Citizenship News
The Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has said the Federal Government is taking deliberate steps to strengthen Nigeria’s judiciary and improve access to justice, while supporting greater public awareness and use of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.
Idris stated this when the Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators 2026 Investiture & Awards Night Ceremony, Mr Dapo Akinosun, SAN, led members of the Institute on a courtesy visit to him in Abuja.
Rabiu Ibrahim, mnipr, the Special Assistant (Media) to the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation gave this indication in a statement today, Wednesday, 7 September, 2026.
“President Tinubu is strengthening the judiciary through increased support, improved infrastructure, legislative reforms and measures to enhance the welfare of judicial officers,” Idris said.
The Minister noted that the growing pressure on the courts made it necessary to improve public understanding and use of alternative mechanisms for resolving appropriate disputes.
“I believe people need to be made aware of other means of resolving disputes. You do not need to go to court for every matter,” the Minister said, stressing the importance of public awareness in encouraging Nigerians to understand and make appropriate use of alternative dispute resolution.
The Minister said the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation was prepared to explore areas of collaboration with the Institute, particularly in public education and strategic communication, to help Nigerians better understand arbitration and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).
The Chairman of NICArb, Mr Dapo Akinosun, SAN, explained that arbitration provides parties with an alternative avenue for resolving disputes outside the conventional court process.
“Arbitration provides Nigerians with a credible and effective alternative to litigation, and we are seeking to work with the Ministry of Information to deepen public awareness and understanding of alternative dispute resolution across the country,” Akinosun said.
The Chairman also invited the Minister and Ministry officials to participate in the Institute’s training and professional development programmes, while proposing collaboration with the Ministry and its agencies to expand public understanding of ADR.
The Minister welcomed the proposal and expressed readiness to work with NICArb on initiatives that would promote public enlightenment and deepen understanding of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms in Nigeria.
