Alternative Dispute Resolution Rising — Is Nigeria Quietly Dismantling Traditional Litigation?
Legal Practitioner Clement Paul Inducted as Associate Arbitrator, Mediator in Nigeria's ADR Institute
By Passman Akpos
Lagos, Nigeria – Legal practitioner and environmental professional, Clement Ovokeroye Paul, has been inducted as an Associate Arbitrator and Mediator of the Institute of Alternative Dispute Resolution and Conflict Management of Nigeria (iADRN), marking a significant milestone in his professional development and commitment to advancing alternative dispute resolution mechanisms in Nigeria.
The induction ceremony, which took place on May 30, 2026, at the prestigious Oriental Hotel Lagos and virtually for participants across the country, brought together legal practitioners, conflict management experts, and distinguished professionals from various sectors.
The event was chaired by Justice Moronkeji Ogunwumiju, while Justice Abimbola Osarugue Obaseki-Adejumo delivered the keynote address. Both jurists are widely recognized for their contributions to Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and justice administration in Nigeria.
Speaking after the ceremony, Paul described the induction as a transformative experience that would significantly shape his understanding and approach to dispute resolution and conflict management.
According to him, the knowledge and professional exposure gained through the programme have equipped him with practical tools to contribute meaningfully to the resolution of disputes outside conventional court processes.
He noted that the induction comes at a crucial period when Nigeria’s judiciary continues to grapple with an overwhelming backlog of cases, many of which have remained unresolved for years.
Paul expressed confidence that the growing adoption of Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms would help decongest courts, accelerate justice delivery, and promote amicable settlements while preserving relationships among disputing parties.
“The wealth of knowledge acquired through this programme will shape my perception of dispute resolution and conflict management. At a time when the Nigerian judiciary is burdened with numerous litigations, ADR offers a complementary pathway to speed up the wheels of justice and enhance access to effective dispute resolution,” he stated.
The newly inducted Associate Arbitrator and Mediator also expressed gratitude to the management and faculty of iADRN for the mentorship, professional exposure, and extensive training provided during the programme.
He further commended his colleagues and fellow inductees for their teamwork, encouragement, and collaborative spirit throughout the training, urging them to sustain the relationships and professional networks established during the programme.
Paul was among over 100 professionals inducted into the institute as Associates, earning the professional designations AiADRN and AiCMN, qualifications aimed at strengthening capacity in arbitration, mediation, negotiation, and conflict management.
The induction formed part of iADRN’s ongoing efforts to expand the pool of certified ADR practitioners in Nigeria and promote alternative mechanisms for resolving disputes, restoring relationships, and strengthening access to justice across the country.
With the latest induction, Clement Ovokeroye Paul joins a growing network of ADR professionals expected to play a pivotal role in advancing peaceful dispute resolution and reducing the burden on Nigeria’s judicial system.
