NIGERIA Law and Practice Contributed by: Tayo Oyetibo LP
10. Dispute Resolution and AI 10.1 Regulation
10.3 Future The Nigerian courts have not yet fully embraced arti- ficial intelligence as a systemic tool for dispute reso- lution, although there are early signs of incremental adoption. The use of AI remains limited and largely experimental, with some courts deploying technol- ogy-assisted tools such as speech-to-text and real- time transcription systems to improve the accuracy and speed of court proceedings. However, there is currently no formal policy or regulatory framework governing the use of AI within the judiciary and its adoption is neither uniform nor institutionalised. Looking ahead, it is hoped that the use of AI in dispute resolution in Nigeria will expand progressively, driven by the need for greater efficiency, cost reduction and improved case management. Over time, this may include broader deployment of AI in case scheduling, document management, virtual hearings and possibly predictive analytics. However, meaningful evolution will likely depend on the development of a clear regu- latory framework, judicial acceptance and substantial investment in technological infrastructure. Until then, AI will continue to evolve incrementally, led primarily by private sector innovation rather than institutional reform.
There is currently no specific, dedicated legislation regulating the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in dis- pute resolution in Nigeria. 10.2 Impact The impact of artificial intelligence on dispute resolu- tion in Nigeria is yet to be fully felt across the market, particularly in the absence of any formal regulatory framework governing its use. As a result, adoption remains largely ad hoc and practitioner-driven, rather than systemically embedded within the judicial or arbi- tral process. That said, among firms and practitioners that have embraced AI tools, the benefits have been signifi- cant. AI is increasingly being deployed to enhance legal research, document review, drafting and case management, resulting in marked improvements in efficiency, speed and cost-effectiveness at the prac- tice level. Similarly, some courts have begun experi- menting with technology-enabled solutions, such as digital transcription tools, though this remains limited. Overall, while AI has not yet transformed dispute resolution at an institutional level in Nigeria, its early adoption by forward-looking practitioners suggests a strong potential for future integration, particularly as the legal and regulatory landscape evolves.
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