NDDC's Sensitization on Conflict Sensitivity, ADR Hailed as Masterstroke for Niger Delta Development

The Board and Management of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, have been commended for organizing a sensitization program for contractors and consultants on Conflict Sensitivity and Alternative Dispute Resolution, ADR, in project execution.

The commendation was given on Tuesday by Amb. Emeni Ibe, President of the Sustainable Development and Peace Initiative for Niger Delta Indigenous Contractors and President General of the Orashi National Congress, ONC Worldwide.

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Amb. Ibe described the program, themed "Sensitization Program for Contractors and Consultants on Conflict Sensitivity and ADR Applications in Project Execution for Sustainable Development in the Niger Delta," as a strategic shift in how development projects are delivered in the region.

According to him, indigenous contractors have for years struggled with community agitations, work stoppages and disputes arising from poor community entry and absence of dialogue mechanisms.

He said the NDDC's initiative to equip contractors and consultants with skills in conflict profiling, stakeholder mapping, mediation and community-based grievance redress provides a practical solution to the challenge.

He highlighted three key impacts of the program:

First, the renewed commitment to indigenous contractors, which he said exposes local contractors to global best practices, making their projects more competitive and sustainable.

Second, the institutionalization of peace as infrastructure, noting the position of the NDDC Managing Director/CEO, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, that ADR is cheaper, faster and more enduring than litigation and confrontation.

Third, alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, stressing that sustainable peace is a prerequisite for sustainable development.

"As President General of Orashi National Congress which covers the Orashi region across Rivers, Imo, Bayelsa and Delta States, I know firsthand how conflicts over land, benefits, and employment have stalled projects. This ADR model will save billions and restore community confidence," Ibe stated.

He passed a vote of confidence on Dr. Ogbuku, the Executive Directors and the Director of the Dispute and Conflict Resolution Department of the NDDC for what he termed visionary leadership.

Ibe further called on all indigenous contractors in the Niger Delta to internalize and implement the lessons from the sensitization, while pledging the support of his organizations to cascade the peace model to communities across the region.