By Micah Jonah
February 17, 2026
In a landmark event to celebrate the 50th Anniversary (Golden Jubilee) of the Court of Appeal Nigeria, a Special Commemorative Sitting was held at the Port Harcourt Division on Monday, attracting top judges, legal luminaries, and key stakeholders across Rivers State.
The celebration also included the official commissioning of the Court of Appeal Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Centre, Port Harcourt Division, a strategic step aimed at improving access to justice and fast-tracking dispute resolution in the country.
The ADR Centre will provide a platform for amicable settlements, help reduce courtroom congestion, and promote efficient handling of civil and commercial disputes. It is part of ongoing efforts by the judiciary to modernize Nigeria’s legal system, boost public confidence in courts.
Legal practitioners and dignitaries at the event praised the initiative, noting that it would ease the burden on appellate courts, encourage out-of-court dispute resolution, and foster legal innovation in the Niger Delta and beyond.
The Court of Appeal has remained a key pillar of Nigeria’s judiciary, and the Port Harcourt ADR Centre is expected to serve as a model for other divisions nationwide.
Further reports on speeches, inaugural sessions, and activities at the ADR Centre will follow.
