Have Questions? We’ve Got Answers.
The LCA is a private sector owned and operated institution, independent of regulation, direction or control by any branch of government; it was established under the LCA Law No. 17 of 2009 which was made pursuant to the Lagos State Arbitration Law, No. 18 of 2009 as an independent dispute resolution institution. In its desire to promote Lagos as the hub for the settlement of disputes, the Lagos State Government donated the physical structure of the headquarters of the LCA, the ICAA and other infrastructure necessary to support the goal to make Lagos a hub for arbitration and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) in West Africa.
The work of the LCA is not limited to Lagos and/or Nigeria. The use of “Lagos” in our name simply denotes where the headquarters of the LCA is domiciled. The LCA is an international centre for arbitration and ADR serving clients in Nigeria and Africa.
The LCA is made up of internationally recognized arbitrators, Established under the Lagos State Arbitration Law 2009, the LCA was given the power to be the final arbiter for the application of the LCA Rules. The LCA has no affiliation or connection to any Lagos State or Nigerian Federal Court. .
The LCA is an international institution for the resolution of domestic and transnational commercial disputes. We provide a forum for dispute resolution proceedings for all parties irrespective of their location or system of law.
The LCA was formally launched in 2012. It received an endowment from the Investment Climate for Africa (ICF) in its support for judicial reform as well as the proliferation and benefits of ADR in Nigeria.
In 2013, the focus of the LCA was centred on brand awareness and public enlightenment about ADR and its benefit to businesses. Public acceptance and support have been positive, as indicated in the growing and varied number of personalities on our membership roll.
The LCA has hosted a number of knowledge and awareness workshops for the promotion of ADR. It held its first ADR conference in 2013, and on the same year, celebrated a milestone of being appointed the sole dispute service provider for the Lagos State Home Ownership Scheme Mortgage (Lagos HOMS).
In 2014, the LCA intensified its ADR awareness workshops. In addition, the leadership of the LCA undertook study visits to the International Chamber of Commerce in Paris and arbitral insitutions based in New York City to observe their activities.
Similarly, Board members of the LCA presented papers on ADR at various local and international events.
The LCA relocated to its headquarters—the International Centre for Arbitration ADR (ICAA), Lekki, Lagos in 2015. The ICAA is the first purpose-built ADR centre in Africa, equipped with the latest facilities to support arbitral hearings and other corporate events.
Advancing in its strides, the LCA continues to meet its mandate as the preferred natural and neutral ADR institution in Nigeria, as well as on the African continent.
The Judiciary recognises arbitration as a ‘necessary adjunct’ of the entire legal system. It supports the LCA and arbitral processes in a number of ways. These include— recommending arbitration or other forms of ADR when litigation is sought in the first instance; issuing subpoenas, granting injunctions, interpreting and enforcing arbitration agreements, recognising and enforcing interim measures during an arbitral process, and finally, enforcing arbitral awards.
The LCA enjoys supportive business relationships with individuals and organisations renowned for their excellent pedigrees in arbitration and ADR. These include the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), the International Bar Association (IBA), the Mauritius International Arbitration Centre (MIAC) and the Kigali International Arbitration Centre (KIAC).
Membership of the LCA is open to any person or organization interested in arbitration. Members pay a fee ton join and must submit a CV and go through further security should they wish to become a registered neutral (to serve as arbitrator).
No, the services of the LCA are open to any contracting party which seeks an alternative for dispute resolution.
Lagos Court of Arbitration
1A, Remi Olowude Street
2nd Roundabout, Lekki-Epe Expressway
Okunde Bluewater Scheme
Lekki Peninsula Phase 1 Lagos
Telephone: +234 (0) 9090000783
, +234 (0) 8053931053
info@lca.org.ng
Opening Hours: Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm