Don calls for stronger regulations on AI-driven dispute resolution in Nigeria

Experts Discuss the Intersection of Technology and Alternative Dispute Resolution at Redeemer’s University Lecture

IBADAN, Nigeria — Bello, an adjunct professor of arbitration and law at the University of Ibadan, delivered a lecture on the evolving landscape of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) during the 2026 Distinguished Personalities Lecture at Redeemer’s University. The event honored Justice Adedotun Adebola Omoloye Olabode.

The lecture, titled “The Paths of Alternative Dispute Resolution and Information Technology: What Is More and What Is Less?”, focused on the impact of technological advancements, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI), on arbitration, mediation, and other forms of ADR.

Bello emphasized the importance of ensuring that technological innovations do not widen the gap in access to justice for those lacking digital skills or appropriate resources. He advocated for institutions to provide digital literacy training, establish physical assistance centers, and create accessible online platforms to facilitate broader participation among Nigerians in dispute resolution processes.

He also called for enhanced educational opportunities for arbitrators, mediators, lawyers, and ADR administrators, specifically in areas such as AI, cybersecurity, digital evidence, online communication, data privacy, and technological ethics. While recognizing the benefits of AI, Bello insisted that human oversight remains critical in decision-making processes, urging that AI-assisted procedures undergo thorough human review.

In his address, he outlined necessary updates to operational rules for arbitration and mediation institutions to include provisions for virtual hearings, electronic evidence, and measures addressing cybersecurity and digital confidentiality. He stressed the significance of international collaboration, noting that many digital disputes extend beyond national borders, which necessitates Nigeria’s engagement with global initiatives like those of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL).

Bello noted that information technology has shifted ADR from primarily physical formats to more digital approaches. He also highlighted the advantages of technology, including speed, flexibility, and improved information management, while cautioning that challenges such as cybersecurity threats, privacy issues, and algorithmic bias should not be overlooked.

“Technology should augment the capacity of ADR without displacing the human values that give ADR its legitimacy,” Bello stated, suggesting that the future of dispute resolution will integrate AI with human expertise rather than replace it.

In his remarks, Professor Shadrach Olufemi Akindele, Vice-Chancellor of Adeleke University, praised the lecture as a significant opportunity for intellectual engagement regarding the legal system’s evolution. He highlighted the relevance of the topic, noting how technology is reshaping human interactions and institutional processes.

Akindele encouraged legal practitioners and students to explore how technology and ADR can enhance traditional judicial practices, improve access to justice, reduce case delays, and optimize legal administration. He commended the acting Dean of the Faculty of Law for organizing the lecture, congratulated Justice Olabode on the honor, and expressed gratitude to Bello for sharing his insights. Additionally, he urged students to engage with the topics discussed and consider their potential impact on their future legal careers.

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