AN INTRODUCTION TO THE RIVERS STATE MULTI-DOOR COURTHOUSE (RSMDC)
The Rivers State Multi-Door Courthouse (RSMDC) is a Court-connected Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Centre which offers a range of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) processes. The Mission of the RSMDC (also referred to as “the centre”) is to supplement the available resources for justice by providing enhanced, timely, cost effective and user-friendly access to justice. The Multi-Door refers to the various options available at the RSMDC which include Mediation, Arbitration, Early Neutral Evaluation and Hybrid Processes.
The Rivers State Multi-Door Courthouse Bill was passed into Law by the Rivers State House of Assembly on 31st May 2019 as the Rivers State Multi-Door Courthouse Law No. 9 of 2019. The law creates the necessary legal framework for the operations of the RSMDC. It also creates the proper environment for the fulfilment of its overriding objectives. The functions and roles of key justice sector stakeholders have been incorporated into the provisions of the law. The RSMDC is connected to the Rivers State Judiciary and the Citizens’ Mediation Centre of the Rivers State Ministry of Justice. The provisions of the law and Practice Direction 2021 give the Court the power to refer cases to the RSMDC for amicable resolution aimed at improving access to justice using the most appropriate ADR mechanism. It also provides for collaboration between the Citizens’ Rights Directorate of the State Ministry of Justice and the RSDMC.
The RSMDC provides efficient, flexible and impartial administration of ADR proceedings and has access to eminent and experienced arbitrators, mediators and experts with the widest range of expertise in their respective professional fields.
The Management Team of the RSMDC is guided by the Rivers State Multi-Door Courthouse Law in the operation of the Centre. The ADR processes are conducted in line with the RSMDC Mediation/Other ADR Processes & Arbitration Procedure Rules 2021 and the Practice Direction 2021 which are written in plain English for the convenience of all users.
In a bid to ensure cost effective services, the RSMDC administrative charges, and the fees charged by the ADR Experts are minimal and user friendly.
