Finance Minister proposes digital commercial dispute tribunal to boost Nigerian investment

Speaking at the Capital Market Academics of Nigeria's Second Biennial Conference in Abuja, he highlighted that current commercial dispute resolution delays, averaging 15 years across various courts, deter investment and increase business costs. The proposed tribunal would feature judges and arbitrators with expertise in commercial, financial, and capital market matters, utilizing digital case management and mandatory timelines for swift resolution. This initiative aims to complement existing investment protection mechanisms by providing a more efficient avenue for resolving commercial disagreements, thereby strengthening investor confidence and supporting capital market growth.

Beyond judicial reforms, Mr. Oyedele urged a reevaluation of public borrowing, emphasizing that debt should be judged by its productive use rather than its size. He also challenged Nigerian entrepreneurs to consider external investment for business growth, noting that investors are primarily attracted by trust, policy consistency, strong institutions, and the rule of law, rather than just tax incentives. Dr. Emomotimi Agama, Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission, and Professor Uche Uwaleke, President of the Capital Market Academics of Nigeria, also spoke at the conference, emph