OAL Arbitration Centre Urges FG to Fast-Track Implementation of National ADR Policy
The OAL Arbitration Policy Centre has urged the Federal Government to accelerate the implementation of the National Policy on Arbitration and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), 2024, saying key components of the policy are yet to be fully operationalised.
In a letter dated September 22, 2026, addressed to the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, the Centre called for the constitution of the Advisory Council provided for under the policy.
The Centre, a policy, research and advocacy platform focused on making Nigeria a preferred seat for international arbitration, said the five-year implementation framework requires the Advisory Council to provide continuity and practitioner input.
It noted that the Council, comprising arbitration and ADR experts as well as the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, is yet to be constituted.
The Centre said its establishment would complement ongoing efforts by the Federal Ministry of Justice, including the recently convened committee reviewing the National Policy.
It also sought an update on the funding and operationalisation of the Regional Centre for International Commercial Arbitration, Lagos (RCICAL), as well as the National Arbitration and ADR Register.
According to the Centre, the National Policy commits the Federal Government to funding, staffing and providing suitable facilities for RCICAL in fulfilment of Nigeria’s treaty obligations to the Asian-African Legal Consultative Organisation.
It described a well-resourced RCICAL as important to Nigeria’s ambition of becoming a preferred international arbitration destination.
The Centre further raised concerns over the position of foreign counsel in arbitrations seated in Nigeria, noting a potential tension between Article 5 of the Arbitration Rules under the Arbitration and Mediation Act, 2023, and provisions of the Legal Practitioners Act.
It urged the Justice Ministry to provide clarity, either through an amendment to the Arbitration and Mediation Act or other appropriate means, on the participation of foreign lawyers in Nigerian-seated arbitrations.
The Centre also called for greater efforts to meet the timelines prescribed under the National Policy for arbitration-related court proceedings—60 days at first instance and 270 days on appeal.
It suggested measures including designated arbitration lists or judges in busy commercial court divisions to facilitate faster determination of arbitration-related cases.
On judicial practice, the Centre urged continued adoption of the 2017 Practice Direction on Arbitration, which encouraged Heads of Court to issue directions requiring parties to honour their arbitration agreements.
It proposed a joint review with the National Judicial Council to assess the level of adoption across the country, potentially alongside judicial training envisaged under the 2024 National Policy.
The OAL Arbitration Policy Centre said its recommendations were made in the spirit of partnership and pledged its support to the Federal Ministry of Justice in strengthening Nigeria’s arbitration and ADR framework.
