Alternative Dispute Resolution(ADR): Panacea For Sustainable Peace, Development In Nigeria

By Marshall Israel.

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) is indeed a valuable approach to promoting sustainable peace and development in Nigeria, or any other country for that matter.

ADR offers a alternative to traditional litigation, allowing parties to resolve disputes in a more efficient, cost-effective, and constructive manner. This can lead to:

– Reduced conflict
– Improved relationships
– Increased access to justice
– Enhanced community cohesion
– Faster resolution of disputes
– Reduced burden on the court system

Some benefits of ADR in Nigeria include:

– Reduced backlog of cases in the court system
– Faster resolution of disputes
– Reduced costs for litigants
– Improved access to justice, especially for marginalized communities
– Preservation of relationships and community cohesion

In the context of Nigeria, ADR can be particularly useful in addressing communal conflicts, land disputes, and other social and economic issues that may be hindering peace and development.

Some examples of ADR mechanisms that can be employed in Nigeria include:

– Mediation
– Arbitration
– Conciliation
– Negotiation
– Traditional dispute resolution methods (such as the “Ubuntu” approach)

Nigeria has a complex and diverse legal system, with a mix of traditional, religious, and modern courts. However, the country still faces challenges in accessing justice, particularly in rural areas. This is where ADR comes in, offering a complementary approach to dispute resolution.

Some potential areas where ADR can make a significant impact in Nigeria include:

1. Communal conflicts*: ADR can help resolve disputes between communities, reducing violence and promoting peaceful coexistence.
2. Land disputes*: With the increasing demand for land, ADR can facilitate negotiations and mediations to resolve land-related disputes.
3. Commercial disputes*: ADR can provide a faster and cost-effective way to resolve business disputes, promoting economic growth and development.
4. Family disputes*: ADR can help resolve family disputes, preserving relationships and promoting family unity.
5. Community mediation*: ADR can empower community members to resolve disputes within their own communities, building trust and social cohesion.

To promote ADR in Nigeria, the government and civil society organizations can:

1. Establish ADR centers: Create dedicated centers for mediation, arbitration, and conciliation.
2. Train ADR practitioners: Provide training and certification programs for mediators, arbitrators, and conciliators.
3. Raise awareness: Educate the public about the benefits of ADR and its applications.
4. Integrate ADR into the legal system: Encourage courts to refer cases to ADR and recognize ADR outcomes.

One interesting development is the establishment of the Lagos Multi-Door Courthouse (LMDC). This is a court-annexed ADR center that offers mediation, arbitration, and conciliation services. The LMDC has successfully resolved many cases, demonstrating the effectiveness of ADR in Nigeria.

Another notable initiative is the Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators (NICArb). This organization promotes ADR and provides training and certification for arbitrators and mediators. NICArb has been instrumental in developing ADR practices in Nigeria and has established a code of conduct for ADR practitioners.

The Niger Delta, a resource-rich region in southern Nigeria, has faced decades of environmental degradation, economic marginalization, and social injustice, leading to conflicts between local communities, the government, and oil corporations.

ADR has been employed to resolve disputes and address grievances, including mediation, arbitration, and negotiation. This approach aims to promote dialogue, reconciliation, and sustainable development in the region.

Some notable initiatives include the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), which have utilized ADR mechanisms to address the concerns of local communities and stakeholders.

The Niger Delta region is home to approximately 30 million people, with over 40 ethnic groups, each with their unique culture and language. The region is rich in natural resources, including oil, gas, and minerals, which has led to exploitation and environmental degradation.

The struggle in the Niger Delta is rooted in:

1. Environmental degradation: Oil spills, gas flaring, and pollution have devastated the ecosystem, affecting livelihoods and health.
2. Economic marginalization: Despite the region’s resource wealth, local communities remain impoverished and excluded from the economic benefits.
3. Social injustice: Human rights violations, including forced displacement and suppression of dissenting voices.

ADR initiatives have aimed to address these grievances through:

1. Mediation and negotiation: Facilitating dialogue between communities, government, and oil companies to resolve disputes and agree on development projects.
2. Arbitration: Establishing impartial panels to resolve disputes and ensure fair compensation for damages.
3. Community engagement: Encouraging participatory decision-making and inclusive development planning.

While ADR has contributed to some progress, challenges persist, including:

1. Lack of trust: Communities remain skeptical of government and oil company commitments.
2. Limited capacity: Insufficient resources and infrastructure hinder effective implementation of ADR initiatives.
3. Political instability: Political tensions and corruption undermine the effectiveness of ADR processes.

To enhance the effectiveness of ADR in the Niger Delta, experts recommend:

1. Building trust through transparent and accountable processes.
2. Strengthening institutional capacity and resources.
3. Ensuring inclusive and representative decision-making processes.

Additionally, there are various community-based ADR initiatives in Nigeria, such as the “Ubuntu” approach, which emphasizes community mediation and reconciliation. These initiatives have been successful in resolving disputes and promoting community cohesion.

However, there are also challenges facing ADR in Nigeria, such as:

– Limited awareness about ADR among the general public
– Limited funding for ADR initiatives
– Need for more trained ADR practitioners
– Ensuring the enforceability of ADR outcomes

Despite these challenges, ADR has the potential to make a significant impact on Nigeria’s justice system and promote sustainable peace and development.

Marshall Israel,
Ombudsman, Mediator,
Peace-builder and Conciliator.

Portharcourt, Nigeria.

17th June 2024