
Arbitration & Alternative Dispute Resolution
Binding, private dispute resolution through dedicated arbitration and ADR — faster than public litigation.
Arbitration and mediation are not fallback options for disputes too small for court. For commercial parties who value speed, confidentiality, and specialist adjudication, they are frequently the superior route. The firm's ADR practice is a dedicated practice — not a service offered as an afterthought by litigators who primarily do court work.
Chukwuma Ekomaru SAN is qualified to advise on and represent parties in both domestic and international arbitration proceedings, including those conducted under the rules of international arbitral institutions. The same SAN-level preparation brought to court litigation is applied to arbitration proceedings — because the outcome matters just as much, and the procedural stakes can be higher.
The firm also advises at the contract stage. An arbitration clause that is poorly drafted is a liability, not a protection. We draft dispute resolution clauses that are enforceable, workable, and appropriate to the type of relationship involved.
In Nigerian arbitration practice, the standing of counsel affects how proceedings are conducted and how awards are received by courts on enforcement. A Senior Advocate of Nigeria brings the same institutional credibility to an arbitral tribunal that they bring to a courtroom. For high-value or complex proceedings, that standing matters.
Services Within This Practice Area
Commercial Arbitration
Domestic commercial arbitration under Nigerian law — the Arbitration and Conciliation Act and the Arbitration and Mediation Act 2023.
International Arbitration
Representation in international arbitration proceedings including ICC, ICSID, and UNCITRAL-administered matters with Nigerian seats or Nigerian parties.
Mediation
Commercial mediation, court-ordered mediation, settlement facilitation, and neutral evaluation for commercial and personal disputes.
Arbitration Clause Advisory
Drafting and reviewing dispute resolution clauses in commercial contracts. Prevention is preferable to remediation.
Award Enforcement
Enforcement of domestic and international arbitral awards in Nigerian courts. Challenge and set-aside applications where awards are defective.
Construction & Infrastructure ADR
Dispute review boards, expert determination, and multi-tier dispute resolution procedures for construction and infrastructure projects.
Selected Outcomes
All matters anonymised in accordance with professional confidentiality obligations.
Arbitral Tribunal
Commercial arbitration — supplier dispute
Award in client's favour obtained in four months. Significantly faster than court proceedings.
Federal High Court
Enforcement of international award
Foreign arbitral award recognised and enforced against Nigerian-domiciled assets.
Mediation
Mediation — partnership dispute
Binding settlement reached after two sessions. Business relationship preserved.
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