A groundbreaking cooperation agreement between the Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators (NICArb) and the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission (CIETAC) is set to transform dispute resolution practices and deepen Nigeria-China trade relations.
The agreement was officially signed during the China-Africa International Arbitration Cooperation Conference and China-Africa Trade Export, held from June 13 to 15, 2025, in Changsha, Hunan Province.
Representing Nigeria’s premier arbitration institute, Mrs. Shola Oshodi-John, Registrar and CEO of NICArb, served as a keynote speaker and panelist at the event. Mr. Wang Chengjie, Vice Chairman and Secretary General of CIETAC, signed on behalf of the Chinese institution.
According to Mrs. Oshodi-John, the partnership aims to elevate the role of arbitration and mediation as preferred mechanisms for settling international trade and investment disputes.
“This agreement strengthens Nigeria’s arbitration framework and fosters closer ties with our Chinese counterparts. It promises more efficient and effective dispute resolution, benefiting businesses and investors in both nations,” she said.
The cooperation includes plans to:
- Exchange arbitration and legal expertise,
- Host joint seminars, conferences, and training programs,
- Enhance the professional capacity of arbitrators in both Nigeria and China.
This strategic collaboration is expected to provide businesses with a reliable, neutral, and efficient dispute resolution platform, aligning with global best practices and boosting investor confidence.
