Dr. John Elachi Agada, the President of the Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators, has called for the widespread adoption of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) to alleviate the congestion in the court system and enhance access to justice in Nigeria. He made this appeal during the inaugural conference on Alternative Dispute Resolution for judges, held at the Ogun State Judiciary Complex in Kobape, Abeokuta.
Agada emphasized that the utilization of ADR mechanisms, including mediation, conciliation, and arbitration, would expand access to justice and reduce delays in the delivery of justice. He acknowledged the challenges faced by the judiciary, including court congestion, and stressed that promoting ADR is a valuable solution to these issues.
He stated, “The deployment of alternatives to litigation by resorting to ADR mechanisms such as arbitration, mediation, conciliation, and a host of others will ensure greater access to justice, reduce delay in justice delivery, while also offering disputants options to address their concerns.”
Agada further highlighted the need for judges to issue orders that encourage the adoption of ADR and support the enforcement of terms of settlement obtained through ADR, akin to court orders.
Efficient reform of the justice system in Nigeria, according to Agada, will not only benefit the nation but also have a positive impact on other African countries, given Nigeria’s prominent role on the continent.
Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu, the Chief Judge of Ogun State, welcomed conference participants and acknowledged the apprehension surrounding ADR, both from litigants and legal practitioners. She noted that many people view ADR as a potential means to lose their cases, while some legal professionals may perceive it as a threat to their professional fees.
However, Justice Dipeolu stressed that the legal framework in Nigeria supports ADR, emphasizing the many benefits it offers. ADR processes are known for being cost-effective, swift, flexible, informal, confidential, and conducive to maintaining relationships between disputants. They also help alleviate the workload of judges, enhance judicial modernization, and increase access to justice. She encouraged judges in the country to embrace and uphold the implementation of ADR for the betterment of the justice system.