The Olisa Agbakoba Legal Arbitration Policy Centre has urged the Federal Government to speed up the implementation of the National Policy on Arbitration and Alternative Dispute Resolution. In a letter to the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, the Centre emphasized the need for clearer institutional structures and stronger judicial support to make Nigeria a preferred seat for international arbitration. This call was made on September 22, 2026, according to the Centre.
The Centre identified five areas requiring attention for effective implementation of the policy. These areas include constituting the Advisory Council established under the National Policy, funding and operationalisation of the Regional Centre for International Commercial Arbitration, Lagos, the position of foreign counsel in Nigerian-seated arbitrations, and the speed of arbitration-related court proceedings. The Centre's recommendations aim to enhance Nigeria's arbitration and Alternative Dispute Resolution ecosystem.
The National Policy on Arbitration and Alternative Dispute Resolution, launched in 2024, has a five-year implementation period overseen by an Advisory Council. The council comprises arbitration and ADR experts and the President of the Nigerian Bar Association. However, the Centre noted that the Advisory Council has yet to be constituted. Establishing the council is crucial to providing a standing platform for practitioner input and continuity in implementing the policy.
The Centre offered to support the proposed council in any capacity considered useful by the Federal Government. The council's constitution would strengthen the ongoing implementation efforts of the Federal Ministry of Justice. This includes the recently convened committee reviewing the National Policy. The Centre's involvement could facilitate a more efficient implementation process.
The Regional Centre for International Commercial Arbitration, Lagos, is another area of focus. The Centre referred to Clause 9.0 of the National Policy, which commits the Federal Government to funding, staffing, and providing suitable facilities for the Lagos-based regional arbitration centre. A well-resourced centre would be significant to Nigeria's ambition of becoming a preferred international arbitration seat and fulfilling its treaty obligations to the Asian-African Legal Consultative Organisation.
The Centre also raised concerns about the National Arbitration and ADR Register contemplated under Clause 11.0 of the policy. The register appears to remain at an early stage of development. The Centre urged greater attention to its operationalisation, describing it as potentially valuable to the arbitration and ADR ecosystem once established. Effective implementation of the register could enhance the country's arbitration processes.
The implementation of the National Policy on Arbitration and Alternative Dispute Resolution is critical to Nigeria's goal of becoming a hub for international arbitration. The Centre's recommendations aim to address key challenges and ensure the policy's effective implementation. The Federal Government's response to these recommendations will be crucial in determining the policy's success.
Key points
- The Olisa Agbakoba Legal Centre urges the FG to constitute the Advisory Council and fund the Regional Centre for International Commercial Arbitration, Lagos.
- The Centre also recommends attention to the position of foreign counsel in Nigerian-seated arbitrations and the speed of arbitration-related court proceedings.
- Effective implementation of the National Policy on Arbitration and Alternative Dispute Resolution is critical to Nigeria's goal of becoming a hub for international arbitration.
