Plateau Multi-Door Courthouse Kicks Off ADR Awareness Week

The Plateau Multi-Door Courthouse (PMDC) has launched its Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Awareness Week, running from Monday, October 21st to Friday, October 25th, 2024, in Jos. The event seeks to promote the benefits of resolving disputes outside the traditional courtroom setting.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Chairman of the PMDC Governing Council, Hon. Justice Chrysantus Senlong (Rtd), highlighted the center’s significant strides since its inception, particularly in providing accessible, affordable, and efficient dispute resolution services.

He stated “About one and a half years ago, the center was blessed with government recognition in terms of funding. This allowed the center to secure its own office accommodation, situated along Dauda Anzaki Close, adjacent to the High Court. Since then, the center has been able to employ staff and fully commence its operations.

“Today, the center has matured significantly, with many cases being registered. The Center for Resolution now boasts about 42 registered neutrals. These neutrals are individuals trained in the art of dispute resolution—some specialize in mediation, while others are trained in arbitration and reconciliation.

This means that if you have a dispute and prefer not to go through the regular courts, you can come to the center to register your dispute. We will assign an expert to mediate or arbitrate between the parties and help resolve the issue amicably.”

Justice Senlong went further to emphasize the distinct advantages of ADR over traditional litigation.

“This is in contrast to the traditional court system, where litigation takes time, is more expensive, and often leaves the parties feeling like lifelong enemies. In the ADR system, we ensure that both parties are in control of the dispute and the resolution process. We provide a friendly, amicable atmosphere for both sides to present their cases, and typically, the result is a win-win situation. The parties leave satisfied with the resolution, shake hands, and move on.”he said

He also stressed the financial accessibility of the services offered, saying, “For instance, the filing fee is just ₦2,500 per case, and the services are rendered by trained experts who charge reasonable fees. The fee structure, approved by the Chief Judge of Plateau State, is significantly cheaper than the cost of litigation.”

Meanwhile, Plateau State’s Chief Judge, Hon. Justice David Mann, acknowledged the positive impact the Multidoor Courthouse has had on the state’s judiciary.

Represented by Hon. Justice Nafisa Lawal, Justice Mann said, “This project is dear to me because it significantly helps to reduce the workload of my judges, who are often overwhelmed by the volume of cases. When disputes are resolved, it helps to lighten the judges’ dockets.”

He also explained how other courts now refer cases to the PMDC, ensuring that disputes better suited for ADR are resolved swiftly and efficiently.

“One of the methods employed by the Multidoor Courthouse is the referral of cases from other courts. Courts that believe certain cases are better suited for alternative resolution refer them to the Multidoor Courthouse. As a result, like we’ve seen in many cases, it becomes easier, cheaper, and less time-consuming to resolve matters through this system,” he added.

In their goodwill messages, the Plateau State Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Barr. Philemon Dafi, along with the Magistrate Association of Nigeria, GIZ representative Hauwa Manklik, and Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Plateau State Council, Ayuku Pwaspo, welcomed the initiative. They praised the initiative, emphasizing that ADR would further enhance business relationships within Plateau State and across borders.

The ADR Awareness Week is expected to shed light on the benefits of alternative dispute resolution, including its cost-effectiveness, timeliness, and the amicable atmosphere it fosters in resolving disputes.

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