Ed’s Note: This is the text of the Speech delivered by Ahmed
Adetola-Kazeem, MCIArb (UK) delivered at
the AGM of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, Nigeria Branch on 21st March
2016. Same was published by the author on www.linkedin.com on 22nd April, 2016.
Adetola-Kazeem, MCIArb (UK) delivered at
the AGM of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, Nigeria Branch on 21st March
2016. Same was published by the author on www.linkedin.com on 22nd April, 2016.
 |
| Photo Credit – www.thelaw.tv |
By the records of
the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, Nigeria has the fastest growing branch
of the institute and ironically, has the lowest record of dues payment
worldwide. As at 15th of October 2015, out of a total of 1241 members only 319
paid up their dues. 144 Associates out of 755, 118 Members out of 379 and 57
fellows out of 107 paid. The percentage of members who did not pay their dues
in the period under review was 74.2%. When I was inducted as a member in 2010
about a 100 of us were inducted, less than 10% of that number are active
presently. Many members, particularly young members are very enthusiastic when
they join the institute, but with time their interest starts to wane. When
asked about the reason for their loss of interest, they complained of
non-inclusion and the lack of practical experience in arbitration practice. In
summary, most members are disenchanted and see no reason why they should keep
paying their dues without any meaningful gain or any hope of one. Some view the
established arbitrators as a clique or worst still, a cabal who do not want
outsiders within their ranks.
the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, Nigeria has the fastest growing branch
of the institute and ironically, has the lowest record of dues payment
worldwide. As at 15th of October 2015, out of a total of 1241 members only 319
paid up their dues. 144 Associates out of 755, 118 Members out of 379 and 57
fellows out of 107 paid. The percentage of members who did not pay their dues
in the period under review was 74.2%. When I was inducted as a member in 2010
about a 100 of us were inducted, less than 10% of that number are active
presently. Many members, particularly young members are very enthusiastic when
they join the institute, but with time their interest starts to wane. When
asked about the reason for their loss of interest, they complained of
non-inclusion and the lack of practical experience in arbitration practice. In
summary, most members are disenchanted and see no reason why they should keep
paying their dues without any meaningful gain or any hope of one. Some view the
established arbitrators as a clique or worst still, a cabal who do not want
outsiders within their ranks.
To
combat the gloomy picture painted above, there is need for the institute to
take concrete steps at ensuring that members have a sense of belonging by
creating opportunities for them to have practical experience in arbitration. If
there is a failure in this regard it will definitely come to hurt us. This
point was made by Late Hon. Justice Kayode Eso who stated in the foreword to
the book,Commercial Arbitration Law and International Practice in Nigeria that:
combat the gloomy picture painted above, there is need for the institute to
take concrete steps at ensuring that members have a sense of belonging by
creating opportunities for them to have practical experience in arbitration. If
there is a failure in this regard it will definitely come to hurt us. This
point was made by Late Hon. Justice Kayode Eso who stated in the foreword to
the book,Commercial Arbitration Law and International Practice in Nigeria that:
“…the
greatest threats to the sustainability and growth of commercial arbitration in
this country remain the dearth of reliable up-to-date literature on the subject
and the entry into the practice of ill-equipped individuals who lack
the learning, comportment and experience needed to harness the
benefits of commercial Arbitration. (Emphasis mine)
greatest threats to the sustainability and growth of commercial arbitration in
this country remain the dearth of reliable up-to-date literature on the subject
and the entry into the practice of ill-equipped individuals who lack
the learning, comportment and experience needed to harness the
benefits of commercial Arbitration. (Emphasis mine)
If the situation as
painted by the late learned jurist is to change, the Chartered Institute of
Arbitrators and other arbitral bodies must institutionalize mentorship and
create opportunities for young arbitrators to thrive by putting in place the
necessary structures for Small Claims Arbitration and Online Dispute
Resolution.
painted by the late learned jurist is to change, the Chartered Institute of
Arbitrators and other arbitral bodies must institutionalize mentorship and
create opportunities for young arbitrators to thrive by putting in place the
necessary structures for Small Claims Arbitration and Online Dispute
Resolution.
