Press Release
29 June 2006
Nigeria: ADR to Boost Commerce and
Investor Confidence
Abuja, Nigeria, Monday 26th June 2006. The Hon. Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Bayo Ojo stressed the need for Nigeria to speedily expand the scope of its economic and political reforms to include the harmonisation of Arbitration and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) laws so as to boost commerce and encourage foreign investments in the country.
ADR Group representatives (Michael Lind, Paul Gale and Richard Schiffer), the Hon. Commissioner of Oyo State, Mrs Esther Adesanya and fellow Nigerian partners
Speaking on the Minister's behalf at an international ADR conference in Abuja, Mr Busari, Special Assistant to the Minister, reiterated the government’s commitment to ADR and mediation in particular and recognised the economic importance of Nigeria being an ‘ADR friendly country’. He said “ADR is fast gaining a footing in Nigeria. Foreign investors need to have confidence in Nigeria’s ability to resolve disputes with transparent and robust alternative dispute resolution procedures, such as mediation. The Federal Government recognises the important economic role of arbitration and ADR and has already implemented steps to give Arbitration and ADR Federal legislative support. “ The conference was organised by ADR Group and Nigerian Partners led by the Hon Commissioner of Oyo State Mrs Ester Adesanya.
The Hon. Commissioner of Oyo State, Mrs Esther Adesanya
Mr Busari confirmed the importance of Nigeria having a cadre of professional neutrals who have been trained to the highest international standards. “We welcome the international experience ADR Group will bring to Nigeria which will build and strengthen on the initial ADR developments in the country.”
Mr Tunde Busari, Special Assistant to the Minister of Justice
Mr Richard Schiffer, Chairman of ADR Group (UK) addressed the conference and acknowledged the importance of Government support and commitment to the development of a sustainable ADR infrastructure in Nigeria. He said “Judicial and Government support is a proven catalyst for the speedy introduction of an ADR culture. Nigeria is in a wonderful position to develop an international reputation for ADR and mediation. ADR Group is a private company performing a public service and is well placed in terms of international experience and reputation to work with our Nigerian partners to deliver a range of specialist ADR services and help Nigeria achieve its goal of increased commerce and foreign investment confidence”.
ADR Group is organising with its Nigerian partners led by the Hon. Commissioner of Oyo State, Mrs Esther Adesanya, an International ADR and Mediation Seminar focusing on developments in Nigeria and Africa. The seminar will take place in central London, UK on 11-13 September 2006.
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About ADR Group
ADR Group is the leading professional alternative dispute resolution company in the UK. We are highly regarded both nationally and internationally as an authority in mediation and other cost-effective dispute resolution and prevention techniques spanning commercial, public-sector and family disputes.
The Group delivers a wide range of dispute resolution training programmes through its training faculty, with all programmes recognised and approved by the Law Society of England and Wales and the Bar Council. ADR Group is also recognised as an accredited mediation provider by the Civil Mediation Counsel, the UK’s leading mediation standards organisation.
ADR Group is an organisation supporting initiatives approved by the Department for Constitutional Affairs, the Court Service and various Court based mediation schemes around the country. The Group formed part of the European Commission’s ADR working party on the drafting and implementation of the EU ADR Code and Directive. ADR Group operates an International ADR Development Programme and has delivered mediation awareness and Judicial training programmes funded by the British Embassy, the Department for International Development and the World Bank Group.
For further information contact
Katie Vander Woerd
E: Katie.vander-woerd@adrgroup.co.uk
T: +44 (0) 117 946 7180.
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