Submit your papersSubmit Now
For Enquiries: [email protected]
IIARD LogoIIARD

Guerrilla Tactics in Arbitration: Challenges, Ethical Implications, And Prospects for Reform in Nigeria

Prof. Uwakwe Abugu, Olusola Sefeoluwa Ephraim-oluwanuga

Abstract

Guerrilla tactics in arbitration represent a growing threat to the integrity, efficiency, and finality of dispute resolution. These deliberate acts designed to frustrate, delay, or derail arbitral proceedings, blur the line between zealous advocacy and procedural abuse. This article examines the manifestations of guerrilla tactics across the lifecycle of arbitration, from the pre-arbitral stage through to post-award enforcement. It analyses the ethical burdens these tactics place on arbitrators and counsel, and evaluates recent legislative innovations under Nigeria’s Arbitration and Mediation Act 2023, including the Award Review Tribunal, arbitrator immunity, and restricted court interference. The article argues that a combination of robust procedural case management, a strengthened sanctions regime, expedited procedures, and harmonised ethical standards offers the most viable path toward insulating arbitration from strategic abuse.

Keywords

Guerrilla tacticsarbitrationNigeria Arbitration and Mediation Act 2023Award Review Tribunalarbitrator immunityprocedural abuseenforcement of arbitral awards.

References

Alperen KY, ‘Contractual Time Limits to Commence Arbitration’ (2020) 37(2) Journal of International Arbitration. Arbitration Act 1996 (United Kingdom). Arbitration and Mediation Act 2023 (Nigeria). AT&T Corp v Saudi Cable Co [2000] 2 Lloyd’s Rep 127. Blackaby N and others, Redfern and Hunter on International Arbitration (6th edn, Oxford University Press 2015). Born GB, International Commercial Arbitration (3rd edn, Kluwer Law International 2021). Channel Tunnel Group Ltd v Balfour Beatty Construction Ltd [1993] AC 334. Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards (opened for signature 10 June 1958, 330 UNTS 38) (New York Convention). Convention on the Settlement of Investment Disputes between States and Nationals of Other States (opened for signature 18 March 1965, 575 UNTS 159) (ICSID Convention). Dallah Real Estate and Tourism Holding Co v Ministry of Religious Affairs of Pakistan [2010] UKSC 46, [2011] 1 AC 763. Enyelike v Ogoloma [2012] LPELR-7837 (CA). General Standard 1, IBA Guidelines on Conflicts of Interest in International Arbitration (adopted 23 October 2014). General Standard 2, IBA Guidelines on Conflicts of Interest in International Arbitration (adopted 23 October 2014). General Standard 2(a), IBA Guidelines on Conflicts of Interest in International Arbitration (adopted 23 October 2014). General Standard 2(d), IBA Guidelines on Conflicts of Interest in International Arbitration (adopted 23 October 2014). General Standard 3, IBA Guidelines on Conflicts of Interest in International Arbitration (adopted 23 October 2014). General Standard 7, IBA Guidelines on Conflicts of Interest in International Arbitration (adopted 23 October 2014). Horton D, ‘Arbitration About Arbitration’ (2018) 70 Stanford Law Review 363. International Bar Association, IBA Guidelines on Conflicts of Interest in International Arbitration (adopted 23 October 2014). International Bar Association, IBA Guidelines on Party Representation in International Arbitration (adopted 25 May 2013). International Bar Association, IBA Rules on the Taking of Evidence in International Arbitration (adopted 29 May 2010). International Chamber of Commerce, ICC Arbitration Rules 2021. Kumar Paul VK and Moza A, ‘Review of the Effectiveness of Arbitration’ (2017) 9(1) Journal of Legal Affairs and Dispute Resolution in Engineering and Construction 03716002. London Court of International Arbitration, LCIA Arbitration Rules 2020. Heyman v Darwins Ltd [1942] AC 356. NNPC v Lutin Investment Ltd [2006] 2 NWLR (Pt 965) 506. Premium Nafta Products Ltd v Fili Shipping Co Ltd (The Fiona Trust) [2007] UKHL 40, [2007] 1 AC 1. Singapore International Arbitration Centre, SIAC Arbitration Rules 2016. Stalwood Ltd v Alubo [2012] 5 NWLR (Pt 1293) 251. Tweeddale A, ‘Delay in Commencing an Arbitration’ (2002) 68(3) Arbitration: The International Journal of Arbitration, Mediation and Dispute Management. JLGP JLGP E-ISSN 2579-051X UNCITRAL, UNCITRAL Model Law on International Commercial Arbitration 1985 with amendments as adopted in 2006.