It
should be noted that the challenges painted above are not peculiar to Nigeria;
other jurisdictions face similar challenges and are trying to surmount them.Ciaran
Fahy wrote in his article titled: “Dispute Resolution in the Irish
Construction Industry: Future Trends”[2] that:
should be noted that the challenges painted above are not peculiar to Nigeria;
other jurisdictions face similar challenges and are trying to surmount them.Ciaran
Fahy wrote in his article titled: “Dispute Resolution in the Irish
Construction Industry: Future Trends”[2] that:
“In
my view arbitration as a process in Ireland, and indeed in other countries, is
in decline and the significant growth of other dispute resolution methods is a
testament to its shortcomings. In simple terms arbitration is
perceived, in my view rightly, as too slow and consequently too expensive. It
is by no means uncommon to find an arbitration on a one-year construction job
takes up to two years or so to find the cost associated with an arbitration are
a multiple of the award and even sometimes the amounts claimed. To me, that is
simply unacceptable.
my view arbitration as a process in Ireland, and indeed in other countries, is
in decline and the significant growth of other dispute resolution methods is a
testament to its shortcomings. In simple terms arbitration is
perceived, in my view rightly, as too slow and consequently too expensive. It
is by no means uncommon to find an arbitration on a one-year construction job
takes up to two years or so to find the cost associated with an arbitration are
a multiple of the award and even sometimes the amounts claimed. To me, that is
simply unacceptable.
However, I
believe the situation I have described above derives mainly from a lack of
expertise and also a lack of creativity on the part of those involved rather
than an inherent problem with the process itself. I have frequently
heard it said that the pool of arbitrators in Ireland is very limited and that
apart from a few individuals the quality is at best uneven. In my view that is
true but it is not the full truth of the situation since I believe the lack of
expertise extends across the full range of people involved in arbitration and
in particular it seems to me to apply to lawyers where, with a few notable
exceptions, the level of knowledge or understanding is limited.
believe the situation I have described above derives mainly from a lack of
expertise and also a lack of creativity on the part of those involved rather
than an inherent problem with the process itself. I have frequently
heard it said that the pool of arbitrators in Ireland is very limited and that
apart from a few individuals the quality is at best uneven. In my view that is
true but it is not the full truth of the situation since I believe the lack of
expertise extends across the full range of people involved in arbitration and
in particular it seems to me to apply to lawyers where, with a few notable
exceptions, the level of knowledge or understanding is limited.
In
order to rectify this I believe the two approaches are required. First, the
professional bodies involved in this area should recognize the need to provide
ongoing training at an increasingly high level not only to those who are or who
wish to be, arbitrators but also to those who themselves engaged in arbitration
work. I also think those who are involved in arbitration need to be
more creative in their approach and in that context I believe the two new
procedures published by Engineers Ireland are significant. To me, a dispute
involving a relatively small sum of money, and by that I mean anything up to
€250,000, should as a matter of course, be dealt with under a fast-track
procedure such as the Engineers Ireland 100-Day Procedure.” (Emphasis mine)
order to rectify this I believe the two approaches are required. First, the
professional bodies involved in this area should recognize the need to provide
ongoing training at an increasingly high level not only to those who are or who
wish to be, arbitrators but also to those who themselves engaged in arbitration
work. I also think those who are involved in arbitration need to be
more creative in their approach and in that context I believe the two new
procedures published by Engineers Ireland are significant. To me, a dispute
involving a relatively small sum of money, and by that I mean anything up to
€250,000, should as a matter of course, be dealt with under a fast-track
procedure such as the Engineers Ireland 100-Day Procedure.” (Emphasis mine)
The writer above
painted the dire situation arbitration finds itself, he emphasized that lack of
expertise and creativity are reasons for the problems presently beleaguering
the practice of arbitration. In order to remedy this situation, the Chartered
Institute of Arbitrators and other arbitral institutions must build the
expertise of their members and encourage members’ participation through Small
Claims Arbitration, Online Dispute Resolution and Institutionalization of
Mentorship amongst other creative means.
