The Anambra State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding access to justice through alternative dispute resolution, as the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Tobechukwu Nweke, inspected the operational status of the Anambra State Multi-Door Courthouse (AnMDC) in Awka.
The inspection, conducted on Friday at the Judiciary Headquarters, was aimed at assessing the facility’s operations and identifying ways to strengthen justice delivery across the state.
During the visit, the Director of the AnMDC, Hon. Chineze Obianyo, disclosed that although the courthouse was inaugurated on February 5, 2019, by the Chief Judge Emeritus, Hon. Justice Peter Umeadi, it was unable to commence full operations due to operational challenges.
She explained that the centre was re-established on August 19, 2025, and has since become fully operational, providing alternative dispute resolution services through walk-in requests, court referrals and collaborations with key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Justice.
Obianyo said the Multi-Door Courthouse offers a faster, more cost-effective and less adversarial means of resolving disputes, helping to reduce delays associated with conventional litigation.
She added that the centre also supports the administration of criminal justice through its Restorative Justice Mechanism, which handles eligible criminal cases involving defendants who have admitted guilt and are willing to make restitution or reconcile with their victims.
According to her, the effective operation of the courthouse will accelerate dispute resolution, decongest conventional courts and help reduce the population of correctional centres by facilitating the timely resolution of qualifying cases.
She expressed confidence that sustained government support and stronger collaboration with stakeholders would further enhance the institution’s capacity, improve access to justice and reduce the backlog of cases in Anambra State’s judicial system.
Nweke’s visit underscores the Soludo administration’s renewed commitment to strengthening alternative dispute resolution as part of broader efforts to build a more efficient, accessible and responsive justice system.
