Mediation Still Largely Untapped, Business Techniques Lacking, Says Expert

A Management Consultant, Mr Adekunle Salau, on Wednesday blamed
professionals’ inability to make money from mediation on lack of
business techniques.

Salau said in Lagos at a training for mediators that many areas
of mediation had yet to be tapped in Nigeria, adding that smart
practitioners should exploit them for growth.

Salau, also a financial expert, spoke at the training organised
by the Standing Conference of Mediation Advocates, (SCMA)
Organisation.

The training, with the theme ”Business of Mediation Advocacy”,
was on how to create a profitable business with mediation.

Salau said: “Your business needs to be accessible; take
advantage of the latest technological advancements to build your
business.

”You should never compromise on the quality of your practice in
order to draw more clients.

“Before one can talk about the viability of integrating
mediation advocacy as a profit centre in a law firm structure, the
law firm must be well structured in business profitability.

“There are so many cases that have long been in court for years;
the parties would jump on the option of mediation because, for
them, it is a win-win.

“Mediation centres have the capacity to be top-tier
organisations; private-owned mediation centres are the future of
mediation.”

He urged mediators to create a niche for themselves instead of
waiting for the society to accept it.

Salau also advised mediators to form a group and source for
financial support from bigger organisations to help to enlighten
the masses on mediation.

Mrs Mulikat Thomas, a lawyer and mediator, who participated in
the training, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the
knowledge gained would impact much on her practice.

According to her, the training will assist in increasing
financial output from mediation.

Mr Adewale Sanni, a lawyer and mediator, told NAN that he learnt
financial strategies of mediation from the business training.

NAN reports that mediation is a method of alternative dispute
resolution where a neutral third party assists disputing parties in
resolving conflicts through communication and negotiation.

-NAN

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