AFRICA ( Commonwealth Union) _The world community has been urged to name Nigeria as a venue for arbitration by Mrs. Dorothy Ufot (SAN), Chairperson of the World Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Nigeria Commission on Arbitration and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). During a press conference held prior to the 7th ICC Africa Conference on International Arbitration, she said this. Ufot emphasized the importance of appointing Nigerians as arbitrators and counselors and urged the international community to consider Nigeria as a preferred location for international arbitration.
The upcoming conference, titled “International Arbitration and ADR: The African journey so far and looking forward,” is a significant event that brings together legal professionals, business leaders, policymakers, and experts to discuss and support the growth of ADR and international arbitration in Africa. It provides a forum for information sharing, networking, and teamwork to advance arbitration practice and comprehension across the African continent.
The conference, which coincides with the Centenary Anniversary of the ICC International Court of Arbitration, will be held from May 31 to June 2, 2023, at Eko Hotel and Suites in Victoria Island, Lagos. It is organized by the ICC Nigeria Commission on Arbitration and ADR in partnership with the ICC International Court of Arbitration in Paris and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). The event will commence with a training session.
Ufot highlighted that Africa is currently an attractive investment destination, with an increasing demand for international commercial arbitration as the preferred mechanism for dispute settlement among foreign investors. She expressed optimism about the future of international arbitration in Africa, citing legislative changes, the growing significance of third-party funding and investment arbitration, and positive developments in the use of arbitration as a dispute-resolution mechanism on the continent.
The conference aims to address pressing issues in the African dispute resolution landscape and attract participants from various sectors, including business, oil and gas, telecommunications, shipping, maritime, banking, and sports. The conference chairman, Adedapo Tunde-Olowu, announced that an ICC Institute will hold an Advanced Level Training session focused on interim measures in international arbitration.
To commemorate the 100 years of the International Court of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce and in alignment with the purpose and core mission of the ICC, a fireside chat will take place between the President of the ICC Court, Ms. Claudia Salomon, and successful African businessman Oscar Onyema, in the presence of ICC President Tony Elumelu.
The conference is expected to be attended by dignitaries from the private sector and government, representing high-ranking officials.
