Arbitration Practice in the Communications Industry in Nigeria: A Review of Nigerian Communication’s Arbitration Law and Guidelines

Abstract

Entrepreneurs prefer to invest in States where business climate, which includes the law, is conducive to fair yields on capital whereas consumers of services need satisfactory service delivery. The Communications industry - relatively new in Nigeria – is no exception. Disputes are a common detractor; consequently an efficient dispute resolution mechanism for the communications industry is a desideratum for a developing nation such as Nigeria. The Nigerian Communications Act 2003 Cap 97 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 which provides for settlement of communication disputes, inter alia, by means of arbitration attempts to achieve this goal. This paper examines the law and Rules, highlighting deficiencies therein, and proffers suggestions for addressing these short-comings.

Key words: arbitration, award, law, Rules, Procedure, amendment, development, judicial review, Arbitration and Conciliation Act.