Zamfara Lawmakers Push ADR Bill After Lagos, Kaduna Learning Visits

Zamfara Lawmakers Push ADR Bill After Lagos, Kaduna Learning Visits

Lagos, Nigeria – September 11, 2025 — The move to expand access to justice in Zamfara State has received renewed momentum as lawmakers pledged commitment to passing the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Bill, following peer learning visits to Lagos and Kaduna States.

The visits were facilitated by International Alert Nigeria in partnership with the Zamfara State Government under the Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria Programme (SPRiNG), an initiative designed to help states manage natural resource-related conflicts, improve security governance, and build inclusive justice systems.

Access to justice remains a pressing challenge across Nigeria, particularly in states where conventional courts are overburdened, costly, and time-consuming. ADR mechanisms such as Multi-Door Courthouses, already established in Lagos and Kaduna, have reduced case backlogs, improved public confidence, and fostered social cohesion.

Kingsley Udo, Country Director of International Alert Nigeria, praised Zamfara lawmakers for seeking local solutions instead of foreign models.

“I am proud as a Nigerian to see that Zamfara lawmakers did not go abroad to learn ADR systems. They came to Lagos, where proven models are transforming justice delivery—making it more accessible, affordable, and trusted by citizens,” Udo said.

He emphasized that justice is a right, not a privilege, adding that denying it only fuels grievances and conflict. According to him, once established, the proposed Zamfara ADR Center could serve as a model for other states, just as Lagos has done.

Leading the delegation was Rt. Hon. Bilyaminu Ismail, Speaker of the Zamfara State House of Assembly, accompanied by Mohammed Aliyu, Clerk of the House, and Bar. Musa Garba, Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Zamfara State. The delegation also included civil society voices such as Musa Umar, Executive Director of Voluntary Aid Initiative, Zamfara State, ensuring that both government and community perspectives shaped the learning exchange.

The lawmakers described the lessons from Lagos and Kaduna as “treasures” that will guide the establishment of Zamfara’s ADR Center and the passage of the ADR Bill currently before the Assembly.

At a press conference in Lagos to close the visit, Speaker Ismail reaffirmed the Assembly’s resolve to fast-track the bill, pledging to hold a public hearing once lawmakers return to Gusau.

One legislator, visibly inspired, remarked: “My heart is filled with so much delight as we conclude this important peer learning journey.”

Sunday Jimoh, Program Manager, International Alert Nigeria, commended the commitment of the Zamfara team, noting that their willingness to learn from homegrown models shows that states can take ownership of justice reforms that work for their people.

International Alert Nigeria reiterated its commitment to supporting states in adopting ADR:

“With what we have seen in Lagos and Kaduna, we will continue to help states build inclusive and conflict-sensitive justice systems. Sustainable peace and resilience are possible when justice is accessible to all,” Udo said.

Since 2011, International Alert has been active in Nigeria, working on peacebuilding, conflict prevention, and social cohesion, including the reintegration of women, girls, and children affected by violent conflict.