Litigation as a method of conflict resolution in Nigeria has, over time, fallen short of expectations due to administrative bottlenecks and inadequate funding, which have hindered many citizens' access to justice. In response, Section 259 of the 1999 Constitution empowers the Federal High Court to formulate rules for the effective administration of justice. Leveraging this provision, the Abuja Multi-Door Courthouse (AMDC) was established as an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanism. The AMDC offers multiple pathways referred to as "doors" including early neutral evaluation, mediation, arbitration, conciliation, and Sharia/customary mediation. This study assesses how the AMDC addresses the justice gap caused by the limitations of conventional litigation. Anchored in Rational Choice Theory, the study explores how individuals make informed decisions to utilize the AMDC’s options and how the judiciary promotes such alternatives to enhance conflict resolution. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study collected survey and documentary data, including interviews with 20 AMDC staff members. Findings indicate that the AMDC significantly improves access to justice by streamlining processes and reducing procedural delays inherent in litigation. The study concludes by recommending the formal enactment of legislation by the National Assembly to institutionalize the AMDC as a statutory ADR mechanism.

Key Words: Alternative Dispute Resolution, mediation, Reconciliation, Litigation