The Federal Government is taking steps to strengthen Nigeria’s judiciary and improve access to justice while promoting greater public awareness and use of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has said.
Idris stated this in Abuja when the Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators (NICArb) 2026 Investiture and Awards Night Ceremony, Mr Dapo Akinosun, SAN, led members of the institute on a courtesy visit to him.
The minister said the Tinubu Administration was supporting the judiciary through increased funding, improved infrastructure, legislative reforms and measures aimed at enhancing the welfare of judicial officers.
“President Tinubu is strengthening the judiciary through increased support, improved infrastructure, legislative reforms and measures to enhance the welfare of judicial officers,” Idris said.
He, however, noted that the increasing pressure on the courts made it necessary to promote alternative mechanisms for resolving appropriate disputes.
According to him, Nigerians need greater awareness of options available outside conventional litigation, stressing that not every dispute requires court intervention.
“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.
Idris said the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation was willing to explore areas of collaboration with NICArb, particularly in public education and strategic communication, to improve Nigerians’ understanding of arbitration and alternative dispute resolution (ADR).
Earlier, Akinosun explained that arbitration offered parties 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,” he said.
The NICArb chairman also invited the minister and officials of the ministry to participate in the institute’s training and professional development programmes.
He proposed further collaboration between NICArb, the ministry and its agencies to expand public understanding of ADR mechanisms across the country.
Idris welcomed the proposal and expressed the ministry’s readiness to work with the institute on initiatives aimed at promoting public enlightenment and deepening understanding of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms in Nigeria.
