Citizens’ Mediation Centre(CMC)

ABOUT US

The Citizens’ Mediation Centre (CMC) is an initiative of the Lagos state government under the ministry of justice. It was first established in 1999 as a unit of the directorate of citizens’ right in the ministry of justice. With the enactment of the CMC law in 2007, it became a statutory agency of the state government.

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The centre provides an alternative dispute resolution mechanism which residents of Lagos state can use to resolve their cases instead of litigation. Its main objective is to provide free and less cumbersome means of obtaining justice for all residents thereby discouraging self-help and impunity. Mediation and various other ADR available at CMC are confidential, free, voluntary, fast, and rendered in such a way as to ensure that disputes are resolved amicably without jeopardizing the relationship between the parties.

Services rendered by the centre include the settlement of disputes relating to landlords/tenants, employers and employees disputes, family matters (including marital disputes, child custody etc.). Others are property inheritance, land matters, monetary claims, local relationships and commercial disputes.

Since the commencement of mediation services in Lagos state and its wide acceptance by residents, there has been drastic reduction in unresolved disputes and court congestion. 26,756 cases were settled in 2019 and over 9,118 matters have already been settled in the current year.

STRUCTURE

The enabling law of the CMC provides for the establishment of a governing council headed by a chairman and members, who are part-time appointees with requisite experience, they play an adversary and supportive role in the affairs of the centre. The director and staff of the CMC are however saddled with the day to day running and management of the centre.

Currently, the centre has 18 (eighteen) sub-offices/units spread across the state including the headquarters in CBD Alausa Ikeja. Each of the units is manned by head of unit.

Our services and justice delivery to the Lagos state citizenry is faster and much more accessible by virtue of these units and plans are underway to cover more location.

GOALS & GUIDING PRINCIPLES

• Provision of qualitative mediation through skilled mediators
• Timely management of disputes
• Accessibility to or by the public
• Commitment to improvement in service provision and responsiveness to public feedback

OUR CORE VALUES

• Quality service, providing appropriate, efficient and effective services by competent, qualified and highly skilled mediators.
• Respectfor human dignity and worth of each person who is involved in mediation. This ensures that people are treated with courtesy, consideration and tolerance, and that services are provided for all residents of Lagos state regardless of age, socio economic status, race, colour, gender, disability or religious beliefs.
• Integrityand truthfulness in all our dealings with everyone that interacts with the Centre.
• Accountabilityand transparency in our work
• Confidentiality and impartiality
• Commitment to maintaining high professional and ethical standards in all aspects of our work.

CASE DATA

Within the period of January to December 2007 till date, the Centre has resolved over 300, 000 matters ranging from landlord/Tenant disputes, Employer/Employee disagreements, family matters, and monetary claim among others.

 MONEY COLLECTED BY THE CENTRE ON BEHALF OF PARTIES

The total value of settlement of debt related matters facilitated by the Centre on behalf of parties during the period under review is N8, 456, 225, 000 (Eight Billion, Four Hundred and Fifty-six Million, Two hundred and Twenty-five Thousand)

 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

 WHO ARE WE?

We are the Citizens’ Mediation Centre (CMC), an alternative dispute resolution centre under the Lagos State Ministry of Justice. We were created in 2007 as a statutory agency of the state government to assist residents of Lagos State, Irrespective of tribe, religion and ethnic differences by providing FREE, fast and effective access to justice, through mediation.

 WHAT IS MEDIATION?

Mediation is a process of resolving matters amicably between disputing parties.

 WHO IS A MEDIATOR?

A mediator is a neutral third party, who assists disputing parties to arrive at amicable settlement of dispute.

4. WHAT ARE THE SERVICES WE RENDER?

Citizens’ Mediation Centre provides Mediation Services in Civil Disputes in:

• Landlord/Tenant Disputes
• Employer/Employee Disputes
• Employee Compensation Disputes
• Family Disputes (including marital Disputes, Child custody etc.)
• Property inheritance and Land disputes
• Monetary claims
• Commercial Disputes

 HOW TO OBTAIN CMC’S ASSISTANCE?

• By petition
• By walk-in
• By referral
• By court order
• By telephone – 08118161620
• Email: cmcikeja01@gmail.com
• Facebook: lagosstatecmc
• Twitter: @lagosstatecmc
• Instagram: @lagosstatecmc

  WHEN IS CMC OPEN TO PUBLIC?

We are open 8am- 4pm; Monday through Friday except public holidays.

 WHAT HAPPENS AFTER A COMPLAINT IS MADE?

A letter of invitation would be issued to the complainant and all the parties involved will be directed to come for mediation on a given date.

 WHAT HAPPENS ON THE MEDIATION DAY?

When the parties are complete a file is opened and mediation commences.

9. WHAT IS THE EFFECT OF THE DECISION REACHED?

A binding and enforceable agreement (MOU).

 WHAT HAPPENS WHEN PARTIES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE MOU?

Enforcement proceedings will commence.

 WHAT IS THE COST OF THIS SERVICE?

IT IS FREE OF CHARGE.

 CMC OFFICE ADDRESSES AND TELEPHONE NUMBERS