The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, United Kingdom was founded in 1915, incorporated in 1924 and granted a Royal Charter in 1979. The Institute has a multi disciplinary membership of over 10,000 members located in 85 countries around the world. Its objectives are: Promotion of arbitration in its several forms as the preferred means of resolving commercial and other types of disputes. Promoting the Institute as the foremost international learned society for arbitration; as a worldwide arbitration advisory and administrative service and as the world’s leading authority for the education, training and certification of arbitrators. Maintenance and development of the highest standards of administration and excellence in the organisation and management of the Institute’s activities. THE NIGERIA BRANCH The Nigeria Branch is one of the 31 branches of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. The Branch was granted a Branch status in 1998. The Branch has grown tremendously and currently has a membership strength of over One Thousand Three Hundred (1,300). Membership of the Branch cuts across all disciplines including Law, Construction, Shipping, Engineering, Insurance, Banking, Accounting and Medicine. The Branch has in its fold, seasoned arbitration practitioners of international repute. In the exercise of its functions, it maintains close links with other professional arbitral bodies worldwide.