Maritime arbitrators implore stakeholders on alternative dispute mechanism

The Maritime Arbitrators Association of Nigeria (MAAN) has concluded plans to host the first dispute resolution week for maritime industry stakeholders, operators and regulators from 16th to 20th May, 2016, in Lagos.

According to the President of the association, Dr. Omogbai Omo-Eboh, the association is undertaking the initiative “which aims to raise awareness of non-court based approach to resolving maritime disputes in Nigeria”.

He explained that Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) is “In line with the core vision of MAAN to become a worldwide recognized leader in commercial maritime dispute resolution by supporting and facilitating domestic and international arbitration and promoting Nigeria as a venue for the settlement of maritime disputes through arbitration and ADR”.

Explaining further in a statement, he said: “the Association is undertaking this initiative which aims to raise awareness of non-court based approach to resolving maritime disputes in Nigeria.

“To this end, we expect to facilitate the resolution of about 50 maritime disputes through the utilization of alternative dispute resolution techniques, i.e. arbitration, mediation, conciliation or negotiation. Our aim is to expose these forms of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms as being more effective than the court/litigation process.

“The advantages are reduced time in dispute resolution, reduced cost, confidentiality of the process, improved satisfaction with the outcome among disputants, among others,” Omo-Eboh said.

He said the week long programme promises to be a beneficial and advantageous endeavour to the maritime industry.

He said, “As this is the inaugural scheme, it will be offered for free to disputants this year so as to encourage the submission of disputes for resolution. A day will be set aside during the week for sensitization of disputants on the workings of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms chosen to resolve their disputes.”

He said various organisations including government agencies, shipping companies, terminal operators, importers, freight forwarders and the organized private sector are billed to participate in the Dispute Resolution Week.