By Henry Ojelu, Somtochukwu Nwabufo & Islamiyah Afolabi

LAGOS — Nigeria will next week play host to some of the world’s leading arbitration experts, judges, Attorneys-General and business leaders as Lagos hosts the 10th edition of the International Chamber of Commerce, ICC, Africa Conference on International Arbitration.

The high-profile conference, scheduled for June 3 to June 5 at the Lagos Continental Hotel, is expected to attract delegates from over 30 countries across Africa, Europe and Asia.

Chairman of ICC Nigeria, Prof. Dorothy Udeme Ufot, SAN, disclosed this during a press briefing in Lagos, saying Nigeria secured the hosting rights after successfully organising previous editions of the conference.

According to her, several African countries competed to host the anniversary edition, but ICC headquarters in Paris eventually returned the conference to Nigeria because of the country’s track record and growing relevance in international arbitration.

“This is the 10th ICC Africa Conference and many countries indicated interest in hosting it. Nigeria was chosen because of our successful history and the confidence ICC has in our capacity,” she said.

Ufot revealed that the President of the ICC International Court of Arbitration, Robia Saudi, would lead a delegation from ICC headquarters in Paris to the conference.

She added that top government officials, including the Chief Justice of Nigeria and Attorneys-General from different countries, had confirmed participation.
Other speakers at the briefing included Secretary-General of ICC Nigeria, Olubunmi Osuntuyi; Co-chair, 10th ICC Africa Conference, Mrs Jean Chiazor Anishere, SAN and Chair, Media and Publicity Committee, Mr Joseph Siyaidon.

Speaking on the significance of the conference, Prof Ufot said Africa was gradually taking ownership of dispute resolution arising from investments and commercial activities on the continent.

She noted that for years, disputes involving African businesses, oil and gas transactions and infrastructure projects were largely resolved outside Africa despite the continent being the source of the investments.

“Africa now has highly trained arbitrators and professionals who are being appointed to international arbitration panels across the world. We are no longer spectators in global dispute resolution,” she said.

The conference, themed “A Decade of Excellence: Shaping the Future of International Arbitration and ADR in Africa,” will examine issues relating to infrastructure disputes, energy transition, digital economy conflicts, artificial intelligence, investment protection and geopolitical risks.

Ufot also disclosed that revised ICC Arbitration Rules for 2026 would be discussed during the conference as part of efforts to align arbitration practice with evolving global realities.

On her part, Osuntuyi said the event would feature advanced training sessions conducted by experts from ICC headquarters for arbitration practitioners and legal professionals.

She explained that participants would engage in discussions on fast-track arbitration, judicial support for arbitration, drafting balanced arbitration clauses and managing arbitration costs.

According to her, the conference will also feature interactive sessions designed to encourage active participation and exchange of ideas among delegates.

Anishere, SAN, said the increasing global recognition of African arbitrators demonstrated the continent’s growing intellectual and professional capacity in handling complex commercial disputes.

She added that Nigeria’s hosting of the conference would further strengthen its position as a leading arbitration hub in Africa.

She also disclosed that a gala dinner to mark the conference’s 10th anniversary and celebrate achievements in arbitration practice across Africa will also form part of the event.