ECOWAS Harps On Contracts, Alternative Dispute Resolution Mechanisms

The Economic Commission for West African States(ECOWAS) has organised a technical meeting on ECOWAS Contracts and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms.

The meeting, which was held from October 2nd to October 7th, 2023, in Lagos, was meant to finalise ECOWAS standard contract templates with standardised clauses on ADR and promote the use of ADR mechanisms for dispute resolution in procurement processes and contract management.

This technical session brought together relevant stakeholders including Administration and Procurement officers, Legal officers, Finance officer, HR Officers, and Auditors, among others. The event provided a platform for participants to gain a deeper understanding of the principles of diversity of interests, conflicts, disputes, and resolution strategies. Additionally, attendees had the opportunity to appreciate the interpretation of applicable law and dispute resolution clauses in contracts.

The technical session also evaluated the differences between various dispute resolution forums in the context of the nature of contracts and develop a methodology for resolving issues between parties, even as participants gained a comprehensive understanding of the arbitration process as an alternative to litigation in courts.

Furthermore, participants will be exposed to the role of Model Law of Arbitration, UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules, and the New York Convention for Enforcement of Arbitration Agreements and International Arbi-tral Awards.

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Participants gained practical experience in promoting the growth and efficient functioning of the justice system through Alternative Dispute Resolution. Awareness of ADR tools, processes, specific applicable laws, and arbitration processes and procedures will also be enhanced.

The capacity to analyse different conflict scenarios and dispute settlement mechanisms from a cost-benefit perspective compared to litigation will be strengthened. Additionally, participants were equipped with the capacity to implement ADR procedures to resolve disputes as early as possible using newly evolving hybrid dispute resolution processes. Ultimately, excessive unintended litigation costs on ECOWAS during contract management will be reduced.

In his opening speech, Director of administration and general services, Mr. Seydou Kassory Bangoura, on behalf of Professor Nazifi Abdullahi Darma as the commissioner for Internal Services of the commission recalled that ECOWAS is committed to promoting effective and efficient contract management and dispute resolution mechanisms.

The Lagos technical meeting was an important step in achieving this goal, even as he finally indicated that participants could expect to gain valuable skills and expertise in ADR, applicable laws and arbitration processes and that, the interactive nature of the session would provide valuable information and knowledge that could be applied in their respective roles.