The Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators is advocating for the Nigerian government and private sector to prioritize and support local arbitrators to enhance the nation’s arbitration development. This call was made during a recent press conference held in Lekki to announce the institute’s upcoming 2024 Annual Conference and 45th-anniversary celebration.
The focus of the conference, themed “Transformation and Intervention: Development Trends in Arbitration and ADR Practice in Africa,” scheduled for November 28-29, 2024, in Lagos, is to drive innovative trends in arbitration and alternative dispute resolution across the continent.
During the conference, the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators, emphasized the importance of utilizing Nigerian arbitrators and criticized the prevailing preference for foreign expertise. She highlighted the need to shift this mindset to promote local professionals and advance the field of arbitration in Nigeria.
The CEO also raised concerns about the underutilization of Nigerian arbitrators in significant cases, urging the government and businesses to engage local experts effectively. She emphasized the necessity of enacting policies that promote the use of Nigerian arbitrators, especially in cases of national interest.
Furthermore, the institute plans to address the role of ADR in resolving human rights violations associated with businesses operating in Africa. Initiatives to nurture the next generation of arbitrators, such as essay and debate competitions, aim to equip young professionals with the skills to excel in the field.
As part of its 45th-anniversary celebration, the institute will induct 1,500 members from various professional backgrounds, highlighting that arbitration is an inclusive profession open to individuals with expertise in diverse fields. Additionally, the launch of a Mediation Group during the conference aims to formalize mediation services and expand the institute’s impact in the field of alternative dispute resolution.