FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The Chartered Institute of Arbitration and Mediation (CIAM) is an independent, non-governmental professional institution established to promote, develop and advance arbitration, mediation and other forms of alternative dispute resolution (ADR).
CIAM operates independently of any branch or agency of government in the discharge of its professional, training, certification, membership and ADR-related functions.
The Institute was established in Nigeria to contribute to the development of professional standards and best practices in alternative dispute resolution, promote the effective resolution of disputes, and support the growth of a strong and credible ADR ecosystem in Nigeria and beyond.
While CIAM may collaborate with government institutions, courts, professional bodies, businesses, academic institutions and other stakeholders in furtherance of its objectives, such collaboration does not make CIAM a government institution or an agency of government.
No. The work and reach of the Chartered Institute of Arbitration and Mediation (CIAM) are not limited to Nigeria.
CIAM is established as a professional institution with a broader regional and international outlook, promoting the development and practice of arbitration, mediation and other forms of alternative dispute resolution in Nigeria, across Africa and beyond.
While CIAM is headquartered in Nigeria and operates within the Nigerian legal and professional environment, its programmes, membership, professional development activities and ADR initiatives may serve practitioners, institutions and stakeholders from other jurisdictions.
CIAM therefore seeks to contribute to the development of a strong, credible and internationally connected ADR community, while maintaining Nigeria as its institutional base.
CIAM is an independent ADR institution established to facilitate the resolution of domestic and international disputes, particularly commercial and other civil disputes capable of being resolved through arbitration, mediation and other appropriate ADR mechanisms.
CIAM may administer or facilitate ADR proceedings involving parties from different jurisdictions, subject to the applicable law, the parties’ agreement and the rules governing the particular proceedings.
Accordingly, parties may access CIAM’s ADR services irrespective of their location or legal system, provided that the dispute and the chosen ADR process fall within the scope of CIAM’s applicable rules and the relevant legal framework.
Since its establishment, the Chartered Institute of Arbitration and Mediation (CIAM) has continued to develop its institutional framework and advance its mandate of promoting professional standards in arbitration, mediation and other forms of alternative dispute resolution (ADR).
Among its key milestones are:
Institutional Establishment: CIAM was formally established as a professional institution dedicated to the advancement of arbitration, mediation and ADR practice.
Regulatory and Institutional Framework: The Institute has developed its governance, professional and administrative structures to support the effective delivery of its programmes and services.
Professional Membership: CIAM has commenced the admission, training and development of ADR practitioners through its structured membership pathways and professional cadres.
Training and Certification: The Institute has developed professional training and certification pathways in arbitration, mediation and related areas of ADR, with programmes designed to promote competence and professional excellence.
Professional Community: CIAM has commenced the development of a community of ADR practitioners, professionals, academics and other stakeholders committed to the advancement of dispute resolution.
ADR Centre: The Institute is developing its ADR Centre to provide an institutional forum for the administration and facilitation of arbitration, mediation and other appropriate ADR proceedings.
Knowledge Development: CIAM continues to promote ADR awareness, professional education, seminars, workshops, case discussions and other knowledge-development initiatives.
Regional and International Outlook: From inception, CIAM has maintained a broader African and international outlook, with the objective of contributing to the development of credible, accessible and professionally administered ADR across Nigeria, Africa and beyond.
CIAM’s journey is ongoing. The Institute continues to build its professional community, strengthen its institutional capacity and develop initiatives aimed at advancing the effective use of arbitration, mediation and other ADR mechanisms.
Membership of the Chartered Institute of Arbitration and Mediation (CIAM) is open to suitably qualified individuals who have an interest in, or professional involvement with, arbitration, mediation and other forms of alternative dispute resolution (ADR), subject to the requirements applicable to the relevant membership category.
Applicants are required to complete the prescribed application process and satisfy the Institute’s applicable eligibility and admission requirements. Depending on the membership category, this may include the submission of professional or academic credentials and other supporting documents.
Membership of CIAM does not, by itself, confer appointment as an arbitrator, mediator or other ADR neutral. Individuals seeking to serve as CIAM-accredited or appointed neutrals are required to satisfy the additional training, certification, qualification or screening requirements applicable to the relevant professional designation.
Organizations and institutions may also engage with or participate in CIAM’s programmes and initiatives in accordance with the Institute’s applicable framework.
No. Membership of CIAM is not a prerequisite for parties to have their disputes administered or facilitated by CIAM.
CIAM’s ADR services are available to parties who have agreed to refer their disputes to the Institute, whether or not the parties are members of CIAM. Access to CIAM’s services is subject to the applicable ADR rules, the parties’ agreement and the relevant legal framework.
Membership is primarily intended to provide individuals and eligible organizations with access to CIAM’s professional community, training, certification and other institutional programmes.