The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting women's participation in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) to enhance business growth and economic stability. This commitment was reaffirmed by Chief Emeka Obegolu, the President of the chamber, at the second edition of the Women in ADR and Business Summit 2026 in Abuja.
The summit, organised by the Nigerian Chamber of Commerce Dispute Resolution Centre (NCC-DRC) of the ACCI, had as its theme "Women Leading Change in Advancing ADR Excellence and Business Growth". The event was also a commemoration of the International Women's Day. According to Obegolu, the summit provided a strategic platform for advancing commercial dispute resolution and celebrating the contributions of women in the sector.
The ACCI President noted that women in ADR have evolved significantly, with many now serving as mediators, arbitrators, negotiators, policymakers, and thought leaders. Women bring technical expertise, emotional intelligence, ethical clarity, and collaborative leadership, which are essential for building trust and delivering justice in a dynamic commercial environment. He emphasized that empowering women in ADR is not only a matter of equity but also a strategic imperative for economic growth.
Studies have shown that diverse leadership leads to better decision-making, improved governance, and stronger economic outcomes. Obegolu called on stakeholders to create more opportunities for women through mentorship programmes, policy reforms, capacity-building initiatives, and inclusion in leadership roles.
The ACCI's commitment to promoting women's participation in ADR is a welcome development, particularly in a sector where women's contributions are often overlooked. Chief Emeka Obegolu's emphasis on the importance of empowering women in ADR is a testament to the chamber's recognition of the strategic imperative of inclusive leadership. However, the question remains: what concrete steps will the ACCI take to ensure that women are included in leadership roles and that the sector is more representative of the diverse population it serves? The answer lies in the chamber's willingness to implement policy reforms, capacity-building initiatives, and mentorship programmes that will create a level playing field for women. Ultimately, the success of this initiative will depend on the ACCI's ability to translate its commitment into tangible action.
