Chief Justice of Nigeria, Mahmud Mohammed has said that there is a need to completely overhaul the Nigerian judiciary system because it is currently not fit for 21st century circumstances.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Mohammed said this on Friday in Abuja, at the inauguration of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Centre of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN).
He said “There is needed for an overhaul of the Nigerian Judicial System in order to render it fit for the 21st century circumstances; there is need to ensure that justice is quick and inexpensive.
“Litigation has become slow, costly and highly inflating, especially given their complexity, endless interlocutory applications and potential for acrimony.”
While commending the NICN’s initiative and vision in instituting an ADR centre, he said “It has now become abundantly clear that ADR offers a more flexible, people-oriented dispute resolution mechanism.
“The ADR would help prevent widespread industrial relations crises if given adequate support.”
He added that the ADR will ensure that the wheels of justice move freely.
Justice Babatunde Adejumo, President of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria said the aim of the ADR is to ensure that parties settle disputes amicably.
He said “One pivotal aim for the centre is to assist parties in dispute to collaborate towards settling their disputes and arriving at a win-win or mutually acceptable agreement in less costly, speedy and efficient manner.
“With the establishment of the court’s ADR centre, the court’s mission of an efficient, timely and just system of justice delivery will be further enhanced.
“Our goal is to have matters determined within 12 months from the time of filing.”