At 2024 Annual Conference, NICArb to Ponder Transformation of Arbitration in Africa

By Samuel Ogunsona

The Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators (NICArb) is set to host its 2024 Annual Conference, themed Transformation and Intervention: The Evolving Trends in Arbitration & ADR Practice in Africa.

This year’s conference coincides with NICArb’s 45th anniversary and aims to contribute to discussions on positioning Nigeria at the forefront of international arbitration for Africa.

The conference, scheduled to hold between November 28 and 29, 2024, at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, will examine key issues, including Africa integration and dispute, technology and arbitration, business and human rights, and also third party funding.

Renowned journalist, Chief Mrs. Dupe Ajayi-Gbadebo, who attended the press briefing Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at the NICArb corporate office in Lagos as the Co-Chair, is expected to lead the Fund Raising Sub-Committee for the upcoming NICArb conference.

In her speech, NICArb’s Registrar, Mrs. Shola Oshodi-John highlighted the difficulties often encountered in arbitration matters, particularly the government’s lack of involvement and inadequate support, which hinder effective dispute resolution.

“Nigeria’s government inaction and inadequate support hinder effective arbitration and conflict resolution.” Mrs Shola Oshodi-John declared.

“In February 2023, the African Continental Free Trade Area adopted the Protocol on Investment, marking a significant milestone in promoting investment governance across the continent.

“This protocol not only reflects a unified African stance on key investment areas but also revolutionizes the dynamics of investor-state disputes, offering exciting prospects for resolving disputes within intra-African trade relations.

“The upcoming Conference will delve into the complexities surrounding African integration, tackling the critical dispute resolution needs that must be addressed to drive transformation and growth across the continent.”

Speaking at the briefing, Mrs Gbadebo emphasized that the conference aims to explore Government’s role in resolving investor-state disputes in Africa’s extractive industry, lessons learned, and future directions.

“Discussions will also cover the impact of the AFCFTA’s Investment Protocol on dispute settlement and trade integration,” she said.

She considered: “Additionally, the conference will examine how AI affects arbitration and ADR, addressing professional and ethical concerns.

“The event encourages collaboration among practitioners, institutions, governments, and international bodies, fostering knowledge sharing and partnerships to advance arbitration and ADR in Africa.”

Founded in 1979,  NICArb is the premier arbitration institute in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa, promoting the domestication, knowledge, and practice of arbitration and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).

With over 5,000 members, NICArb offers various training programmes, including associate, member, and fellowship programmes.

The conference will feature six plenary sessions and two breakout sessions, addressing topical issues on the practice of Arbitration and ADR within the African Continent. Key topics will include African integration and dispute resolution, technology and arbitration, business and human rights, and third-party funding.

NICArb’s mission is to become a template for formulation and enforcement of Arbitration and other forms of ADR Proceedings in Nigeria. The institute promotes advocacy, capacity building, research, arbitration referral services, strategic partnership, and program development.

The 2024 Conference promises to be an engaging platform for arbitration and ADR stakeholders to discuss pivotal developments shaping the industry in Africa.