LASG WILL CONTINUE TO CHAMPION ADVANCEMENT OF ARBITRATORS, ALTERNATE DISPUTE RESOLUTION IN AFRICA – SANWO-OLU

The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has said that Lagos State, as a leading hub of commerce, innovation, and legal expertise, is committed to championing the advancement of arbitration and alternate dispute resolution in Africa. 

The Governor stated this on Wednesday during the opening ceremony of the 2023 Annual Conference and Gala Nite of The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, Nigeria Branch, themed: “Adapting to the Future: African Perspectives on Arbitration and ADR”

The Governor, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. ‘Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin said the State Government recognizes the importance of creating an enabling environment that encourages the use of ADR mechanism to ensure access to justice, promote the rule of law and encourage peace and harmony between the parties.

He said: “Lagos State has been at the forefront of promoting Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) in Nigeria as it occupies an important place in our justice system under the Governance and Security pillar of our administration’s T.H.E.M.E.S Plus agenda”.

According to him, Lagos State is being positioned as the Center of Excellence for arbitration and alternate dispute resolution. He added that the government has established institutions and frameworks that support the ADR processes, such as the Lagos Multi-Door Courthouse and the Lagos Court of Arbitrations. 

He explained that the institutions provide an avenue for trained mediators, arbitrators and facilitators to guide disputing parties towards amicable resolution in addition to reducing the pressure on the Orthodox Court System. He noted that Lagos State is the first state in Nigeria and indeed Africa to set up special courts to promote peace and harmony among the citizenry.

 
He commended the Chairman of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, Nigeria Branch, Chief Akingbola Akinola, SAN, and Executive Members for the remarkable achievements recorded by the Institute. Governor Sanwo-Olu implored the new members to be inducted to live up to the expectations by upholding the values of the institute. 

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, enjoined the institute to upgrade arbitration practice using technology.