Our Adedapo Tunde Olowu SAN, Ngozi Efobi and Christabel Ndeokwelu authored the Nigerian chapter of Lexology’s Getting the Deal Through Complex Commercial Litigation Guide for 2023.
The 2023 chapter provides local insights into the litigation market and legal framework in Nigeria including points such as pre-action considerations (including alternative dispute resolution); bringing and defending a claim; procedural steps in commercial litigation; funding; costs; appeals; cross-border enforcement; the advantages and disadvantages of litigating in this jurisdiction. The chapter also highlights recent litigation trends in Nigeria.
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Frequency of use
How common is commercial litigation as a method of resolving high-value, complex disputes?
Commercial litigation is a prevalent method of resolving high-value, complex disputes in Nigeria. However, in recent times, alternative dispute resolution mechanisms – particularly arbitration – have been increasingly used. This development can be attributed to the delays of the Nigerian court system and the reluctance of foreign investors to have their disputes resolved by local courts.
Law stated – 19 October 2022
Litigation market
Please describe the culture and ‘market’ for litigation. Do international parties regularly participate in disputes in the court system in your jurisdiction, or do the disputes typically tend to be regional?
Nigeria has a thriving culture and market for litigation, which is the most common process for resolving commercial disputes. The main centres for commercial disputes are Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt. Foreign investors regularly participate in disputes in the Nigerian court system, but they are increasingly reluctant to take their disputes to local courts and prefer to use arbitration for settling their disputes. Disputes are international, regional and local.
Law stated – 19 October 2022
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