The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) has called for stronger collaboration, professionalism and continuous improvement among dispute resolution neutrals to enhance efficient service delivery.
Prince Adetokunbo Kayode, Chairman, Nigerian Chambers of Commerce Dispute Resolution Centre, (ACCI/NCC-DRC), made the call at a Town Hall Meeting for Neutrals, on Thursday in Abuja.
According to Kayode, neutrals remain the backbone of the NCC-DRC.
He said that the credibility and effectiveness of the centre largely depended on their professionalism, expertise and ethical conduct.
“The NCC-DRC was established to provide efficient, credible and business-sensitive dispute resolution services to support economic growth, preserve commercial relationships and strengthen confidence in Nigeria’s dispute resolution ecosystem,” he said.
He said that the centre’s objectives could only be achieved through a strong, responsive and engaged panel of neutrals.
Kayode said that the meeting was also intended to share updates on the centre’s processes and expectations, while collectively exploring ways to improve case management efficiency and user experience.
He said that the dispute resolution landscape was evolving, with clients becoming more discerning and accountability standards rising, adding that continuous improvement and adherence to best practices were essential.
“The diversity of expertise among the NCC-DRC neutrals include arbitrators, mediators and conciliators from different sectors and jurisdictions,” he said.
Kayode also said that the NCC-DRC had developed Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) guidelines to provide structure and clarity for virtual proceedings while maintaining fairness, confidentiality and procedural integrity.
He urged participants to engage openly and constructively, adding that their perspectives and recommendations would guide the refinement of the centre’s rules, guidelines and operations.
He expressed optimism that the discussions would further strengthen the NCC-DRC as a trusted, efficient and forward-looking dispute resolution institution serving Nigeria’s business community.
Kayode was represented by Registrar-General, NCC-DRC, ACCI, Hajia Hauwa Kaka.
Mr Agabaidu Jideani, Director-General, ACCI, said that the meeting was designed to bring neutrals together to support and strengthen third-party professionals who facilitate speedy, amicable dispute resolution across sectors nationally.
According to him, the forum enables idea sharing, planning for 2026 and sustaining a process that resolves disputes while preserving relationships between parties after settlement amicably.
The Registrar-General said that alternative dispute resolution operated through trained neutrals that function like private judges and drive the centres’ effectiveness for service delivery.
Kaka said that the meeting focused on re-strategising, capacity building and responding to rapid growth within the centres` ecosystem to enhance efficient service delivery to users nationwide.
She cited success stories where disputes lasting up to five years in court were resolved within three to six months.
She said that the centre handled mainly commercial disputes across sectors, promotes specialised panels and saves parties significant time and costs, complementing the judicial system through affordable, efficient dispute resolution.
Dr Agada Elachi, NCC-DRC, Council Member, said that the meeting aimed to engage newly inducted neutrals, understand their concerns, interests and expertise.
Elachi said that the meeting also sought collaboration to promote NCC-DRC as a preferred dispute resolution centre for Abuja and its environs, while increasing awareness among businesses and other stakeholders.
He said that the centre`s plans for 2026 was to strongly engage the media and other relevant stakeholders to ensure effective senstisation as well as actualising the objectives of the centre.
According to him, the centre had released its 2026 programmes, which involves training, seminars and conferences.
He said that demonstrating the NCC-DRC’s readiness to resolve disputes efficiently and effectively.
