By| Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s judiciary, improving access to justice and promoting greater public awareness and use of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja 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.
Idris said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was taking deliberate measures to strengthen the judiciary through increased support, improved infrastructure, legislative reforms and enhanced welfare for judicial officers.
“President Tinubu is strengthening the judiciary through increased support, improved infrastructure, legislative reforms and measures to enhance the welfare of judicial officers,” the Minister said.
He noted that the increasing pressure on the nation’s courts had made it necessary to promote alternative mechanisms for resolving appropriate disputes, stressing that Nigerians should be better informed about options available outside conventional litigation.
“I believe people need to be made aware of other means of resolving disputes. You do not need to go to court for every matter,” Idris said.
The Minister said the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation was willing to explore areas of collaboration with NICArb, particularly in public education and strategic communication, to deepen Nigerians’ understanding of arbitration and other ADR mechanisms.
According to him, greater public enlightenment would enable citizens to understand when and how alternative dispute resolution could be appropriately used in settling disputes.
Earlier, the Chairman of NICArb, Akinosun, SAN, explained that arbitration provides parties with a credible alternative avenue for resolving disputes outside the conventional court process.
“Arbitration provides Nigerians with a credible and effective alternative to litigation, and we are seeking to work with the Ministry of Information to deepen public awareness and understanding of alternative dispute resolution across the country,” Akinosun said.
He also invited the Minister and officials of the Ministry to participate in the Institute’s training and professional development programmes, while proposing broader collaboration with the Ministry and its agencies to expand public understanding of ADR.
Idris welcomed the proposal and expressed the Ministry’s readiness to partner with NICArb on initiatives aimed at promoting public enlightenment and strengthening Nigerians’ understanding and utilisation of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.
