By Emmanuel Thomas l Monday, Sept 21, 2026
PORT HARCOURT — In a bid to accelerate infrastructure delivery and foster harmony across the Niger Delta region, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has organized a three-day sensitisation programme on Conflict Sensitivity and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) for its contractors, consultants, and key stakeholders.
The workshop, themed “Enhancing Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR),” was aimed at equipping project handlers with peaceful conflict management strategies to prevent project abandonments and communal friction across host communities.
Delivering the opening address in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NDDC, Chief Samuel Ogbuku, PhD, stressed that proactive engagement remains essential for sustainable regional development.
Represented by the Executive Director, Corporate Services, Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde, Ogbuku underscored the need for effective communication, constructive negotiation, and timely intervention to stop disputes from escalating into costly legal or physical standoffs.
Addressing participants, the Director of the NDDC ADR Department, Godwin Ayewumi Ogedegbe, Esq., PhD, urged contractors and consultants to prioritize community inclusion, trust-building, and continuous cooperation with host populations throughout the execution phase of any project.
In his keynote address, renowned peacebuilder Professor Isaac Olawale Albert recommended thorough, pre-award community consultations. He advocated for the establishment of accessible ADR mechanisms at all operational levels before contracts are awarded to minimize friction early in the project lifecycle.
Further elaborating on the legal framework, resource person Professor Adewunmi Falode explained that ADR offers flexible, out-of-court options to handle grievances without the delays inherent in traditional litigation.
He noted that while formal court systems remain available as a last resort, ADR mechanisms foster mutually consensual settlements or binding resolutions that protect both project timelines and community interests.
The initiative reinforces the Commission’s commitment under its current management to strengthen stakeholder ties, streamline project delivery, and drive peaceful, sustainable transformation across the Niger Delta region.
