Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has said that Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanism will reduce stress on courts in the country.
Makinde stated this on Thursday while declaring open a conference by Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb), held in Ibadan.
The governor, who described ADR as a tidier way of resolving matters, maintained that the mechanism was in the best interest of all concerned.
According to him, ADR is a mechanism to find alternative ways of speeding up the process of dispute resolution.
“Nigeria’s judicial system is over-burdened. The innovative use of ADR process can improve the effectiveness of the system,” the governor said.
Makinde said that his administration would ensure effective collaboration between the judiciary and arbitrators in the state.
While commending the institute for holding the conference in the state, he expressed delight with the lineup of panels, sessions and conversations for the programme.
According to the governor, with the programme, Nigeria is indeed ready to take its rightful place on the international alternative dispute resolution stage.
“Of course, there is a continuous need to inject new thoughts and improve the process of dispute resolution, such as arbitration and mediation.
“So, I look forward to a time where people will think of arbitration first before heading for court.
“We already know that our judicial system is overburdened. The innovative use of the ADR process can reduce the stress on our courts so that it is primarily criminal cases that they will adjudicate on,” he stated.
Makinde further stated that his administration would be readily available to contribute toward making the collaboration between the judiciary and the institute more effective in the state.
He urged the association to think more about issues that could affect Nigeria, “as there are definite gaps in the dispute resolution process that need to be filled.
“It is time to develop home-grown solutions to these problems. And, I am confident that with the calibre of people in this room, ideas will surely flow.”
In his address of welcome, Chairman of CIArb in Nigeria, Chief Akingbola Akinola, said that the institute was an international centre of excellence for the practice and profession of alternative dispute resolution.
Akinola, who the theme of the conference as “Future Perfect: Securing Africa’s Ascent on the Global ADR Stage,” expressed optimism that the forum would present a platform for robust discussions and contributions.
This, he said, would enhance proper understanding of issues relating to the growth and advancement of arbitration and ADR in Africa in general and Nigeria in particular.
He commended the state government for being among the several states that had established multi-door court houses offering court-connected ADR, thereby making available alternative doors for dispute resolution.
