Nigerian Chambers of Commerce Dispute Resolution Centre (NCC DRC) held a workshop on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and Criminal Justice System on Tuesday, 2nd November 2021.
The workshop provided the platform for experts to discuss the benefits of integrating ADR in resolving criminal cases and the impact it may have on the criminal justice system.
The Chairman of NCC DRC, Chief Emeka Obegolu who is also the 1st Deputy President ACCI, while delivering his welcome address noted that: “It has well been established that the right to speedy trial is an integral component of well laid legal system and part of the yardstick in assessment of best practice globally.
“Further, the global pandemic (COVID 19) brought the criminal justice system to its knees. It has therefore become imperative that the justice sector seeks out viable solutions to administer justice effectively within reasonable time.”
The keynote speaker, Chino Obiagwu SAN, who delivered an insightful and thought provoking speech stated that:
“When we discuss ADR in criminal justice administration, we are talking of a wide range of Alternatives, that would achieve the modern, reformist, purposes of criminal law: ranging from non custodial sentences, to reparations, rehabilitation, and outright decriminalization of petty offences.
“We are talking of criminal justice practitioners thinking outside the box of orthodox penal laws, which has been designed to only punishment, on the basis that harsh punishment is a deterrence to criminality. Empirical data has shown that the real deterrence to criminality is the high possibility of apprehending offender and effectively prosecuting them” he concluded.
Hon. Justice Binta Nyako said, ADR and Restorative Justice will improve Criminal Justice administration in Nigeria she concluded by making strong recommendations on the Role of the Judiciary and other stakeholders in promoting integration of ADR in criminal justice system.
Other distinguished speakers at the event included, Hon. Olusola Ephraim Oluwanuga the Chairman ClArb , Mr Chris 0. Mbam (NICARB.), Mr Yekeen Olawale Falola (ICPC) and Officer Faith Dimka Esq.
The Registrar General of NCC DRC ,Aisha Ado Abdullahi, while giving her closing remarks, used the opportunity to thank the organizations that collaborated on and supported the workshop, which included the Federal High Court, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators ClArb (UK) Abuja Chapter, Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators (NICARB.), Nigerian Police Force, Independent Corrupt Practices & other related offences Commission (ICPC), Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators (ICMC), Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), National Association of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) for taking out time to grace the auspicious occasion and assured all that recommendations from the workshop will be acted upon and a communique will be presented to the relevant stakeholders for adoption.
