- Judiciary Leads ADR Push as Lagos Launches 2025 Settlement Week
- The 2025 Lagos Statewide Settlement Week will take place from July 14 to 18 at various locations
- The programme aims to offer free mediation for more than 1,000 disputes
The Lagos State Judiciary has reiterated its dedication to improving the justice system through the use of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) as it officially launched the Lagos Statewide Settlement Week 2025, Eko Hot Blog reports.
Announced during a press conference in Lagos, the initiative is designed to expand access to justice, ease the burden on the courts, and encourage a culture of peaceful conflict resolution throughout the state.
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Speaking at the event, Justice Olutoyin Atinuke Ipaye, chair of the Lagos Settlement Week Committee, described the 2025 edition as a bold and inclusive reform aligned with Governor Babajide Sanwo Olu’s THEMES Plus agenda.
“This initiative is not just about mediation; it is about empowering Lagosians to choose peace over conflict, and resolution over litigation,” she said.
Justice Ipaye stated that the 2025 Lagos Statewide Settlement Week will take place from July 14 to 18 at various locations, including courts in Ikeja, Ikorodu, and Lagos Island, as well as selected local government offices.
The programme aims to offer free mediation for more than 1,000 disputes across sectors such as finance, entertainment, youth development, micro and small enterprises, sports, and public institutions.
She noted that the initiative builds on the proven success of the Lagos Multi Door Courthouse, which has helped recover over 53.7 billion naira, 141 million dollars, and 14,000 euros through mediated settlements.
“Our efforts have led to a 280 per cent increase in ADR referrals in the last decade. Key features of the initiative include free and subsidised ADR services, a tech-enabled platform for virtual resolutions, and simplified access for individuals, businesses, MDAs, and professional associations. This is Lagos setting the pace for the rest of Nigeria,” Justice Ipaye said.
Echoing her comments, the chair of the Governing Council of the Lagos Multi Door Courthouse, Justice Jumoke Pedro, commended the centre’s achievements since its establishment in 2002 as the first court connected Alternative Dispute Resolution institution in Africa.
“The LMDC has helped redefine justice delivery by offering fast, cost-effective, and amicable solutions to legal conflicts,” she said. Justice Pedro highlighted the LMDC’s operational model which includes court-referred and walk-in matters, specialised panels of neutrals, rigorous case management, and robust training programmes.
These include Mediation Skills Training, Online Dispute Resolution, and Case Management Training, all based on international best practices. She noted that the Lagos Multi Door Courthouse has managed over 12,563 Alternative Dispute Resolution cases so far, with high success rates especially in commercial, tenancy, and family-related matters.
“Our model has inspired similar institutions nationwide and contributed to the formation of the National Policy on Arbitration and ADR,” she added.
Both judges emphasised that beyond legal resolution, ADR plays a vital role in social harmony, economic growth, and civic empowerment.
They urged stakeholders including lawyers, government agencies, private sector participants, and civil society organizations to actively engage in and support the Settlement Week initiative.
“Lagos is not only delivering justice, it is delivering it faster, fairer, and with a human face. Together, we can build a justice system where every dispute finds a peaceful path to resolution.”
The LSSW 2025 is expected to establish a new standard in justice innovation, positioning Lagos as a global leader in modern dispute resolution. In addition, a Director at the Lagos Multi Door Courthouse, Mrs Achere Cole, stated that the LMDC continues to stand out as a centre of excellence in alternative dispute resolution and capacity building.
Her words: “With a dedicated and resilient workforce, the LMDC has consistently delivered timely, professional, and effective dispute resolution services. Its growing local and international recognition is a testament to years of commitment to innovation and human development.
“From mediation and negotiation to restorative justice and ADR advocacy, the LMDC’s training and impact span diverse professional sectors. This edition of our newsletter celebrates the strides we’ve made and the unwavering passion that fuels our mission to provide transformative justice,” she said.
