The Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators will bring together judges, lawyers, diplomats, policymakers, labour leaders, academics and alternative dispute resolution practitioners in Abuja for its 2026 International ADR Conference and Induction Ceremony, with discussions focused on the role of mediation in strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions and resolving socio-political conflicts.
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The conference, described by the Institute as one of Africa’s leading gatherings of Alternative Dispute Resolution practitioners, will hold under the theme, “Strengthening Nigeria’s Democratic Frameworks: The Role of Mediation in Social-Political Conflicts.”
The main ADR conference is scheduled for Tuesday, December 1, 2026, in Abuja, with the opening programme commencing in the morning and activities continuing throughout the day.
According to the current programme published on the official conference website, the wider programme will run from November 30 to December 2, 2026, at ICMC Mediation House, Lugbe, Abuja, with options for both physical and virtual participation.
Registration and other conference information are available at: www.icmcconference.org
The event is expected to examine how mediation and other ADR mechanisms can be deployed to manage political disagreements, strengthen democratic institutions, reduce social tensions and promote peaceful resolution of conflicts in Nigeria.
President of ICMC, Godwin Omoaka, SAN, FICMC, will lead the Institute’s leadership at the conference alongside the incoming President, Dr. Chukwuemeka B. Eze, FICMC; Registrar of the Institute, Babatunde Oyefeso, FICMC; and Chairman of the Conference Planning Committee, Ambassador Victor A. A. A. Ojaide, FICMC.
United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, Amina J. Mohammed, is billed to deliver a keynote address at the conference.
Professor Chidi Anselm Odinkalu of the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University, United States, will also feature as a keynote speaker.
The European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, H.E. Ambassador Gautier Mignot, will participate as guest speaker.
The conference will also feature a broad panel of judicial officers, lawyers, mediators, public officials, labour leaders and international development professionals.
Among the panelists is Professor Ozonnia Ojielo, FICMC, United Nations Assistant Secretary-General and Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Ethiopia.
Retired Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Amina Augie, CFR, will also participate alongside Hon. Justice O.A. Obaseki-Osaghae, FCIArb (UK), Judge of the National Industrial Court, Abuja.
Also listed is Her Worship Sa’adatu Hamma, MICMC, MCIArb, Chief Magistrate Grade I of the Kano State Judiciary.
President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Joe Ajaero, is among the speakers expected to bring the labour movement’s perspective to discussions on mediation and socio-political disputes.
Others include Mrs. Eliana Martins, FICMC, Country Vice President and National President of the International Federation of Women Lawyers, FIDA Nigeria; and Mrs. Isimeme Whyte, Founder and Group Managing Director of Genius Hub Groups.
Ebonyi State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Professor Odoh Ben Uruchi, FICMC, is also scheduled to participate.
Former President of ICMC, Ambassador Louis Brown Ogbeifun, FICMC, will join the panel alongside former INEC Electoral Commissioner, Hon. Mike Igini, Esq.
Nigeria Tax Ombud and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. John Nwabueze, is also listed among the panelists.
Hon. Justice Mary Enoredia Itsueli, FICMC, FCIArb, a Judge of the Edo State High Court, will equally participate in the conference.
The organisers said discussions will focus on practical approaches through which mediation can contribute to democratic consolidation, institutional stability, national cohesion and the peaceful management of political disagreements.
The gathering is also expected to provide an opportunity for ADR professionals, policymakers, members of the judiciary and other stakeholders to examine contemporary challenges confronting Nigeria’s democratic system and consider how structured dialogue and mediation could prevent disputes from escalating.
The conference programme will be anchored by Grace Orahachi Ehusani, Head of Chamber and Practice Manager at Greenfield Chambers; Babayemi Olawole Olaniyan, Lead Partner at Lehi Attorneys; and Chika Josephine Oranye, Firm Lead at Chika Oranye Legal.
Beyond the main conference, ICMC has scheduled several related activities.
The programme will begin on Monday, November 30, with a Governing Council Meeting, followed by an AGM lunch and the Institute’s Annual General Meeting.
The main International ADR Conference will take place on Tuesday, December 1, with opening ceremonies, the President’s address, keynote presentations, guest remarks and panel discussions.
An Induction Ceremony and Conference Dinner is also scheduled for later that day, during which new Associates, Members and Fellows of the Institute will be formally admitted.
The programme will conclude on Wednesday, December 2, with a Youth and Women Session.
Participants may attend either physically or virtually.
According to the conference website, registration fees for physical participation are ₦80,000 for Fellows, ₦60,000 for Members, ₦40,000 for Associates, ₦90,000 for non-members and ₦10,000 for student members.
Guests of inductees are to pay ₦30,000, while virtual participation costs ₦30,000 for regular delegates and ₦5,000 for student members.
International delegates are advised to contact the ICMC Secretariat for assistance with registration.
Registration includes access to the international ADR conference, expert and policy discussions, networking opportunities, a Certificate of Attendance and the conference dinner.
Interested participants can register and obtain further information through the official conference website: www.icmcconference.org
The ICMC Secretariat can also be contacted through info@icmcconference.org and +234 903 741 6920 for registration, accommodation and other enquiries.
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