painted the dire situation arbitration finds itself, he emphasized that lack of
expertise and creativity are reasons for the problems presently beleaguering
the practice of arbitration. In order to remedy this situation, the Chartered
Institute of Arbitrators and other arbitral institutions must build the
expertise of their members and encourage members’ participation through Small
Claims Arbitration, Online Dispute Resolution and Institutionalization of
Mentorship amongst other creative means.
I say forehand,
that the options are closely related but have their distinct features. An
attempt would be made to highlight the features of the various suggestions
within the time frame of this member’s forum. I believe a more comprehensive
discussion on the various suggestions will be made at future programmes or
conferences.
that the options are closely related but have their distinct features. An
attempt would be made to highlight the features of the various suggestions
within the time frame of this member’s forum. I believe a more comprehensive
discussion on the various suggestions will be made at future programmes or
conferences.
1.
Institutionalizing Mentorship
Institutionalizing Mentorship
Talks
about mentorship have become clichés. Everyone talks about it, but very few
people undertake to practice it in its real sense. It cannot be said that
mentorship in the field of arbitration is totally non-existent; it is at best
done on an ad hoc basis or in most cases theoretical, rather than practical.
The above thought was echoed by Joanna Steele in her paper titled “The
LMAA in the Twenty-First Century: Securing the Future for London Maritime
Arbitration”[3] where she said:
about mentorship have become clichés. Everyone talks about it, but very few
people undertake to practice it in its real sense. It cannot be said that
mentorship in the field of arbitration is totally non-existent; it is at best
done on an ad hoc basis or in most cases theoretical, rather than practical.
The above thought was echoed by Joanna Steele in her paper titled “The
LMAA in the Twenty-First Century: Securing the Future for London Maritime
Arbitration”[3] where she said:
The experienced
arbitrator would along the line assess the competence of the young arbitrator
through oral and written assessment.
arbitrator would along the line assess the competence of the young arbitrator
through oral and written assessment.
The young
arbitrator through the practical mentorship sessions will learn how to conduct
arbitral proceedings, how to draft orders and ultimately how to draft valid and
compelling awards. For the sake of emphasis, the mentorship programme should be
regulated and monitored by the concerned arbitral institution as is presently
done at the International Council for Commercial Arbitration (ICCA). Once a young
arbitrator has met some set criteria he or she may then be appointed as an
arbitrator in Small Claims Arbitration.
arbitrator through the practical mentorship sessions will learn how to conduct
arbitral proceedings, how to draft orders and ultimately how to draft valid and
compelling awards. For the sake of emphasis, the mentorship programme should be
regulated and monitored by the concerned arbitral institution as is presently
done at the International Council for Commercial Arbitration (ICCA). Once a young
arbitrator has met some set criteria he or she may then be appointed as an
arbitrator in Small Claims Arbitration.
1.
Small Claims Arbitration
Small Claims Arbitration
One
of the duties of an arbitral tribunal is to conduct the proceedings in a cost
effective way; for instance, Art. 17(1) of the Arbitration Rules of Lagos Court
of Arbitration provides that: “The arbitral tribunal, in exercising its
discretion, shall conduct the proceedings so as to avoid unnecessary delay and
expense and to provide a fair and efficient process for resolving the parties’
dispute”.
of the duties of an arbitral tribunal is to conduct the proceedings in a cost
effective way; for instance, Art. 17(1) of the Arbitration Rules of Lagos Court
of Arbitration provides that: “The arbitral tribunal, in exercising its
discretion, shall conduct the proceedings so as to avoid unnecessary delay and
expense and to provide a fair and efficient process for resolving the parties’
dispute”.
