Published
We are pleased to present our annual newsletter, highlighting NICArb's achievements and progress in 2023, and also give you a sneak peek into what is in store for 2024.
Retaining our position as the leading promoter of Arbitration and ADR in Sub-Saharan Africa, here are some of our key accomplishments from 2023.
The Institute organized and hosted a 3-day hybrid arbitration conference, held for the first time in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria with nearly a thousand attendees participating both physically and virtually.
The conference was graced by 50 speakers and moderators, the crème de la crème of the industry, hailing from different parts of the world such as Austria, Australia, Benin Republic, Cameroon, Canada, Ivory Coast, Ghana, France, Senegal, the UK, and the US, who participated both in-person and virtually. They spoke on pivotal topics around the theme: "Repositioning Arbitration and ADR Practice in Africa".
Our distinguished members, in addition to their busy schedules presiding over numerous arbitration matters in diverse industries such as construction, oil and gas, and tenancy, have experienced remarkable career growth and notable appointments. Six (6) of our members attained the esteemed title of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), while several others were appointed to prestigious positions as State Attorney Generals, Judges and into various high-ranking political offices in Nigeria.
At the Grand Investiture and Award Ceremony of the Institute, nearly a thousand new members were inducted, signifying a remarkable milestone. This event exemplified a pivotal moment for the institute as it marked a substantial influx of associates, members, and fellows into its ranks.
Aligning with the Institute's mandate to promote the practice of arbitration and ADR, a series of webinars were organized. These included topics such as "Access to Justice Wither Arbitration", "Practical Steps to Arbitration Proceedings, Fees and Quantum of Claims/Damage", "Embracing Equity in Arbitration and ADR", "Arbitration Advocacy", "Arbitration and ADR Mechanisms as Tools for Managing Electoral Conflicts in Nigeria", and the "NICArb Arbitration and Mediation Act, 2023 Webinar Part I" where 10 speakers explored extensively into the Arbitration and Mediation Act 2023. Overall, these initiatives comprised six webinars with a total of 1,555 attendees.
Since 2020, NICArb has participated in UNCITRAL Commission Sessions and Working Groups II and III sessions through online channels. However, for the first time, delegates from the Institute attended in-person at a UNCITRAL session during the recently concluded Commission Session held from 3rd to 21st July 2023. Representing NICArb were the Registrar/Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Shola Oshodi-John, FCArb, and Mr. Francis Oleghe, FCArb.
During the first week, the Commission considered and adopted a Draft Code of Conduct for Arbitrators in International Investment Dispute Resolution and Commentary, and adopted, in principle, a Draft Code of Conduct for Judges in International Investment Dispute Resolution and Commentary. Additionally, the Commission considered and adopted draft provisions on mediation and draft guidelines on investment mediation.
NICArb continues to set high standards in its provision of professional certification training in arbitration and ADR, enjoying wide acceptance across various professional sectors within Nigeria and beyond. In 2023, we trained over 2000 lawyers, judges, legal professionals, and individuals from fields such as engineering, architecture, and construction in 33 states of Nigeria.
As part of our mandate of ensuring the promotion and domestication of arbitration and other forms of ADR in Nigeria and beyond, the institute organized a 5-day training for first-class traditional rulers in Bayelsa State in October 2023 in conjunction with TUSAIRE Consults, sponsored by NCDMB. The training had a total of 20 traditional rulers in attendance.
We solidified our physical presence in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, through the establishment of a service-oriented office. This office serves as a hub for arbitration hearing services, training, and meeting venues for our Abuja Branch members and the public, in alignment with NICArb's mission.
In our pursuit to engage and inspire young, creative minds in arbitration and ADR among emerging professionals, we are dedicated to enhancing and innovating new initiatives aimed at raising awareness about ADR mechanisms among future lawyers and judges. NICArb's Annual Debate and Essay competitions are gaining increased attention among recent graduates and undergraduates in universities across Nigeria, offering substantial prize money amounting to millions of naira.
The first-ever Young NICArb's Hangout was held in the second quarter of 2023. In attendance were the Learned Silk, Mr. Femi Falana, SAN, FCArb and Mr. Dapo Akinosun, SAN and the Registrar/Chief Executive Officer of the Institute, Mrs. Shola Oshodi-John, FCArb. This event provided all 52 participants with an excellent networking opportunity and motivation to uphold the industry.
The Institute appointed newly inducted members to our panel of arbitrators and mediators, comprising experienced legal and other professionals from various fields of expertise. This panel is committed to delivering high-quality services that meet the needs of our clients.
In 2023, we observed a slight increase in the number of arbitration and mediation referrals and requests from disputants for the appointment of neutrals to oversee certain arbitration and mediation matters. The institute received requests for arbitrator appointments in 14 high-profile arbitration cases—3 in the first quarter (2 withdrawn), 7 in the 3rd quarter, and 3 in the 4th quarter—encompassing 12 contractual disputes, 1 land dispute, and 1 breach of a lease agreement.
In 2024, we would continue the motion to enlighten professionals, legal officers and judges in Nigeria on the new Arbitration and Mediation Act, 2024, arbitration practice and proceedings and other issues, while encouraging business concerns and other critical stakeholders to embrace arbitration and ADR as a final option for resolving their disputes.
We want to take this opportunity to thank our clients, partners, supporters and especially our members for their continued trust and confidence in NICArb. We are committed to delivering high-quality ADR services that meet the needs of our clients and members and contribute to the development of Africa's ADR practices.
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