Re- imagining Arbitration in Africa: NICArb Sets Agenda for Commercial Justice at 2026 Annual Conferenc
How can Nigeria build a dispute resolution system that inspires investor confidence, protects commercial relationships and responds to the realities of a changing business environment?
This is one of the important questions at the heart of the Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators (NICArb) 2026 Annual Conference, scheduled for 18–19 November 2026 at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.
At its 2026 press conference, the Institute formally unveiled the theme of this year’s conference: “Re-imagining Arbitration & ADR in Africa: Innovation, Integrity and Commercial Justice in a Changing World.”
The theme reflects a growing recognition that effective dispute resolution is not merely a legal necessity; it is also an important part of a thriving business environment.
Why Arbitration Matters to Businesses
Speaking at the press conference, Mr. Dapo Akinosun, SAN, Chairman of the Annual Conference Planning Committee, explained that businesses need dispute resolution mechanisms that allow them to resolve disagreements without unnecessarily disrupting their operations or commercial relationships.
Unlike conventional litigation, arbitration can provide parties with a more flexible and efficient avenue for resolving disputes. It can also help preserve business relationships, allowing parties to move forward after disagreements have been settled.
For investors and businesses, the availability of a fair, timely and effective dispute resolution system is an important consideration. The existence of commercial disputes should not necessarily discourage investment; what matters is the confidence that such disputes can be resolved appropriately.
Strengthening Nigeria’s Arbitration Ecosystem
The Institute also highlighted its contribution to the development of arbitration in Nigeria.
According to Mr. Akinosun, NICArb, which is approximately 49 years old, has handled over 5,000 cases since its establishment.
He also clarified that promoting arbitration and other forms of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) should not be seen as an indictment of the conventional court system. Rather, arbitration and the courts complement each other in providing access to justice.
The broader ambition, as highlighted during the press conference, is to strengthen Nigeria’s arbitration ecosystem and position Lagos as a leading arbitration hub in Africa.
Three Major Issues to Watch
The 2026 conference will address several issues shaping the future of arbitration and commercial justice, including:
1. Technology and Artificial Intelligence in Arbitration
The conference will examine how emerging technologies and artificial intelligence can improve the efficiency, accessibility and administration of arbitration proceedings. Virtual proceedings, in particular, offer opportunities for greater participation across geographical boundaries.
2. Commercial Justice and Investor Confidence
An effective dispute resolution framework must deliver more than a favourable decision. It must deliver timely, fair and enforceable outcomes. The conference will explore how commercial justice can strengthen investor confidence and support business growth.
3. Developing the Next Generation of African Arbitrators
The development of local expertise remains essential to Africa’s growing role in international arbitration. Building professional capacity and bridging the global knowledge and experience gap will be important to ensuring that African practitioners are well positioned to participate in international arbitration.
An International Gathering of Arbitration Stakeholders
The conference is expected to attract over 6,000 participants, both physically and virtually.
Notable personalities expected include former President Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR, as Guest of Honour at the opening; former Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, GCON, as Keynote Speaker; and the Chief Justice of Liberia, His Lordship Yamie Quiqui Gbeisey.
Other expected speakers include Professor Emilia Onyema of the University of London, Ms. Gloria Lim, President of the Singapore International Arbitration Centre, and other leading Nigerian and international arbitration practitioners and stakeholders.
The programme will feature keynote addresses, panel discussions, a live debate competition and other activities.
The conference will be followed by NICArb’s Investiture and Awards Ceremony on 20 November 2026.
The Bigger Picture: Commercial Justice as an Investment Advantage
One of the strongest messages from the press conference was the emphasis on moving beyond the mere attainment of justice to achieving commercial justice.
For businesses, justice must be timely, fair and capable of enforcement, including across jurisdictions. A dispute resolution system that delivers these outcomes can help strengthen commercial confidence and make a jurisdiction more attractive to international business.
The conference therefore presents an important opportunity to examine what Nigeria must do to build an arbitration framework that businesses, investors and international stakeholders can trust.
As Nigeria seeks to strengthen its position in the global commercial landscape, the quality and credibility of its dispute resolution institutions will matter.
Legalnaija will continue to spotlight developments shaping Nigeria’s legal and business environment.
Event details: 18–19 November 2026 | Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos. NICArb Investiture and Awards Ceremony: 20 November 2026.