The problem of
costs in arbitration is a recurring issue and parties frequently complain that
arbitration often costs significantly more than it is expected to cost and now
the cost of bringing or defending a claim before an arbitral tribunal is likely
to be considerably higher than that of bringing or defending the same claim
before a national court. The problem of costs is more significant if the amount
in dispute is small. Added to this is the fact an established arbitrator is
likely to turn down a reference if he considers the claims too small, whereas a
young arbitrator will be willing to handle such reference in order to sharpen
his skills and for the needed experience. There is therefore the need for
arbitral institutions to align the need of users for a cost-effective
arbitration process with that of young and inexperienced arbitrators’ need for
the experience to grow in the field of arbitration.
costs in arbitration is a recurring issue and parties frequently complain that
arbitration often costs significantly more than it is expected to cost and now
the cost of bringing or defending a claim before an arbitral tribunal is likely
to be considerably higher than that of bringing or defending the same claim
before a national court. The problem of costs is more significant if the amount
in dispute is small. Added to this is the fact an established arbitrator is
likely to turn down a reference if he considers the claims too small, whereas a
young arbitrator will be willing to handle such reference in order to sharpen
his skills and for the needed experience. There is therefore the need for
arbitral institutions to align the need of users for a cost-effective
arbitration process with that of young and inexperienced arbitrators’ need for
the experience to grow in the field of arbitration.
Many arbitral
Institutions have provisions for small-claim arbitration but one of the most
robust is that of the London Maritime Arbitrators Association (LMAA). The
London Maritime Arbitrators Association issued its guidelines with a view to
making the decision-making process as cost-effective and efficient as possible.
Arbitral institutions in Nigeria should take a cue from LMAA by coming up with
similar rules or procedures with a view to mitigating the cost of arbitration
and providing a veritable opportunity for qualified less-experienced
arbitrators to hone their skills.
Institutions have provisions for small-claim arbitration but one of the most
robust is that of the London Maritime Arbitrators Association (LMAA). The
London Maritime Arbitrators Association issued its guidelines with a view to
making the decision-making process as cost-effective and efficient as possible.
Arbitral institutions in Nigeria should take a cue from LMAA by coming up with
similar rules or procedures with a view to mitigating the cost of arbitration
and providing a veritable opportunity for qualified less-experienced
arbitrators to hone their skills.
In LMAA
arbitrations, there are three special procedures namely: the Small Claims
Procedure (SCP), the Intermediate Claims Procedure (ICP) and the Fast and Low
Cost Arbitration (FALCA).
arbitrations, there are three special procedures namely: the Small Claims
Procedure (SCP), the Intermediate Claims Procedure (ICP) and the Fast and Low
Cost Arbitration (FALCA).
Small
Claims Procedure is applicable to any dispute which parties
have agreed should be referred to arbitration under this procedure. If any such
agreement refers to a monetary limit for disputes that may be so referred, such
limit shall be deemed to exclude interest and cost, unless the parties agree
otherwise.
Claims Procedure is applicable to any dispute which parties
have agreed should be referred to arbitration under this procedure. If any such
agreement refers to a monetary limit for disputes that may be so referred, such
limit shall be deemed to exclude interest and cost, unless the parties agree
otherwise.
·
The dispute shall be decided by a sole arbitrator,
as can be gleaned from the wording of paragraph 2 of the LMAA Small Claims
Procedure 2012.
The dispute shall be decided by a sole arbitrator,
as can be gleaned from the wording of paragraph 2 of the LMAA Small Claims
Procedure 2012.
·
The Claimant shall file a letter of claim not
exceeding 2,500 words accompanied by relevant documents and the Respondent
shall submit a letter of defence and counterclaim (if any) of the same length
accompanied by relevant documents.
The Claimant shall file a letter of claim not
exceeding 2,500 words accompanied by relevant documents and the Respondent
shall submit a letter of defence and counterclaim (if any) of the same length
accompanied by relevant documents.
