Oba Nsugbe to Keynote CIArb Nigeria's 2026 Arbitration Conference

The Nigerian Branch of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) has announced that renowned international arbitration expert Oba Nsugbe, KC, SAN, will deliver the keynote address at its 2026 Annual Conference and Gala Night. The event is scheduled to take place from November 4 to 6 at the EUI Centre in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The conference theme, “Beyond Dialogue: Delivering Excellence in Arbitration and ADR,” aims to explore how the dispute resolution community can meet increasing demands for efficiency, innovation, and commercial awareness. Nsugbe's extensive international practice, which spans commercial litigation, arbitration, public international law, and investment treaty disputes, particularly concerning Africa, is expected to set a high standard for the discussions.

This gathering is anticipated to bring together leading practitioners, policymakers, academics, and business leaders. The participation of Cesar Pereira, President of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, along with other prominent arbitration practitioners, judges, senior advocates, and ADR professionals from Nigeria and abroad, underscores the event's significance.

The CIArb Nigeria Branch views the conference as a crucial platform for robust discussions on contemporary arbitration practices, institutional reforms, and the future trajectory of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) across Africa. Organizers expressed confidence that the event will be one of the most significant arbitration and ADR gatherings in the region, offering valuable opportunities for knowledge exchange, professional development, and strategic networking.