Practice Area
Arbitration
Counsel and arbitrators in domestic and international commercial arbitration under the Arbitration and Mediation Act 2023.
Overview
Commercial arbitration in Nigeria.
Arbitration allows parties to resolve a dispute privately, before a tribunal they help to choose, with an award that is final and binding. It is widely used in commercial, construction, energy and investment contracts, and is often the agreed route for disputes with foreign parties. From our office in Abuja, we act as counsel to parties in arbitration, and our lawyers also sit as arbitrators.
The Arbitration and Mediation Act 2023 replaced the Arbitration and Conciliation Act and brought Nigerian arbitration law closer to international practice, including provisions on emergency arbitrators and third-party funding. Nigeria is a party to the New York Convention, which supports the recognition and enforcement of arbitral awards across borders. As attorneys and arbitrators, we act as counsel for parties and can be appointed to sit on tribunals.
How we help
What we do for you.
- 01Drafting and reviewing arbitration clauses before a dispute arises
- 02Commencing and responding to arbitration: notices, statements of case and evidence
- 03Representing parties in ad hoc and institutional arbitration
- 04Emergency and interim relief, including applications to court in support of arbitration
- 05Recognition and enforcement of awards, and challenges to awards
- 06Appointment as arbitrator
Need help with arbitration?
Who we act for
Our clients.
- Commercial and industrial companies
- Contractors and project owners
- Foreign investors and their local partners
- Public bodies and institutions
- Parties seeking an arbitrator appointment
Not sure whether we can help? Send us a short outline.
Is an arbitral award binding in Nigeria?
Yes. An award made under a valid arbitration agreement is final and binding on the parties. It can be recognised and enforced through the court, and the grounds on which a court may set aside or refuse to enforce an award are limited.
Can we go to arbitration if our contract does not mention it?
Arbitration depends on agreement. If your contract has no arbitration clause, the parties can still agree to arbitrate after a dispute has arisen, by signing a submission agreement. Without that agreement, the dispute would go to court.
Is arbitration confidential?
Arbitration is private: hearings are not open to the public. The extent of confidentiality depends on the arbitration agreement, the rules chosen and the applicable law, so it is worth addressing expressly in the clause.
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