In efforts to enhance access to justice and reduce the burden on conventional courts, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Judiciary has thrown its weight behind the use of mediation as a viable alternative to litigation.
The initiative, designed to promote timely, cost-effective, and non-adversarial resolution of disputes, will kick off with the Abuja Settlement Week at the Abuja Multi-Door Courthouse (AMDC), located within the High Court complex in Gudu, from July 7.
The programme is being organised by the Abuja Branch of the Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators (ICMC), in collaboration with the AMDC, under the auspices of the Honourable Chief Judge of the FCT.
Tagged “Promoting Peace. Encouraging Mediation. Delivering Justice,” the event forms part of a broader judicial reform agenda aimed at decongesting court dockets and prison facilities, while encouraging a culture of dialogue and reconciliation in resolving civil disputes.
In a statement issued on Saturday by the organisers, the Abuja Settlement Week will feature both free and subsidised mediation services covering a broad range of matters, including family, workplace, land, and commercial disputes. Professional mediators—referred to as neutrals—will be available to manage cases referred by the courts as well as walk-in matters.
The Chairman of the ICMC Abuja Branch described the initiative as “a movement towards institutionalizing peace in how we handle conflict,” noting that mediation “offers an effective pathway to justice without confrontation.”
Beyond dispute resolution, the week-long programme will also feature public awareness campaigns and community outreach initiatives aimed at deepening awareness of mediation and encouraging citizens to adopt alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.
The organisers added that the effort is expected to strengthen collaboration among legal professionals, justice sector institutions, and community leaders, reinforcing the FCT Judiciary’s commitment to delivering justice in a more accessible and peaceful manner.
The Abuja Settlement Week comes at a time when calls for justice sector reform and greater reliance on non-litigious frameworks are gaining momentum across Nigeria.
The statement urged stakeholders and members of the public to seize the opportunity to resolve disputes without the delays and costs typically associated with courtroom proceedings.
