The Mediation Training Institute (MTI–Nigeria) has offered to support the Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators (ICMC) and other Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) organisations in meeting regulatory requirements for training and consultancy in Nigeria.
The President of MTI Nigeria, Ambassador ‘Segun Ogunyannwo, in a statement, said it is willing to assist ADR institutions to secure accreditation from the Centre for Management Development (CMD) as required under the Nigerian Council for Management Development (NCMD) Act 2022.
Ogunyannwo noted that the Act mandates all organisations involved in training and consultancy to obtain CMD accreditation, together with three of their principal officers.
He said any institution operating without such accreditation is acting outside the law and is not authorised to train or certify professionals.
According to him, MTI–Nigeria is currently the only ADR organisation that has fully complied with CMD requirements.
The MTI President also advised ADR bodies using the title “chartered” to ensure they are backed by an Act of the National Assembly, similar to bodies such as the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN).
He explained that no institution can claim chartered status without an enabling law passed by the legislature and assented to by the President.
Ogunyannwo warned that unregulated ADR training institutions could undermine public trust and contribute to a credential-verification crisis within the sector. He said MTI is ready to support any organisation seeking to regularise its status.
“We want to ensure the ADR profession maintains high standards and public confidence,” he said, urging institutions that require assistance to reach out for guidance.
The MTI President also called on journalists to request documented proof of CMD accreditation and charter status from institutions claiming compliance.