Get Guardian on GoogleThe Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) Nigeria Branch has outlined strategies for strengthening corporate risk management, preventing commercial disputes and positioning Nigeria as a preferred arbitration destination.
The institute, through its Corporate and In-House Counsel Committee (CICC), identified early risk detection, effective contract management and commercially sustainable dispute resolution as critical to business success.
The position emerged from two stakeholder engagements held in Abuja and Lagos respectively, which brought together in-house counsel, legal practitioners, business executives and judicial stakeholders to examine practical approaches to managing legal risks and resolving commercial disputes.
Led by the CICC Chair, Dr. Adenike Esan, with the support of CIArb Nigeria Branch Chair, Mrs. Olusola Adegbonmire, the engagements focused on strengthening collaboration between corporate counsel and the wider arbitration community.
The two dialogues form part of CICC’s broader efforts to strengthen engagement between corporate and in-house counsel and the arbitration community, while promoting practical approaches to risk management, dispute avoidance and resolution.
The Abuja dialogue, themed, “Arbitration That Works: Making Arbitration Work – From User Expectations to Commercial Outcomes,” examined how Nigeria could become a preferred seat for arbitration by aligning dispute resolution processes with corporate expectations and business objectives.
An opening fireside chat featuring Mrs. Adesua Dozie of NNPC Limited and moderated by Mrs. Oyinlola Adebayo of AMCON explored the expectations of corporate users of arbitration.
A panel discussion moderated by Ms. Chinenye Onyemaizu of Lex Luminar featured Justice Olasumbo Goodluck of the Court of Appeal, Prince Adetokunbo Kayode (SAN), Mr. Terlumun George-Maria Tyendezwa, Ms. Hadeezah Abdulrasheed of Jaiz Bank and Mrs. Maimuna Lami Gogo Shiru of the Federal Ministry of Justice.
The panel examined judicial support, enforcement dynamics and institutional requirements for effective arbitration.
An interactive session facilitated by Mrs. Perenami Momodu, FCIArb, of Gateley Plc and Mr. Oladapo Ademola of Advocaat Law Practice emphasised the need for arbitration to preserve business relationships, control costs and ensure effective policy implementation.
The Lagos dialogue, themed, “The Business of Risk: Managing Legal Risk, Preventing Disputes and Delivering Value,” was organised in strategic partnership with Stren & Blan Partners, its exclusive sponsor.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Rotimi Odusola of Guinness Nigeria Plc highlighted the need for modern in-house counsel to evolve beyond traditional legal responsibilities and become strategic business partners.
A panel session on major projects, moderated by Mrs. Iretioluwa Banjo of Superflux International, featured Mr. Amala Umeike of Stren & Blan Partners, Mr. Emmanuel Dike of Jasmine Advocates, Mr. Bolaji Olojo of IGPES Group, Mrs. Omonigho Brown of Julius Berger and Mrs. Abiola Tella of Churchgate Group.
The panel examined risk management lessons from infrastructure and real estate projects.
Participants at the Lagos engagement, during an open-mic session facilitated by Mr. Tochukwu Amaefule, FCIArb, of Stren & Blan Partners and Mrs. Chinwe Odigboegwu, FCIArb, of ATC Nigeria, stressed the importance of involving legal teams from the inception of projects to ensure proper contract management and prevent disputes at an early stage.
Across the two engagements, participants emphasised that effective dispute resolution begins before conflicts arise, noting that in-house counsel must serve as proactive risk advisers while businesses prioritise early identification of risks.
They also highlighted the importance of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms in minimising business disruptions, while identifying cross-sector collaboration, strong institutions and reliable judicial frameworks as essential to strengthening Nigeria’s reputation as an arbitration hub.
Founding Partner of Stren & Blan Partners, Mr. Umeike reaffirmed the firm’s commitment to the initiative and expressed its interest in sustaining the partnership with CICC in future editions of the dialogue.
Also speaking, Adegbonmire commended the engagements for promoting meaningful discussions on arbitration, dispute prevention and commercial dispute resolution in Nigeria.
