Citizens’ Mediation Centre resolves 400,000 disputes in Lagos

CITIZENS COMPASS—Lagos State Citizens’ Mediation Centre (CMC), has said that it has resolved over 400,000 disputes since its inception.

CMC Director, Mrs. Biola Oseni, disclosed this yesterday, during an event to commemorate the 2024 International Day of Peace.

The event with theme, “Cultivating a Culture of Peace” was held at the mediation center.

The global event holds every September 21.

The 2024 edition reflected both global and local efforts aimed at promoting justice, fairness, and mutual respect.

The Director said the cases range from landlord-tenant disputes to family matters and monetary claims, reflecting the CMC’s commitment to fostering a just and peaceful society at the grassroots level.

Lagos government commended residents for fostering a peaceful atmosphere across the state, which has made the successful implementation of various life-improving projects possible.

Lagos emphasised that the harmonious coexistence among citizens has greatly enhanced its ability to deliver on key initiatives, especially in the areas of infrastructure development, healthcare, and social welfare.

The Lagos government reaffirmed its dedication to fostering a culture of peace and resolving conflicts through dialogue and understanding.

At the event, the Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, highlighted the government’s commitment to creating a harmonious environment where disputes are addressed peacefully.

While emphasising the pivotal role of the Lagos State Citizens’ Mediation Centre (CMC) in promoting peace across the state, Mr. Pedro, who was represented by the Director of Commercial Law, Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Kehinde Taiwo, informed that the Centre has consistently provided invaluable support for individuals in conflict and has become a model for conflict resolution across Lagos State.

Specifically, the Lagos Attorney General lauded CMC’s efforts in mediating disputes ranging from landlord-tenant issues to family disagreements, which have further reinforced the belief that understanding and compromise can triumph over discord.

“The impact of the CMC’s work cannot be overstated,” the Attorney General noted, adding that the centre has become a beacon of hope for many residents, particularly those from indigent backgrounds who seek peaceful resolutions rather than adversarial legal actions.

In response to the increasing demand for accessible mediation services, the Lagos State Government is set to expand its mediation centres, with new offices planned for Imota, Ketu, and Surulere. This expansion aims to make mediation services more accessible to residents across the state, regardless of their background. The Attorney General highlighted this initiative as part of the government’s broader commitment to creating a just and equitable society where peace and dialogue prevail.

Mrs Oseni acknowledged the United Nations’ ongoing work in cultivating peace worldwide, noting that through peacekeeping efforts and conflict resolution initiatives, the UN has been instrumental in stabilising regions and promoting sustainable development.

“Peace is not just about the absence of war or conflict but about creating a society where individuals can coexist in harmony, trust that justice will prevail, and resolve their differences through dialogue.”

Also speaking, the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Elsie Gyekyewaa Attafuah, in her address, said that the International Day of Peace is a day that reminds everyone about their collective responsibility to promote peace and security in the world.

In her words, “As we reflect on this year’s theme, cultivating a culture of peace, we are reminded that peace is not just the absence of conflict, but a vibrant process that requires dialogue, shared understanding, commonality of purpose, and cooperation.”

“Here in Nigeria, while we have seen pockets of devastating impact from conflict and violence, we have also witnessed the resilience and determination of our people to live in peace and harmony.”

She noted that to foster a culture of peace, people must prioritise education, both formal and informal, by engaging children in communities in intergenerational dialogues about peace and resilience.

She said future generations must be taught the values of understanding and cooperation, equipping them with tools to resolve conflict peacefully.

Gyekyewaa noted that investing in sustainable development efforts that address the root causes of instability and remove the barriers that hinder peaceful coexistence and cohesion would facilitate a culture of peace in the community.

The second phase of the programme took place at Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos, where residents were sensitised on how to cultivate a culture of peace anywhere they find themselves.

The event had in attendance traditional rulers, the local government chairman, and guest speakers across Lagos.

The Citizens’ Mediation Centre is an initiative of the Lagos state government under the ministry of justice. It was first established in 1999 as a unit of the directorate of citizens’ right in the ministry of justice. With the enactment of the CMC law in 2007, it became a statutory agency of the state government.

The centre provides an alternative dispute resolution mechanism which residents of Lagos state can use to resolve their cases instead of litigation.

Its main objective is to provide free and less cumbersome means of obtaining justice for all residents thereby discouraging self-help and impunity. Mediation and various other ADR available at CMC are confidential, free, voluntary, fast, and rendered in such a way as to ensure that disputes are resolved amicably without jeopardizing the relationship between the parties

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