The Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN), has urged greater reliance on arbitration for resolving commercial disputes.

Pedro made the call while receiving in audience a high-powered delegation of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, Nigeria Branch, led by its chair and chartered arbitrator, Mrs. Sola Adegbonmire.

The Attorney General emphasised the crucial role of arbitration in attracting investment and ensuring the speedy resolution of disputes.

He stressed the importance of robust judicial support to solidify arbitration’s position as a preferred alternative to traditional litigation.

He expressed concern over the prevalent practice of parties resorting to protracted litigation even after an arbitral award has been rendered, describing it as a “disincentive to investors.”

Highlighting the need for a fundamental shift in attitude towards respecting and voluntarily enforcing arbitral decisions, he said: “The arbitral community must collectively focus on ensuring respect for and voluntary enforcement of awards to truly boost the practice.”

He further advocated a more stringent sanctions regime against practitioners who attempt to frustrate arbitral awards through litigation.

This, he suggested, could include sanctions that adversely impact their practice licenses and the imposition of punitive costs against such parties.

In a move to streamline legal processes, Pedro revealed that a bill is currently before the Lagos State House of Assembly to fast-track certain lawsuits. He stated that if passed into law, some litigation would be handled as “documents-only proceedings,” significantly speeding up the resolution of such cases.

He emphasised that the legislative effort underscores the state’s commitment to creating a more efficient and investor-friendly legal environment.

Adegbonmire commended the Attorney General for his unwavering dedication to arbitration, acknowledging him as “a man of integrity.”

She highlighted CIArb’s international recognition as a training institute, noting its track record in training Lagos State judges and Ministry of Justice personnel on arbitration and other Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms.

She also affirmed the institute’s commitment to strengthen its partnership with the Ministry of Justice.

The CIArb Nigeria boss said the body’s flagship yearly conference and Gala Night will take place in Lagos from November 12th to 14th, 2025.