Top legal and government leaders have raised urgent concerns over Africa’s weak arbitration and ADR structures, warning that the continent may lose billions in investment value if reforms are delayed. Speaking at the 46th NICArb International Arbitration Conference in Lagos, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, AGF Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), and NBA President Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN) stressed the need for credible, efficient, homegrown dispute-resolution systems.
They argued that African disputes should no longer be exported abroad despite the continent’s skilled arbitrators and modern facilities. Lagos, they noted, is already building strong ADR institutions to boost investor confidence.
Fagbemi announced upcoming national ADR policies, judicial reforms, and strengthened arbitral enforcement, while Osigwe warned that Nigeria must urgently fix delays and rebuild trust to remain a leading commercial hub.
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