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.
Our Vision
To be the preferred Arbitration and ADR training and research institute in West Africa with a state-of-the-art facility that meets international standards.
Our Mission
To become a template for formulating, administering, and enforcing Arbitration and other forms of Alternative Dispute Resolution practice in Nigeria and beyond.
Aims
& Objectives
Building a resilient framework for
peaceful conflict resolution across
sectors
Promote Peaceful Resolution
Promote & facilitate the settlement of disputes through Arbitration, Mediation and other forms of ADR
Elevate ADR Expertise
Improve the standard, skill, and expertise of Arbitrators/Mediators and all those involved in ADR
Advance ADR Awareness
Advocate and propagate the awareness and growth of Arbitration and ADR in Nigeria
Foster Scholarly Excellence
Promote the study of Arbitration law and ADR
Uphold Ethical Standards
Maintain and improve the standard of ethics and professional conduct in Arbitration and ADR practice in Nigeria
Invest in ADR Growth
Invest in and promote continuous research and review of existing Arbitration and ADR laws in Nigeria and across the globe
Our Services
Comprehensive support for effective dispute resolution
Advocacy and Access to Justice
We promote legal awareness and empower individuals and organisations to resolve conflicts through accessible ADR mechanisms
Appointing Authority
NICArb serves as a trusted authority in nominating arbitrators and mediators for domestic and international disputes
Arbitration & ADR Centre Services
Our full-service ADR Centre offers administrative support, hearing rooms, and tech-enabled resources for arbitration and mediation
Consultancy
We provide expert advice to institutions and individuals on designing and implementing effective dispute resolution frameworks
Professional Training & Certification
NICArb offers structured training programmes and certifications to build expertise in arbitration, mediation, and other ADR processes
Professional Membership Services
Our membership platform fosters collaboration, continuous learning, and professional growth within the ADR community
Research and Publications
We publish journals, reports, and studies that shape the discourse and development of arbitration and ADR in Nigeria and beyond
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