Photo Caption: The NDDC Executive Director, Corporate Services, Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde, shakes hands with the Director, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Dr Godwin Ogedegbe, during the opening of a three-day sensitisation programme for Contractors and Consultants in Port Harcourt. With them are the NDDC Director, Human Resources and Administration, Kelechi Nwelue (2nd right); the Keynote Speaker, Prof. Isaac Olawale Albert (right); and the National spokesperson, PANDEF's Chief Ominimini Obiuwevbi (left).
The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has underscored the importance of Alternative Dispute Resolution, ADR, as a tool for ensuring timely settlement of disputes and effective project delivery in the Niger Delta.
This was stated at the opening of a three-day sensitisation programme for contractors and consultants held in Port Harcourt.
Speaking at the event, the Managing Director of the NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, said disagreements were inevitable during project execution, but what matters is how swiftly and professionally they are resolved.
Ogbuku, who was represented by the Executive Director, Corporate Services, Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde, noted that every project is more than just a contract, stressing that when conflicts stall projects, the effect goes beyond the Commission and contractors to the communities waiting for development.
He warned that unresolved disputes could delay project completion, inflate costs, and strain relationships between the NDDC, contractors, consultants, and host communities.
“We want our contractors and consultants to understand that you are not merely participants in project execution; you are also critical first responders in conflict management. You are often closest to the projects, closest to the community and closest to emerging issues,” Ogbuku said.
He added that preventing conflicts, resolving disputes early, and delivering projects successfully would contribute to a more peaceful, productive and prosperous Niger Delta.
“We should not wait for conflicts to become crises before we act. Let us identify them early, manage them professionally and resolve them effectively,” he urged.
In his remarks, the Director of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Department, Dr. Godwin Ogedegbe, said the programme was organised to promote sustainable development in the region.
Ogedegbe noted that while the Niger Delta is blessed with abundant resources and vibrant communities, its complex social, economic and environmental realities could trigger tensions that undermine development projects if not properly managed.
According to him, conflict sensitivity requires deliberate understanding of host communities to ensure that NDDC interventions foster inclusion, trust and cooperation rather than divisions.
He explained that ADR offers a structured, efficient and peaceful mechanism for resolving disputes through dialogue, fairness and mutual respect, rather than confrontation and litigation.
He urged participants to engage actively, share experiences, and embrace the principles discussed to build a culture of development anchored on peace, inclusivity and sustainability.
Delivering the keynote address titled “Conflict Sensitivity and Alternative Dispute Resolution: Application in Project Execution for Sustainable Development in the Niger Delta,” the Dean of the Faculty of Multidisciplinary Studies, University of Ibadan, Professor Isaac Olawale, advised contractors and consultants to identify conflict risks early, adopt appropriate ADR processes and ensure projects remain on course while protecting relationships and public value.
Professor Olawale stressed that even a technically sound project could fail if relationships, expectations and grievances are not well managed.
The statement was issued by Seledi Thompson-Wakama, Director, Corporate Affairs of the NDDC, on September 17, 2026.
