Lagos MultiDoor Courthouse refutes justice delay claim

The management of Lagos MultiDoor Courthouse (LMDC) has refuted the claim that the Lagos Settlement Week (LSW) delays dispensation of justice in the state.

The body said it was rather established mainly to supplement the available resources for justice by offering alternative options to resolving disputes.

LMDC reaction was sequel to an interview, wherein a lawyer expressed opinion which was published on pages 39 and 40 of the Guardian Newspaper of June 18, 2019, captioned: ‘Lagos settlement week delays wheel of justice’, with another rider: ‘Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanism in Lagos is a scam’.

LMDC in a statement signed by its head of corporate service, Mrs. Justina Chukwuma, said that LMDC arbitration matters attract a fee guided by the LMDC Arbitration fee schedule available to the public.

“Fees in arbitration are charged based on claims and the fees will be paid before commencement of Arbitration which is international best practice.

Chukwuma therefore said that there is difference between Arbitration and Mediation, noting that the two words cannot be used interchangeably as they are two completely different procedures. “The choice of which procedure to pursue is entirely that of the parties,” she said.

The LSW and other programmes of the LMDC have resulted in the timely, efficient and effective resolution of many disputes, she said, adding that several cases, which have been in court for between 16 and 30 years, have been resolved effectively.

She further clarified that, “LMDC does not charge 10 percent of the claim for Mediation Services.

“Court referred matters are mediated at no cost to the parties or Counsel,” she stated.