Lagos Committed to Alternative Dispute Resolution - Sanwo-Olu

Lagos State Governor,  Mr. Babajide Sawoolu has stated that Lagos State has been in the forefront of advancing the course of Alternative Dispute Resolution with the establishment of Citizens Mediation Centres and the Multi- Door Court House which have both been very effective in settling issues that would have ended in acrimonious litigation.

He stated this during the opening ceremony of the 2019 Annual conference and Gala nite of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (U.K) Nigeria Branch held at the Landmark Event Centre Victoria Island Lagos on Thursday.

The Governor who was represented at the event by the Honourable Attorney General and Comissioner for Justice, Lagos State Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo added, ' We believe we can achieve much more with the establishment of more ADR Centres and Increased public awareness advocacy.'

At the event, which has the theme, 'Positioning Africa: The Changing Landscape in Alternative Dispute Resolution,' the Governor further noted that in the very near future the number of dispute resolutions arising from business transactions will most likely increase as a result of the expected trade activities from the newly signed Africa Continental  Trade Agreement.

According to the Governor, We must plan ahead by strengthening the capacity of our ADR Institutions to ensure smooth and quick resolution of most of the anticipated number of disputes.

He however commended the CIA Nigeria branch the organisers of the event for their tenacity in promoting the ADR option at the annual conference platform since 1999.

While appreciating the vision and foresightness of the Chartered  institute of Arbitrators Nigeria branch, he opined that the theme of the conference will provide another opportunity for the stakeholders to appreciate the increasing relevance of ADR in our Justice delivery system especially against the backdrop of recent and unfolding events, not only in Africa but also in the global arena.

Also while delivering his welcome address at the event,  Mr. Olatunde Busari, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and Chairman of CIArB Nigeria branch stated that the objective of the conference which is being witnessed by 600 delegates from more than 7 countries is to provide participants with practical arbitration experience in a reliable manner. He revealed that members of the institute have continued to excel in various fields recently with a total of 9 of its members elevated to the prestigious rank of SAN.

Notable dignitaries at the event include captains of industries, Judges, and Senior Advocates.