·
A letter of reply (if any) not exceeding 1,000
words or of reply and defence to counterclaim not exceeding 2,500 words shall
be delivered by the Claimant.
A letter of reply (if any) not exceeding 1,000
words or of reply and defence to counterclaim not exceeding 2,500 words shall
be delivered by the Claimant.
·
The Respondent shall, if he so wishes, deliver to
the Claimant a letter of reply to defence to any counterclaim not exceeding
1,000 words.
The Respondent shall, if he so wishes, deliver to
the Claimant a letter of reply to defence to any counterclaim not exceeding
1,000 words.
·
Experts’ reports shall only be admissible with the
permission and subject to the directions of the arbitrator. Experts’ reports
must not exceed 2,500 words.
Experts’ reports shall only be admissible with the
permission and subject to the directions of the arbitrator. Experts’ reports
must not exceed 2,500 words.
·
The general rule is that no hearing shall be held,
however in exceptional circumstances the arbitrator may require that an oral
hearing shall be held. Oral hearing shall be limited to one working day of 5
hours.
The general rule is that no hearing shall be held,
however in exceptional circumstances the arbitrator may require that an oral
hearing shall be held. Oral hearing shall be limited to one working day of 5
hours.
·
The Arbitrator shall issue the award in a month
from the date when he has received all relevant documents and submissions, or,
where there is an oral hearing, from the close of the hearing.
The Arbitrator shall issue the award in a month
from the date when he has received all relevant documents and submissions, or,
where there is an oral hearing, from the close of the hearing.
·
The right of appeal to the courts is excluded under
this procedure.
The right of appeal to the courts is excluded under
this procedure.
The Intermediate
Claims Procedure is regulated by LMAA Intermediate Claims Procedure (ICP) 2012.
Claims Procedure is regulated by LMAA Intermediate Claims Procedure (ICP) 2012.
·
The Intermediate Claims Procedure shall apply when
the total amount of the claimant’s claims or the total amount of any
counterclaims exceed 100,000 USD, but not 400,000 USD.
The Intermediate Claims Procedure shall apply when
the total amount of the claimant’s claims or the total amount of any
counterclaims exceed 100,000 USD, but not 400,000 USD.
·
Paragraph 2 of ICP provides for an arbitral
tribunal composed by three arbitrators, unless otherwise agreed by the parties.
Paragraph 2 of ICP provides for an arbitral
tribunal composed by three arbitrators, unless otherwise agreed by the parties.
·
Each party may serve two written submissions,
without any limit of length.
Each party may serve two written submissions,
without any limit of length.
·
No expert evidence may be adduced by either party
unless the permission of the tribunal has first been obtained.
No expert evidence may be adduced by either party
unless the permission of the tribunal has first been obtained.
·
An expert’s initial report shall be limited to
3,500 words and supplementary report to 1,000 words.
An expert’s initial report shall be limited to
3,500 words and supplementary report to 1,000 words.
·
An oral hearing shall be held only exceptionally,
but in a case where there is no oral hearing but there has been disclosure
and/or witness and /or expert evidence, each party shall be entitled to serve
one set of closing submissions.
An oral hearing shall be held only exceptionally,
but in a case where there is no oral hearing but there has been disclosure
and/or witness and /or expert evidence, each party shall be entitled to serve
one set of closing submissions.
·
The award shall be made within 6 weeks of service
of the last submissions served by the parties.
The award shall be made within 6 weeks of service
of the last submissions served by the parties.
The LMAA has
adopted the Fast and Low Cost Arbitration (FALCA) Rules in order to encourage
quicker and cheaper resolution of the middle range of maritime disputes– those
which involve neither very large nor very small amounts of money. The LMAA
FALCA Arbitration Clause for insertion in charter parties and other maritime
contracts allows the parties to choose for themselves the size of the claim to
which the FALCA Rules will apply, but if no figure is inserted the Rules will
apply to claims under 250,000 USD.
adopted the Fast and Low Cost Arbitration (FALCA) Rules in order to encourage
quicker and cheaper resolution of the middle range of maritime disputes– those
which involve neither very large nor very small amounts of money. The LMAA
FALCA Arbitration Clause for insertion in charter parties and other maritime
contracts allows the parties to choose for themselves the size of the claim to
which the FALCA Rules will apply, but if no figure is inserted the Rules will
apply to claims under 250,000 USD.
