strengthen public confidence.

Stakeholders from Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Kaduna and Katsina shared examples of initiatives in their states aimed at enhancing justice-sector reforms, promoting access to justice and supporting peaceful conflict resolution.