The Lagos State Judiciary has reaffirmed its commitment to transforming the justice system through Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) as it officially flagged off the Lagos Statewide Settlement Week (LSSW) 2025.
The initiative, unveiled at a press conference in Lagos, aims to enhance access to justice, reduce court congestion, and promote a culture of peaceful conflict resolution across the state.
In her address, the chairman of the Lagos Settlement Week Committee, Justice Olutoyin Atinuke Ipaye, described the LSSW 2025 as a bold and inclusive reform tailored to align with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES+ agenda.
“This initiative is not just about mediation; it is about empowering Lagosians to choose peace over conflict, and resolution over litigation,” she said.
She said the LSSW 2025 will run from July 14 to 18 across various venues including courts in Ikeja, Ikorodu, and Lagos Island, as well as selected local government offices.
It targets the free mediation of over 1,000 disputes cutting across finance, entertainment, youth development, MSMEs, sports, and public institutions.
According to Justice Ipaye, the programme builds on the measurable success of the Lagos Multi-Door Courthouse (LMDC), which has facilitated the recovery of over N53.7 billion, $141 million, and €14,000 in mediated claims.
“Our efforts have led to a 280 per cent increase in ADR referrals in the last decade. Key features of the initiative include free and subsidised ADR services, a tech-enabled platform for virtual resolutions, and simplified access for individuals, businesses, MDAs, and professional associations. This is Lagos setting the pace for the rest of Nigeria,” Justice Ipaye said.
Echoing her remarks, the chairman of the Governing Council of the LMDC, Justice Jumoke Pedro, praised the centre’s impact since its inception in 2002 as Africa’s first court-connected ADR institution.
“The LMDC has helped redefine justice delivery by offering fast, cost-effective, and amicable solutions to legal conflicts,” she said. Justice Pedro highlighted the LMDC’s operational model which includes court-referred and walk-in matters, specialised panels of neutrals, rigorous case management, and robust training programmes.
These include Mediation Skills Training (MST), Online Dispute Resolution (ODR), and Case Management Training (CMT), all rooted in international best practices. She revealed that the LMDC has handled over 12,563 ADR cases to date, achieving high success rates particularly in commercial, tenancy, and family disputes.
“Our model has inspired similar institutions nationwide and contributed to the formation of the National Policy on Arbitration and ADR,” she added.
Both judges emphasised that beyond legal resolution, ADR plays a vital role in social harmony, economic growth, and civic empowerment.
They called on stakeholders including lawyers, government agencies, private sector actors, and civil society to actively participate and promote the Settlement Week.
“Lagos is not only delivering justice, it is delivering it faster, fairer, and with a human face. Together, we can build a justice system where every dispute finds a peaceful path to resolution.”
The LSSW 2025 promises to set a new benchmark in justice innovation, positioning Lagos as a global leader in modern dispute resolution. Also, a Director in the LMDC, Mrs Achere Cole, said the LMDC continues to distinguish itself as a centre of excellence in ADR and capacity building.
Her words: “With a dedicated and resilient workforce, the LMDC has consistently delivered timely, professional, and effective dispute resolution services. Its growing local and international recognition is a testament to years of commitment to innovation and human development.
“From mediation and negotiation to restorative justice and ADR advocacy, the LMDC’s training and impact span diverse professional sectors. This edition of our newsletter celebrates the strides we’ve made and the unwavering passion that fuels our mission to provide transformative justice,” she said.
