May 3 – 4, 2023 witnessed the first ever workshop on the role of Multi-Door Courthouses and Private Alternative Dispute Resolution (PADRC) Centers in promoting effective justice delivery hosted by the Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators (ICMC).
The Institute as part of its objectives to ensure that the practice of Mediation is mainstreamed in Nigeria and indeed Africa by providing technical support and partnering with organizations and ADR bodies set out to organize this workshop.
This workshop was necessitated by the fact that Multi-Door Court Houses and ADR centers have proven to be highly effective in reducing the backlog of cases in traditional courts, providing more efficient and cost-effective dispute resolution methods, and promoting greater access to justice for all.
The President of the Institute, Agada John Elachi Ph.D., in his opening remarks on day one noted that it is his hope that the workshop will highlight and headline the successes, challenges and dynamics of each stakeholder and avail all participants a learning experience.
He added that this legacy initiative will be a platform where distinguished stakeholders in the administration of justice can meet annually to brainstorm, peer review and agree on how they can continue to maintain best practice and standards.
Finally he mentioned that ICMC stands ready to partner with all delegates to advance the effective administration of justice in the country.
In attendance were Directors and representatives of the following Multi-door Court houses in Nigeria: Ondo, Edo, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Kano, Abuja, Kaduna, Gombe, Delta, Rivers, Bayelsa, Abia, Enugu, Imo, Regional heads of National Industrial Court Alternative Dispute Resolution Centres, Federal High Court ADR Center, The ECOWAS Commission and GIZ.
Heads and representatives of the following Private Dispute resolution centers were also in attendance: Intercede Center for Arbitration and Mediation, The Mediation Place, Regional Centre for International Commercial Arbitration, Nigerian Chambers of Commerce Dispute Resolution Center, Janada International Centre for Arbitration and Mediation and Mediation Training Institute.
Participants of the workshop had the privilege of listening to erudite speakers like Hon. Justice Ishaq Bello (rtd.), Hon. Justice Solomon Olugbemi, Dr. Brown Ogbeifun, Amb. Segun Ogunyannwo, Mrs. Caroline Etuk, Aisha Ado Abdullahi and a host of others.
Delegates gained practical skills, insights and knowledge on the role of Multi-door Courthouses (MDCH) in the Speedy Dispensation of Justice, Ethical Issues for Dispute Resolution officers Enforcement of Settlement Agreements at the MDCH, and how Multi-door Court Houses and ADR Centers can collaborate for maximum efficiency in dispute resolution service delivery by leveraging on the ICMC Volunteer Mediator’s Scheme and ICMC ODR Platform.
The workshop provided an avenue for delegates to expand their knowledge on current developments/practices, network and establish valuable connections.
It is our hope that delegates will maximize this opportunity effectively and implement the valuable lessons learnt in their respective multi-door court Houses and ADR Centres.
For more information about the Institute, kindly visit: www.icmcng.org