·
A single arbitrator shall decide the dispute. Each
party may serve two written submissions, without any limit of length.
A single arbitrator shall decide the dispute. Each
party may serve two written submissions, without any limit of length.
·
After a swift discovery phase (as provided for in
Rules 11 and 12 of FALCA Rules), the parties shall exchange copies of
statements of witnesses and experts’ reports (if any) and within four weeks
thereafter, the parties shall exchange final submissions, together with witness
statements or experts’ reports in reply (if any).
After a swift discovery phase (as provided for in
Rules 11 and 12 of FALCA Rules), the parties shall exchange copies of
statements of witnesses and experts’ reports (if any) and within four weeks
thereafter, the parties shall exchange final submissions, together with witness
statements or experts’ reports in reply (if any).
·
No oral hearing shall be held, unless the
arbitrator deems it necessary.
No oral hearing shall be held, unless the
arbitrator deems it necessary.
·
Under Rule 17 of FALCA Rules, the award shall be
issued within 7 months of the notice of appointment of arbitrator (8 months, if
there is a counterclaim) and the arbitrator may, in his absolute discretion,
take into account any evidence whether strictly admissible or not, and require
the production of any document or the statement of any witness (whether sworn
or otherwise).
Under Rule 17 of FALCA Rules, the award shall be
issued within 7 months of the notice of appointment of arbitrator (8 months, if
there is a counterclaim) and the arbitrator may, in his absolute discretion,
take into account any evidence whether strictly admissible or not, and require
the production of any document or the statement of any witness (whether sworn
or otherwise).
1.
Online Dispute Resolution (ODR)
Online Dispute Resolution (ODR)
Online
dispute resolution (ODR) is a genre of dispute
resolution which uses technology to facilitate the resolution
of disputes between parties. It primarily involves negotiation, mediation or arbitration,
or a combination of all three. In this respect it is often seen as being the
online equivalent of alternative dispute resolution (ADR). However, ODR can
also augment these traditional means of resolving disputes by applying
innovative techniques and online technologies to the process.
dispute resolution (ODR) is a genre of dispute
resolution which uses technology to facilitate the resolution
of disputes between parties. It primarily involves negotiation, mediation or arbitration,
or a combination of all three. In this respect it is often seen as being the
online equivalent of alternative dispute resolution (ADR). However, ODR can
also augment these traditional means of resolving disputes by applying
innovative techniques and online technologies to the process.
ODR techniques are
already being deployed around the world in resolving a wide range of
disagreements – from consumer disputes to problems arising from e-commerce,
from quarrels amongst citizens to conflicts between individuals and the state.
ODR is not appropriate for all classes of dispute, but on the face of it, is
best placed to help settle high volumes of relatively low value disputes –
robustly, but at much less expense and inconvenience than conventional courts
or conventional arbitration.
already being deployed around the world in resolving a wide range of
disagreements – from consumer disputes to problems arising from e-commerce,
from quarrels amongst citizens to conflicts between individuals and the state.
ODR is not appropriate for all classes of dispute, but on the face of it, is
best placed to help settle high volumes of relatively low value disputes –
robustly, but at much less expense and inconvenience than conventional courts
or conventional arbitration.
