The Story Behind NICArb

Promoting ADR Since 1979 As The Premier Institute in Nigeria (And Sub-Saharan Africa)

The Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators (NICArb)—a trademark of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators Ltd/Gte—is the premier Arbitration and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) institute in Sub-Saharan Africa. It was founded in 1979 under the leadership of the late Justice Bola Ajibola, SAN, KBE, former Attorney General of Nigeria, and former Judge of the World Court at The Hague. NICArb was incorporated in 1988 under the Companies and Allied Matters Act as a legal entity limited by guarantee.

Since 1979, the Institute has been at the forefront of promoting the domestication, knowledge, and practice of arbitration and ADR in Nigeria. The Institute has over 7,000 members from diverse professional backgrounds, and its national outlook is evidenced by its network of branches across the country. NICArb also has members in other countries, including Cameroon, Canada, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Japan, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America.

NICArb is an appointing and referral authority for Arbitrators/Mediators and ADR's practitioners with a full-service Arbitration/ADR Centre (AADRC) comprising experienced and qualified Neutrals. The AADRC provides services in line with global best practices, administering 'Ad Hoc and Institutional Arbitration on domestic and international matters. The Centre provides administrative and ancillary support for other ADR proceedings, thus making it convenient to access ADR consultations, hearings, and proceedings at affordable rates. The AADRC is fully equipped with internet services, library resources, uninterrupted power supply and video conferencing, 24-hour CCTV, high-tech tools (writing pads, projector screens), video recording, and a well-furnished and spacious cafeteria.