By Mercy Peter
The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), in collaboration with the Nigerian Chamber of Commerce Dispute Resolution Centre (NCC-DRC), successfully hosted the 2026 Women in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and Business Summit, bringing together key stakeholders to advance inclusive growth and strengthen dispute resolution mechanisms.
The summit, held as part of activities marking International Women’s Day, convened ADR practitioners, legal experts, policymakers, and business leaders under the theme, “Women Leading Change in Advancing ADR Excellence and Business Growth.” It served as a strategic platform to deepen conversations around the critical role of women in fostering sustainable economic development through effective dispute resolution systems.
ACCI President, Emeka Obegolu, underscored the significance of the summit as both a celebration of women’s achievements and a forward-looking initiative aimed at shaping the future of commerce and justice.
He reaffirmed the Chamber’s commitment to promoting ADR through the NCC-DRC, describing it as a vital instrument for enhancing economic stability, reducing litigation bottlenecks, and boosting investor confidence.
Obegolu noted that women are increasingly assuming transformative roles within the ADR ecosystem as mediators, arbitrators, negotiators, and thought leaders—bringing qualities such as integrity, emotional intelligence, and collaborative leadership to the fore.
The Chairman of NCC-DRC, Adetokunbo Kayode, the Vice President (Legal) of ACCI, Aisha Ado Abdullahi, reiterated the Centre’s commitment to advancing excellence in ADR while promoting inclusivity and capacity development for women.
She highlighted that the summit builds on the success of its inaugural edition and reflects the growing influence of women across boardrooms, courtrooms, and negotiation spaces.
Abdullahi stressed the importance of sustained platforms that encourage knowledge sharing, professional networking, and expanded opportunities for women in both legal and business sectors.
Providing further insight into the Centre’s operations, the Registrar General of NCC-DRC, Hauwa Kaka Usman, outlined its mandate in enhancing access to justice and fostering a business-friendly environment.
She explained that the Centre offers a range of services including arbitration, mediation, commercial dispute administration, risk management, and capacity-building programmes for legal practitioners and businesses.
Usman also highlighted ongoing innovations within the Centre, including the development of online dispute resolution frameworks and the planned Dispute Settlement Clinic Initiative aimed at expanding access and efficiency in resolving commercial disputes.
The summit featured three high-level panel sessions addressing the intersection of ADR and business growth. Discussions centred on topics such as mediation as a strategic business tool, the alignment of dispute resolution with enterprise sustainability, and the role of leadership, ethics, and innovation in shaping the future of justice and commerce.
Speakers across the sessions emphasized that empowering women in ADR is not only a matter of equity but also a strategic imperative for economic advancement. They noted that diverse leadership enhances decision-making, strengthens governance structures, and improves institutional effectiveness. Participants also called for increased investment in mentorship, supportive policy reforms, and deliberate inclusion of women in leadership roles within the ADR ecosystem.
Attendees were encouraged to actively engage, exchange ideas, and build lasting collaborations beyond the summit. The event also recognized the contributions of partners, speakers, and organizers, whose efforts ensured its success and reinforced a shared commitment to strengthening dispute resolution systems in Nigeria.
The ACCI reaffirmed its support for the NCC-DRC and its broader commitment to promoting ADR as a catalyst for economic transformation. The summit concluded with a collective call for stakeholders to deepen collaboration and continue advancing a more inclusive, efficient, and sustainable business environment, with women playing a central role in shaping the future of commerce and justice.
