Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, PhD, has signed into law the Katsina State Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Law, 2025, marking a major step toward promoting peaceful, cost-effective, and accessible settlement of disputes across the state.
The new law, which was officially gazetted on June 19, 2025, establishes a formal framework for resolving civil, commercial, and community-related disputes through non-judicial means such as mediation, conciliation, and arbitration. This initiative aims to decongest the courts, reduce litigation costs, and encourage dialogue and reconciliation among disputing parties.
Under the law, individuals and organizations in Katsina State are now encouraged to settle their disputes through the ADR mechanisms rather than taking cases to conventional courts. The system allows parties to voluntarily engage neutral mediators or panels to help them reach fair and amicable settlements.
Legal experts say the new law represents a modern approach to justice delivery, ensuring that ordinary citizens can access fair dispute resolution without the delays and expenses associated with court proceedings.
Governor Radda emphasized that the initiative aligns with his administration’s commitment to promoting peace, unity, and social harmony across the state. “We want to create a culture of understanding and cooperation where conflicts are resolved amicably, without hostility or unnecessary financial burden,” the governor stated while signing the law.
The law also empowers the Katsina State Ministry of Justice to establish and regulate ADR Centres across the state, to provide professional mediation services and train mediators, conciliators, and arbitrators.
For many residents, this development is a welcome relief. It means land disputes, business misunderstandings, and family issues can now be settled quickly and peacefully, saving time, money, and relationships.
In essence, the Katsina State ADR Law, 2025 offers a new pathway for justice — one built on dialogue, fairness, and mutual respect, ensuring that peace and reconciliation remain at the heart of dispute resolution in Katsina State.
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