Asaba International Arbitration Commission to boost alternative dispute resolution

The Asaba Chamber of Commerce International Arbitration Commission (ASCCIAC) has said that it would boost access to alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms and bring them closer to the people.

The Commission’s Board Chairman, Anthony Idigbe (SAN), made this known.

The centre, inaugurated by the Asagba of Asaba, Obi Prof. Epiphany Azinge (SAN), has an inaugural 13-member body of neutrals.

The Asagba, in cutting the tape, prayed for the success of the Centre and the Commission’s contribution to stimulating the Delta State and the broader regional economy.

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The newly approved panel of neutrals presently consists of 13 distinguished professionals, each selected for their legal competence, integrity, and experience in arbitration with in-depth expertise across various industries and legal systems, reflecting the Commission’s commitment to providing practical and reliable dispute resolution options for parties engaging in commerce across Nigeria and beyond.

Idigbe said: “This panel brings together a strong combination of experience and integrity. Each appointee meets the high standards we set for neutrality and capability, and we are confident that they will uphold the values on which the Commission was founded.”

ASCCIAC will rely on this panel to handle arbitral appointments and to support the delivery of fair and timely decisions under its rules.

The panel members are Dr Idigbe, Mrs. Elizabeth Idigbe, Isaiah Bozimo (SAN), Otunba Richard Akintunde (SAN), Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), Prof. Andrew Chukwumerie (SAN), Diane Okoko, Laura Alakija, Foluke Akinmoladun, Deborah Chukwuedo, Uchenna Nmerole, Chinenye Onyemaizu and Emokiniovo Dafe-Akpedeye.

Idigbe said the centre was born out of the need to decentralise access to alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.

His words: “The Centre is to create a hub that serves not just Delta State, but the entire South-South and South-East regions, places like Port Harcourt, Calabar, Onitsha, Warri, Benin, Owerri, Enugu, and Abia states by providing efficient and professional services in arbitration, mediation, and related processes.”

Idigbe, who stated that the Centre is now a duly incorporated legal entity, acknowledged the roles of the Delta State Government, the Attorney-General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), and the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA).

“It is a call to industry, to legal practitioners, engineers, architects, accountants, and all stakeholders to embrace and utilise this Centre.”

He said the centre would offer training and certification in arbitration and related fields by organising conferences and networking events to strengthen the dispute resolution community.

“The broader vision includes connecting with other arbitration centres across Nigeria, Africa, and globally.

Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Delta State, Ekemejero Ohwovoriole (SAN), stated that the commission’s initiative aligns seamlessly with the Governor Sheriff Oborevwori administration’s ongoing efforts to improve access to justice, ease pressure on the conventional court system, and foster a more conducive environment for commerce, investment, and efficient dispute resolution.

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Ohwovoriole said: “The establishment of the ASCCIAC Centre is more than just a notable achievement for the legal and business communities here in Delta State; it also marks a significant step forward for the commercial justice landscape of the South-South zone of Nigeria.

“The world is witnessing a steady and meaningful shift in how disputes are resolved, and legal systems around the world are moving away from the traditional adversarial model of litigation.

“No doubt, arbitration, mediation and other forms of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) have proven to be credible, speedy and indispensable in resolving commercial disputes.

“Business organisations have also been quick to adopt more flexible and practical alternatives to the well-documented drawbacks of the traditional litigation model.

“Our government has no intention of being left behind in the realm of commercial arbitration, and we have kept pace by introducing forward-thinking policies to encourage and regulate the use of ADR.”

President of the Asaba Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ASACCIMA), Chinwe Monu-Oduah, commended the Asagba of Asaba, saying he had been instrumental in promoting the growth and development of the state capital.

She said: “The ASACCIMA is dedicated to supporting businesses and promoting economic growth in Delta State.

“Our objectives include promoting ASACCIMA in line with the National Association’s mandate, vision and goals.

“We align with the Sustainable Development Goals, the African Union, and the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, supporting government at the Federal and state levels in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“We also provide resources and relationships that help businesses to thrive, among other things.”

The event attracted legal luminaries, engineers, captains of industry and politicians.

Governor Oborevwori was represented by the Commissioner for Trade and Investments, Hon Samuel Oligida.

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The Asaba Chambers of Commerce International Arbitration Commission (ASCCIAC) is a company limited by guarantee with its registered office at the ASCCIAC Centre, Plot 89, Dickson Kingsley, Mbakwe Close, off WAEC Road, Central Spine Area, Asaba, Delta State.

The Commission and its Centre serve both ad hoc and administered arbitration, as well as other alternative dispute resolution schemes, including mediation, conciliation, and expert determination.

It also offers training in arbitration and ADR.

If parties wish ASCCIAC to be the administering institution, they are to use the ASCCIAC Model Arbitration Clause: “Any dispute or claim arising out of or relating to this agreement, including any question regarding its existence, interpretation, validity, breach, performance of obligations, or termination thereof, shall be referred to and settled by arbitration under the rules of the Asaba Chamber of Commerce International Arbitration Commission.”

ASCCIAC Centre is also available for use in other forms of arbitration and ADR.