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Lawmakers from the Zamfara State House of Assembly have embarked on a learning tour of the Lagos State House of Assembly and its Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) centre, with plans to replicate the system in Zamfara, Eko Hot Blog reports.
Speaker Bilyaminu Ismail Moriki explained that the visit followed the introduction of an executive bill seeking to establish an ADR centre in Zamfara, which has already passed second reading and is currently before the House Committee on Judiciary and Other Matters.
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Moriki praised Lagos for pioneering ADR in 2002, noting its sustainability and success in easing access to justice and reducing the burden on conventional courts. He added that the proposed law in Zamfara would support the speedy resolution of communal conflicts, marital disputes, inheritance matters, gender crises and domestic violence.
“We chose Lagos as our role model because of its significant strides in governance, which remain unparalleled,” the Speaker told journalists.
He commended International Alert Nigeria for its partnership, urging the organisation to deepen its societal engagements for the benefit of Zamfara people.
Country Director of International Alert Nigeria, Kingsley Udo, said the collaboration with the Zamfara Assembly forms part of the Strengthening Inclusive and Conflict Sensitive Justice System for Sustainable Peace and Resilience in Nigeria (SPRiNG) project.
Udo emphasised that the aim is to boost the capacity of government institutions and stakeholders to manage natural resource–induced conflicts and improve security governance through strategic engagements and policy development.
He applauded Zamfara lawmakers for choosing to learn from a proven homegrown model rather than seeking examples abroad.
“I am proud as a Nigerian that they came to Lagos where practical, proven systems are transforming justice delivery, making it more affordable, accessible and trusted,” Udo said.
The Clerk of the Zamfara Assembly, Muhammed Aliyu, and the Solicitor-General, Musa Garba, described the bill as timely and inclusive, commending the Speaker for his leadership.
Programme Manager of International Alert Nigeria, Sunday Jimoh, also highlighted the organisation’s role in working with NGOs to reshape justice delivery in Zamfara.
Once established, the Zamfara ADR centre is expected to serve as a model for other states, similar to the Lagos experience.
