Abstract
Arbitration has become an essential mechanism for resolving domestic and international
commercial disputes due to its flexibility, confidentiality, party autonomy, and procedural
efficiency. In Nigeria, the importance of arbitration as a means of promoting commercial
certainty and investment protection has been reinforced by the enactment of the Arbitration
and Mediation Act 2023 (AMA), which replaced the Arbitration and Conciliation Act 1988 and
introduced reforms consistent with international arbitration standards, particularly the
UNCITRAL Model Law. Despite these developments, arbitral proceedings remain susceptible
to procedural abuses commonly described as guerrilla tactics. Guerrilla tactics involve
deliberate attempts by parties or their representatives to obstruct, delay, or manipulate
arbitration proceedings for strategic advantage. These practices may include frivolous
challenges to arbitrators, excessive procedural applications, jurisdictional objections, non
compliance with tribunal orders, and efforts to frustrate the enforcement of arbitral awards.
While procedural safeguards are necessary to protect fairness and due process, their misuse
threatens the efficiency, credibility, and finality of arbitration. This article critically examines
Nigeria’s legal and institutional framework for addressing guerrilla tactics in arbitration, with
particular emphasis on the Arbitration and Mediation Act 2023. It evaluates provisions relating
to arbitrator challenges, tribunal powers, interim measures, enforcement mechanisms, and
judicial support for arbitration, while also considering professional ethics, arbitration
institutions, and international standards under the UNCITRAL framework. The article argues
that legislative reform alone cannot effectively eliminate procedural abuse. Combating
guerrilla tactics requires proactive tribunal management, ethical compliance by practitioners,
institutional oversight, effective cost sanctions, and a balanced judicial approach. It concludes
that Nigeria’s modern arbitration regime provides a strong foundation for efficient dispute
resolution, but its effectiveness depends on consistent enforcement of safeguards that preserve
the integrity and finality of arbitral proceedings.