Judicial Support for Arbitration in Nigeria: On Interpretation of Aspects of Nigeria's Arbitration and Conciliation Act

The quality of judicial support and respect for the principle of minimum intervention are crucial factors in assessing whether a jurisdiction is attractive for arbitration. While there have been efforts to present Nigeria as an arbitration-friendly jurisdiction and an attractive arbitration venue, questions remain about the adequacy, effectiveness and certainty of legal rules concerning arbitration in Nigeria. There are also questions about the quality and efficiency of judicial support for arbitration in light of some judicial decisions affecting arbitration that have generated controversy. Through a careful analysis of key statutory provisions and judicial decisions, this article analyses support for arbitration in Nigeria in respect of selected topics, including party autonomy, upholding arbitration agreements (especially concerning the stay of judicial proceedings), the stay of arbitration proceedings and third party intervention. The article identifies scope for improvement in statutory and judicial approaches. It makes suggestions concerning both judicial approaches and reform of the statutory regimes.