The Federal Government says it is taking deliberate steps to strengthen Nigeria’s judiciary and improve access to justice, while promoting alternative dispute resolution mechanisms to reduce pressure on the courts.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stated this when the Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators, NICArb, 2026 Investiture and Awards Night Ceremony, Mr Dapo Akinosun, SAN, led members of the Institute on a courtesy visit to him in Abuja.
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The Minister said President Bola Tinubu’s administration was strengthening the judiciary through increased support, improved infrastructure, legislative reforms and measures to enhance the welfare of judicial officers.
Idris observed that the growing pressure on the courts made it necessary to educate Nigerians on alternative ways of resolving disputes without necessarily resorting to litigation.
He stressed that arbitration and other alternative dispute resolution mechanisms could provide appropriate solutions to certain disputes, thereby reducing the burden on the conventional court system.
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The Minister said the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation was willing to collaborate with NICArb on public education and strategic communication to deepen Nigerians’ understanding of arbitration and alternative dispute resolution.
Earlier, the Chairman of NICArb, Mr Dapo Akinosun, SAN, explained that arbitration offers individuals and organisations a credible avenue for resolving disputes outside the conventional court process.
Akinosun said the Institute was seeking a partnership with the Ministry to expand public awareness and understanding of alternative dispute resolution across the country.
He also invited the Minister and officials of the Ministry to participate in the Institute’s training and professional development programmes.
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The NICArb chairman further proposed collaboration with the Ministry and its agencies to promote public enlightenment on the benefits and appropriate use of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.
Responding, Idris welcomed the proposals and expressed the Ministry’s readiness to work with the Institute on initiatives aimed at improving public awareness and encouraging Nigerians to explore alternative dispute resolution where appropriate.