It is believed that
efficient mechanisms to resolve online disputes will impact on the development
of e-commerce. While the application of ODR is not limited to disputes arising
from business to consumer online transactions, it seems to be particularly apt
for these disputes, since it is logical to use the same medium (the internet)
for the resolution of e-commerce disputes when parties are frequently located
far from one another.
efficient mechanisms to resolve online disputes will impact on the development
of e-commerce. While the application of ODR is not limited to disputes arising
from business to consumer online transactions, it seems to be particularly apt
for these disputes, since it is logical to use the same medium (the internet)
for the resolution of e-commerce disputes when parties are frequently located
far from one another.
Dispute
resolution techniques range from methods where parties have full control of the
procedure, to methods where a third party is in control of both the process and
the outcome.[4]These primary methods of resolving disputes may be complemented
with Information and Communication Technology (ICT).[5] When
the process is conducted mainly online it is referred to as ODR, i.e. to carry
out most of the dispute resolution procedures online, including the initial
filing, the neutral appointment, evidentiary processes, oral hearings if
needed, online discussions, and even the rendering of binding settlements.
Thus, ODR is a different medium for resolving disputes, from beginning to end,
respecting due process principles[6].
resolution techniques range from methods where parties have full control of the
procedure, to methods where a third party is in control of both the process and
the outcome.[4]These primary methods of resolving disputes may be complemented
with Information and Communication Technology (ICT).[5] When
the process is conducted mainly online it is referred to as ODR, i.e. to carry
out most of the dispute resolution procedures online, including the initial
filing, the neutral appointment, evidentiary processes, oral hearings if
needed, online discussions, and even the rendering of binding settlements.
Thus, ODR is a different medium for resolving disputes, from beginning to end,
respecting due process principles[6].
While the use of
ODR has become commonplace in the Western world with e-businesses such as
Amazon and eBay solving millions of disputes through ODR, It is instructive to
note that the concept of ODR is still very strange in Nigeria. On eBay alone,
around 60 million disagreements amongst traders are resolved through ODR yearly.[7]
ODR has become commonplace in the Western world with e-businesses such as
Amazon and eBay solving millions of disputes through ODR, It is instructive to
note that the concept of ODR is still very strange in Nigeria. On eBay alone,
around 60 million disagreements amongst traders are resolved through ODR yearly.[7]
There is a huge
market for arbitrators and other ADR practitioners in ODR if the proper legal
framework is put in place and other modalities for its success worked out. With
the advent of e-businesses in Nigeria, such as Konga, Jumia, Yudala, OLX, Jiji
etc., and the numbers growing daily, the potential for growth of ODR can only
be imagined. If properly utilized, this would be a veritable means for the
inclusion of young arbitrators in the arbitral process.
market for arbitrators and other ADR practitioners in ODR if the proper legal
framework is put in place and other modalities for its success worked out. With
the advent of e-businesses in Nigeria, such as Konga, Jumia, Yudala, OLX, Jiji
etc., and the numbers growing daily, the potential for growth of ODR can only
be imagined. If properly utilized, this would be a veritable means for the
inclusion of young arbitrators in the arbitral process.
CONCLUSION
The world is moving
and we must not be left behind. The world is changing so are the dispute
resolution techniques and methodologies. Mentorship, Small Claims Arbitration
and Online Dispute Resolution are interwoven. In most jurisdictions, Small
Claims Arbitrations, due to the amount involved and the need to cut cost as
much as possible, are settled via ODR. Small Claims Arbitration and ODR are
equally veritable instruments for the mentoring and grooming of Young
arbitrators into becoming internationally acclaimed Arbitrators.
and we must not be left behind. The world is changing so are the dispute
resolution techniques and methodologies. Mentorship, Small Claims Arbitration
and Online Dispute Resolution are interwoven. In most jurisdictions, Small
Claims Arbitrations, due to the amount involved and the need to cut cost as
much as possible, are settled via ODR. Small Claims Arbitration and ODR are
equally veritable instruments for the mentoring and grooming of Young
arbitrators into becoming internationally acclaimed Arbitrators.
