For over 47 years, the Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators (NICArb), Nigeria’s premier arbitration body, has helped to ensure speedy settlements of disagreements through Arbitration and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in Africa and helps to promote innovation, integrity and commercial justice.
The Institute disclosed this at a press conference to announce its 2026 International Arbitration and ADR Conference, scheduled for November 18 and 19, 2026.
The conference, with the theme, ‘Re-imagining Arbitration & ADR in Africa: Innovation, Integrity and Commercial Justice in a Changing World,’ will hold at The Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, and virtually.
Described as a landmark event, it will bring together leading legal minds, policymakers and business leaders from across Africa and beyond.
The group averred that as Africa’s economic landscape rapidly evolves, driven by cross-border investments and the operationalisation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the demand for robust, transparent and modern dispute resolution mechanisms has reached an all-time high.
NICArb said that the 2026 Conference would serve as a critical platform to explore how technological advancements, ethical standards and new commercial realities are transforming ADR practice across the continent.
The two-day conference will feature keynote addresses, interactive panel discussions and a live debate competition. There will also be health screening for 100 interested participants and a cocktail reception for participants.
Key focal points will include integrating technology and artificial intelligence into arbitration, enforcing commercial justice to boost investor confidence, and a dedicated plenary session on developing the next generation of African arbitrators to close the global expertise gap.
The Chairman of the Annual Conference Planning Committee, Dapo Akinosun, who represented the President of NICArb, Oromuyi Omonuwa at the press conference, said Africa is at a pivotal juncture where rapid economic expansion must be supported by world-class, trusted dispute resolution frameworks. “Our 2026 Conference serves as a vital catalyst for reimagining how we approach ADR. We are committed to fostering an environment where African practitioners lead with uncompromising integrity and cutting-edge innovation on the global stage,” he said.
The event is expected to host a distinguished lineup of dignitaries, including an invitation to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, as Special Guest of Honour, alongside top-tier international arbitrators, judicial officers and corporate executives.
The group while stating that the Keynote Speaker will be Professor Yemi Osinbajo, revealed other speakers which include the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Liberia, His Lordship Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay, Professor Emilia Onyema, Hon. Justice R.N. Pemu, JCA (Rtd), Gloria Lim, President of Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC), Charles Adeyemi Candide-Johnson, SAN, Mike Igbokwe, SAN, Elodie Dulac, Vice Chair, Inter-Pacific Association Dispute Resolution & Arbitration Committee, Hon. Wilfred Ikatari, Director, Regional Arbitration Centre Lagos, and Professor Adi Bongo of Lagos Business School.
Others are Fernandez Marcus-Obiene, Special Assistant to the President on Justice Reforms, Ms. Ivana Nincic, Executive Director of the International Mediation Institute (IMI), The Hague, Georgette Francois, Chairperson, Ghana Association of Certified Mediators and Arbitrators (GHACMA), Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism & Creative Economy, Hanatu Musa Musawa, Professor Adejoke Oyewunmi, Collin Rule, Taiwo Olayinka Afolabi, CON, Chairman of Sifax Group, and John Ohaga from Kenya.
The conference will be followed by the Investiture and Awards Ceremony on November 20, 2026, which will recognise professional contributions and formally induct new members into the Institute.
Akinosun further stated that the occasion will be graced by the Minister of Information, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, as Special Guest of Honour, and Professor Abiola Sani as Keynote Speaker.
Founded in 1979, NICArb is Nigeria’s premier arbitration and ADR institute, dedicated to promoting arbitration and ADR through advocacy, capacity building and certification, fostering a culture of peaceful and efficient commercial dispute resolution across Africa.
Members of the planning committee include Chairperson of Media & Publicity Sub-Committee, Professor Foluke Dada-Lawanson; Acting Registrar/Chief Operating Officer is Williams Odah; and Brand and Communications Executive, Taiwo Santos.
Related News
Source: