Harnessing Online Dispute Resolution For Economic Growth In Nigeria: A Legal Framework For Advancing The Sustainable Development Goals

Abstract

Electronic commerce (E-Commerce) facilitates business transactions where goods
and services are bought and sold through digital platforms. However, it presents
unique challenges such as addressing disputes that arise in online environments.
Given the rapid advancement of information and communication technologies, ecommerce continues to evolve, integrating innovations like Online Dispute
Resolution (ODR). This is in furtherance of the United Nations Sustainable
Development Goal 16 to provide access to justice for all and build effective,
accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels. ODR serves as a mechanism for
resolving disputes electronically without requiring the physical presence of the
parties involved. This paper examines the effectiveness of ODR in enhancing
economic growth in Nigeria which aligns with the United Nations Sustainable
Development Goals 8.2, 8.3, 9.1, 16.3, 16.6 and 16.7. It adopts a doctrinal approach
and primary sources like the Arbitration and Mediation Act 2023, Nigeria Data
Protection Act 2023, Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2018
alongside secondary sources such as textbooks and journal articles were consulted.
It discusses the dispute resolution systems in Nigeria. It examines ODR as a viable
system for the enhancement of economic growth. It observes that Nigeria lacks
the necessary infrastructure and legal frameworks to support the system. Given
the inevitability of disputes in digital transactions, the study underscores the
importance of ODR to boost economic growth in furtherance of SDG 8. It
recommends that stakeholders should collaborate to establish the required legal
and technological foundations for ODR in Nigeria.