I suggest Arbitral
institutions intensify efforts on training young members in practice and
procedure of arbitration. It is almost certain that the Institute will witness
a rise in payment of dues and participation if members feel a sense of
belonging by gaining actual experience and not just listening to speeches. This
is not to say that speeches are not useful to members, but speeches without
action are like learning driving or cooking theoretically without practicals.
institutions intensify efforts on training young members in practice and
procedure of arbitration. It is almost certain that the Institute will witness
a rise in payment of dues and participation if members feel a sense of
belonging by gaining actual experience and not just listening to speeches. This
is not to say that speeches are not useful to members, but speeches without
action are like learning driving or cooking theoretically without practicals.
The experienced
Arbitrators must realize that the survival and success of the Institute and
arbitration at large lie in the hands of motivated young arbitrators. They
therefore have a duty to build the future of arbitration they would love to
see, by coming up with a robust and deliberate policy to include young
arbitrators in more arbitration proceedings.
Arbitrators must realize that the survival and success of the Institute and
arbitration at large lie in the hands of motivated young arbitrators. They
therefore have a duty to build the future of arbitration they would love to
see, by coming up with a robust and deliberate policy to include young
arbitrators in more arbitration proceedings.
[1] AHMED
ADETOLA-KAZEEM, MCIArb(UK) is a counsel at Gani Adetola-Kaseem (SAN) LP. He is
a member of the board of trustees, Lagos Public Interest Law Partnership
(LPILP). He serves in the Young Members’ Group (YMG) steering committee, scale
of fees review committee and membership committee of the Chartered Institute of
Arbitrators, Nigeria Branch. He was a finalist at the International Bar
Association Pro Bono Awards held in Boston in 2013 and won the Governor’s Award
for best Youth Corps member (batch C) Abia State, 2010.
ADETOLA-KAZEEM, MCIArb(UK) is a counsel at Gani Adetola-Kaseem (SAN) LP. He is
a member of the board of trustees, Lagos Public Interest Law Partnership
(LPILP). He serves in the Young Members’ Group (YMG) steering committee, scale
of fees review committee and membership committee of the Chartered Institute of
Arbitrators, Nigeria Branch. He was a finalist at the International Bar
Association Pro Bono Awards held in Boston in 2013 and won the Governor’s Award
for best Youth Corps member (batch C) Abia State, 2010.
[2] Published
in The International Journal of Arbitration, Mediation and Dispute Management,
Volume 78, Number 2 at page 169
in The International Journal of Arbitration, Mediation and Dispute Management,
Volume 78, Number 2 at page 169
[3] Published
in the International Journal of Arbitration, Mediation and Dispute Management,
Volume 76, Number 3, August 2010 @ page 407
in the International Journal of Arbitration, Mediation and Dispute Management,
Volume 76, Number 3, August 2010 @ page 407
[4]C. Rule, Online
Dispute Resolution for Businesses. B2B, E-Commerce, Consumer, Employment,
Insurance, and Other Commercial Conflicts (San Francisco, Jossey Bass, 2002) p.
37
Dispute Resolution for Businesses. B2B, E-Commerce, Consumer, Employment,
Insurance, and Other Commercial Conflicts (San Francisco, Jossey Bass, 2002) p.
37
[5]P.
Cortes, “A European Legal Perspective on Consumer Online Dispute
Resolution” (2009) 15(4) Computer Telecommunications Law Review pp.
90-100.
Cortes, “A European Legal Perspective on Consumer Online Dispute
Resolution” (2009) 15(4) Computer Telecommunications Law Review pp.
90-100.
[6]J. A. García
Álvaro, “Online Dispute Resolution Uncharted Territory” (2003) 7 The
Vindobona Journal of International Commercial Law and Arbitration P. 180.
Álvaro, “Online Dispute Resolution Uncharted Territory” (2003) 7 The
Vindobona Journal of International Commercial Law and Arbitration P. 180.
[7]https://www.judiciary.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Online-Dispute-Resolution-Final-Web-Version1.pdf (accessed
on the 16th of March 2016)
on the 16th of March 2016)