Worldwide: Litigation, Mediation & Arbitration

In line with the judiciary’s commitment towards embracing digital innovation and improving access to justice, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Honourable Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, issued the Supreme Court (Mandatory Upload of Electronic Copies of Processes, Record of Appeal, and Other Matters) Practice Directions, 2026 on 1st July 2026 pursuant to section 236 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), and in alignment with relevant provisions of the Supreme Court Rules 2024.

The Supreme Court of Mauritius has established critical precedents for shareholder disputes involving arbitration clauses, clarifying when courts may intervene to grant interim measures and how costs should be awarded when applications are withdrawn.

Third-party funding (TPF) has become an increasingly significant feature of international arbitration, driven by the rising costs of resolving complex commercial disputes and the growing maturity of the funding industry. Recognising this development, Nigeria's Arbitration and Mediation Act 2023 (AMA) expressly permits third-party funding in arbitrations seated in Nigeria by abolishing the common law torts of maintenance and champerty in this context and introducing a statutory disclosure regime.