Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, has advocated the establishment of a specialised commercial dispute tribunal to accelerate the resolution of business-related conflicts and improve investor confidence in the country. He argued that a more efficient dispute resolution framework would help unlock capital, reduce investment risks, and strengthen Nigeria’s economic competitiveness.
Speaking at a business and investment forum, Edun noted that lengthy legal processes often discourage investors and delay critical business decisions. According to him, creating a dedicated tribunal focused on commercial disputes would provide faster resolutions, improve contract enforcement, and create a more predictable business environment.
The minister stressed that access to swift and transparent justice is a key factor considered by both local and foreign investors when making investment decisions. He explained that improving dispute resolution mechanisms could support ongoing efforts to attract private capital into strategic sectors of the economy, including infrastructure, manufacturing, technology, and housing.
Edun further highlighted the Federal Government’s commitment to implementing reforms that strengthen the ease of doing business and encourage long-term investments. He said Nigeria must continue modernising its legal and regulatory frameworks to align with global best practices and improve its attractiveness as an investment destination.
Industry stakeholders have long identified slow judicial processes and contract enforcement challenges as obstacles to business growth. Analysts believe that a specialised commercial dispute tribunal could reduce case backlogs, lower transaction costs, and improve confidence among domestic and international investors.
The proposal comes as Nigeria seeks to increase private-sector participation in economic development and mobilise additional capital to support infrastructure projects, job creation, and sustainable growth across multiple sectors.
