Abuja: The Abuja Chambers of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) has emphasized the benefits of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) as a faster and more cost-effective method for resolving business disputes, thereby helping companies avoid prolonged litigation and potential financial setbacks. Mrs. Hauwa Usman, Registrar General of the Nigerian Chamber of Commerce Dispute Resolution Centre (ACCI, NCC-DRC), highlighted these points during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Usman stressed the importance of prompt dispute resolution for businesses, pointing out that traditional litigation can extend over three to five years before reaching a conclusion in court, depending on the specifics of the case. Such delays can significantly disrupt business operations and diminish productivity. The chamber’s primary mission is to foster economic and commercial development both domestically and internationally.
Usman explained that the chamber identified the inability to resolve commercial disputes and restore pre-dispute relationships as a major challenge for businesses. To address this, the chamber established a Dispute Resolution Centre in 2017, providing parties with access to alternative mechanisms for resolving commercial disputes. The DRC is a specialized institution dedicated to offering efficient, neutral, and business-oriented dispute resolution services both within Nigeria and internationally.
The NCC-DRC is committed to promoting the use of ADR mechanisms such as arbitration, mediation, and conciliation, offering timely and cost-effective services for businesses and investors. The center also supports dispute prevention and risk management through training and advisory services, enhancing access to justice for businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises. It contributes to creating a credible and investor-friendly business environment, offering quicker dispute resolution options and fostering mutually acceptable solutions among parties.
Usman noted that disputes can often be resolved through mediation within six weeks to two months, with some cases settling in just one or two sessions, depending on the circumstances. She highlighted that ADR can be more effective than waiting for the completion of court filing processes. The registrar-general also underscored the cost efficiency of the process, noting that the NCC-DRC was established to provide affordable dispute resolution services.
Usman advised businesses, especially women entrepreneurs, to consider amicable dispute settlement and dialogue, as many commercial disagreements can be resolved through these means. She emphasized that ADR is efficient, less time-consuming, and more satisfactory for all parties involved. The center plans to continue raising awareness among businesses and the public about the importance of ADR, encouraging its wider adoption.