July 28, 2025
Oyinlola makinde

Assessing Nigeria’s Aspirations as a Regional Arbitration Hub under the National Policy on Arbitration and ADR 2024.

Nigeria’s aim is not only to attract international arbitration but also to create a business-friendly environment that encourages both local and foreign companies to efficiently resolve disputes within its borders. This ambitious goal is driven by the recognition that arbitration is becoming the preferred method for resolving commercial disputes worldwide, offering advantages such as speed, confidentiality, and flexibility.

Ultimately, the Policy aims to reduce the burden on the court system, expedite the resolution of commercial disputes, foster ease of doing business, and enhance investor confidence.

This article aims to critically examine the key highlights of the Policy vis-à-vis current realities, assess the feasibility of the Policy in addressing the challenges facing arbitration in the country and explore its potential strengths and weaknesses in positioning the country as a regional hub for dispute resolution.
This article will also offer recommendations on how Nigeria can strengthen its legal and institutional frameworks to better support the policy’s implementation and foster a more conducive environment for arbitration.

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