The Plateau State Multi-Door Courthouse (PMDC) has launched a five-day ADR Awareness Week, from October 21st to October 25th, 2024, in Jos, highlighting the transformative benefits of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). This initiative aims to make justice accessible and affordable for citizens and to enhance the state’s justice delivery by encouraging dispute resolution outside the traditional court setting.
In his remarks, Hon. Justice Chrysantus Senlong (Rtd), Chairman of the PMDC Governing Council, noted that the PMDC has grown significantly since gaining government support and independent office space over a year ago. “The center now has about 42 registered neutrals, trained in mediation, arbitration, and conciliation, ready to assist citizens in resolving disputes efficiently,” he stated. This network of trained neutrals offers an alternative to costly, time-consuming litigation, making it possible for disputing parties to achieve amicable, fair outcomes.
A crucial benefit of ADR, according to Justice Senlong, is its user-centric process, which enables parties to have greater control over their case resolution and preserves relationships. Unlike conventional litigation, ADR encourages an atmosphere of cooperation, often allowing parties to part amicably. Moreover, the affordability of ADR is a key factor in its accessibility: with filing fees set at a nominal ₦2,500, parties benefit from expert guidance at rates approved by the Chief Judge of Plateau State.
The ADR Awareness Week has also seen strong support from Plateau State’s judiciary. Plateau State Chief Judge, Hon. Justice David Mann, represented by Hon. Justice Nafisa Lawal, acknowledged the positive impact of PMDC’s work in reducing the judiciary’s workload and ensuring efficient, prompt dispute resolution. Justice Mann emphasized the PMDC’s role in partnering with other courts to refer cases suitable for ADR, ensuring that the system runs efficiently and that disputes are resolved with fewer resources and delays
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The PMDC’s campaign has been met with praise from key stakeholders, including Plateau State Attorney General, Barr. Philemon Dafi, representatives from the Magistrate Association of Nigeria, the German Agency for International Development (GIZ), and Ayuku Pwaspo, Chairman of the Plateau State Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ). They lauded ADR’s potential to promote smoother business relations within Plateau and beyond, encouraging local businesses to embrace the benefits of timely, affordable conflict resolution.
The week-long ADR Awareness campaign underscores PMDC’s commitment to accessible, efficient justice through ADR. As PMDC continues to grow, it is positioned to be a pivotal institution in advancing Plateau State’s justice system, fostering a culture of fairness, and driving the local economy forward.
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