About Us
The Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators (ICMC) is Nigeria’s leading body dedicated to the promotion, training, certification, and professional development of mediators and conciliators across sectors.
Our journey began in 1998, when a group of passionate mediation advocates came together to form the National Association of Mediators (NAM)—a pioneering effort to distinguish the unique value of mediation within the broader field of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). At a time when arbitration was gaining prominence through institutions like the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK), Nigeria Branch, NAM championed the cause of mediation as a more inclusive, accessible, and human-centered approach to resolving disputes.
By 1999, the vision expanded. In a landmark decision, NAM evolved into a full-fledged professional body—the Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators (ICMC). This transition marked a commitment to not just advocate for mediation, but to establish enduring standards, training, and recognition for practitioners across the country and beyond.
Today, ICMC stands as the umbrella body for professional mediators in Nigeria, bringing together a diverse and multidisciplinary community of dispute resolution professionals. Our members include legal practitioners, judges, law enforcement officers, military and paramilitary personnel, civil servants, academics, bankers, labour administrators, political and religious leaders, traditional rulers, union leaders, and other professionals who regularly navigate conflict in their leadership and managerial roles.
At ICMC, we promote a culture of peaceful dispute resolution by:
- Advocating for the adoption of mediation and conciliation as primary mechanisms for conflict resolution in both public and private sectors.
- Training, certifying and induction into the institute as:
- Associate Members (AICMC)
- Full Members (MICMC)
- Fellows (FICMC)
- Building a robust network of highly skilled professionals equipped to resolve disputes across communities, organizations, and institutions.
For over two decades, ICMC has been at the forefront of strengthening Nigeria’s mediation ecosystem, advancing not just dispute resolution—but also peacebuilding, restorative justice, and social cohesion.
Vision
To become the platform for the delivery of quality training and the advancement of the practice of mediation and conciliation in Nigeria; providing the basis for the incorporation of mediation and other ADR practices as preferred dispute resolution approaches in institutions and communities, and supporting the ECOWAS and ALJ Mediation processes.
Mission
To enable the development of tools, materials and instruments for the practice and coordination of mediation, conciliation and other ADR practices in Nigeria and beyond
Purpose of the Institute
The Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators (ICMC) is a body established in 1999 for the purpose of:
Training and certifying individuals aspiring to become professional negotiators, mediators, conciliators, and peacebuilders across Nigeria, and inducting them into the Institute.
Promoting, advancing, and building capacity for the use of mediation and conciliation as Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms in the effective administration of justice, to enhance law and order and promote access to justice in Nigeria.
Promoting the integration of continuous dialogue, peacebuilding, and inclusive participation in governance policies.
Promoting peace and harmonious coexistence at home, in the workplace, and across society.