Victor Ezeja
AdminNational President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Dele Oye Esq., has harped on the need to entrench transparency, accountability, and the rule of law in the country’s governance structures to drive sustainable growth and development.
Speaking during the International Chamber Of Commerce Nigeria (ICCN) Dance and Dinner, with the theme, “Good Governance: Panacea for Peace and Prosperity”, he stated that his association is at the forefront of private sector efforts to support good governance in Nigeria.
He asserted that the private sector plays a vital role in promoting good governance in Nigeria, stressing that the private sector, as significant contributor to the economy, can influence governance practices through responsible business conduct, ethical standards, and corporate social responsibility initiatives.
According to him, “By adhering to principles of transparency, accountability, and integrity, apart from the business community’s self-benefit of sustainable growth and development, businesses can set a positive example and contribute to a culture of good governance.”
NACCIMA, he explained, represents the interests of the Nigerian private sector and works closely with the Government to create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
In Oye’s words, “Nigeria has made significant strides in recent years toward achieving sustainable economic development and peaceful coexistence amongst its component units, and there is still much room for improvement in this regard.
“The importance of good governance cannot be overemphasized, as it serves as the foundation on which society’s ideals of peace and prosperity are built. Without effective governance, the potential of our great nation will remain untapped, hindering progress, and stifling opportunities for growth.
“Good governance plays a critical role in the development and progress of any nation, and Nigeria is no exception. It encompasses the institutions, processes, and systems through which authority is exercised, and public affairs are managed.”
The NACCIMA president stated that the country has encountered several significant challenges which have hindered the country’s progress and development, listing some of the most pressing challenges include: Corruption, Political Instability, Weak Institutions and Inadequate Service Delivery.
He said, “To address these challenges, successive Nigerian Governments have taken several commendable steps aimed at improving governance and combating corruption. These are: Establishment of Anti-Corruption Agencies, Electoral Reforms, Civil Society Engagement, and Institutional Reforms.
“Despite these initiatives, more needs to be done to combat corruption, strengthen institutions, promote political stability, and ensure effective delivery of public services,” he said.
He pointed out that one critical aspect of good governance currently calling for attention is the role of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, particularly Commercial Arbitration, in driving economic prosperity.
Commercial Arbitration provides a reliable and efficient mechanism for resolving commercial disputes, especially those involving parties from different countries. By offering a neutral forum for dispute resolution, it instills confidence in investors and facilitates cross-border trade.
Speaking on the impact of Commercial Arbitration on our economy, Oye stated that the establishment of the Lagos Court of Arbitration and the Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators have contributed significantly to the growth of arbitration as a preferred method of dispute resolution.
He said, “The legal framework for Commercial arbitration has also been revamped by the enactment and coming into force of the 2023 Arbitration and Mediation Act. These developments have not only boosted investor confidence but have also positioned Nigeria as a regional hub for arbitration in West Africa.
“Furthermore, international commercial arbitration helps to reduce the burden on our already overwhelmed judicial system. By providing an alternative avenue for dispute resolution, it eases the backlog of cases in our courts, allowing for a more efficient and speedy administration of justice.
“The benefits of international commercial arbitration go beyond resolving disputes. It also promotes the rule of law since parties willingly submit to a binding decision by a neutral tribunal. This contributes to a stable and predictable legal framework, which is essential for attracting foreign direct investment and fostering economic growth.
“However, the recent P&ID judgment obtained by the Federal Government of Nigeria, with approximately US$11 billion at stake, highlights the potential drawbacks of international commercial arbitration and its impact on developing and smaller nations.”
He further noted, “To fully harness the potential of international commercial arbitration, it is crucial that we continue to invest in the development of our arbitration infrastructure. This includes training arbitrators, improving the enforcement of arbitral awards, and promoting awareness of the benefits of arbitration among businesses and legal practitioners.”
Oye ended by asserting that good governance is vital for achieving peace and prosperity in any country, and Nigeria is no exception. “It is imperative that we prioritize transparency, accountability, and upholding the rule of law in our governance structures,” he said.
“Additionally, we must recognize the critical role of commercial arbitration in driving economic growth and attracting investments. By embracing these principles and investing in our arbitration infrastructure, we can create and sustain an environment that fosters economic prosperity for all Nigerians,” the NACCIMA president said.
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