The FG strengthens the justice system and promotes alternative dispute resolution

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the Federal Government is taking deliberate measures to strengthen Nigeria’s justice system and improve access to justice, while advocating for greater public awareness and the use of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.
According to a statement by the Special Assistant on Media to Minister Rabiu Ibrahim, Idris said this when the Chairman of the 2026 Investiture and Awards Night Ceremony of the Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators, Dapo Akinosun, SAN, led members of the institute on a courtesy visit to him in Abuja.

“President Tinubu is strengthening the judiciary through increased support, improved infrastructure, legislative reforms and measures to improve the welfare of judicial officers,” Idris said.

The Minister noted that increasing pressure on the courts makes it necessary to improve public understanding and the use of alternative mechanisms to resolve appropriate disputes.

“I believe people need to be made aware of other means of resolving disputes. You don’t have to go to court for every matter,” the minister said, underscoring the importance of public awareness in encouraging Nigerians to understand and appropriately use alternative dispute resolution.

The Minister said the Federal Ministry of Information and National Guidance is ready to explore areas of collaboration with the Institute, particularly in public education and strategic communication, to help Nigerians better understand arbitration and alternative dispute resolution (ADR).

NICArb President Dapo Akinosun, SAN, explained that arbitration provides parties with an alternative avenue to resolve disputes outside the conventional judicial process.

“Arbitration provides Nigerians with a credible and effective alternative to litigation and we are seeking to collaborate with the Ministry of Information to deepen public awareness and understanding of alternative dispute resolution across the country,” Akinosun said.

The President also invited the Minister and his officials to participate in the Institute’s training and professional development programmes, while proposing collaboration with the Ministry and its agencies to broaden public understanding of ADR.

The Minister welcomed the proposal and expressed willingness to collaborate with NICArb on initiatives that promote public enlightenment and deepen understanding of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms in Nigeria.