Towards a transformative dispute resolution across the Niger Delta Region, the Department of Dispute and Conflict Resolution (DCR), Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), has concluded a retreat for its personnel on practical ways of reducing conflict and violent protests in the region.

With the theme: “Transiting from Transactional to Transformative Dispute Resolution: Practical Approach to Conflict Management,” the retreat held from January 30 to February 2, 2025 in Lagos, was aimed at ensuring that the DCR staff involved in crisis management are well-versed in diverse dispute resolution and crisis management strategies.

In his opening remarks, the Acting Director of DCR, Goddy Ogedegbe, said in line with the theme of the retreat, the MD/CEO of the commission has carefully restored noticeable peace within the region by spreading his tentacles through laudable and meaningful projects and programmes that are conspicuous, which have evidently and practically reduced conflict and violent protests within the Niger Delta region, thereby making it a cynosure of the public.

He said under the transformative approach, a broad context to their boss is the new way of doing things in NDDC, where legacy projects and programmes are initiated, executed, and implemented to meet the needs of various stakeholders, devoid of any form of marginalisation across the region.

In her presentation titled: “Crisis Management: Embracing Inclusivity for Effective Shift from Transactional to Transformational Approaches,” the Lead Paper Presenter, the Executive Director of IMPACT, Dr. Naomi Akpan-Ita urged the Commission to be more inclusive in its dispute resolution.

She noted the need to further enhance the work currently being done by the NDDC through the DCR in the region, adding that there should be a conscious shift toward transformational approaches in addressing crises within the region.

“The transformational approach begins with the understanding that conflict has the potential to lead to positive change. Instead of merely addressing the immediate issue, this perspective seeks to harness the energy of the conflict to rebuild relationships and structures more positively.

“To engage this approach requires embracing a transformational mindset, especially during crises, as it influences the strategies implemented to manage the situation.

“A transformational approach requires building trust, enthusiasm, and openness among stakeholders involved in a conflict, which encourages the exploration and acceptance of innovative solutions.

“To effectively engage in transformational approaches to crisis management, it is essential to have both flexibility and the capacity for innovation. Without sufficient capacity, not much can be accomplished, even with flexibility. This is because knowledge-based alternatives are necessary to provide options that can serve as foundations for developing effective approaches,” she said.

She emphasised the need for sufficient capacity for DCR staff involved in crisis management to be well-versed in diverse dispute resolution and crisis management strategies, adding that training and continuous education in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) methods are crucial, as is the capacity for creative thinking.

In her submission, one of the panelists, Omotayo Awomolo-Enujiugha, who is the Vice President, Marketing and Membership, Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators, conflict resolution goes beyond merely settling disputes.

“It doesn’t necessarily lead to peace because there will definitely be a loser. So, what we see the DCR trying to do here today, which is very encouraging, is to find a way where they can create a win-win for conflicting parties. That is a faster, easier, more efficient way to attain peace because parties feel engaged.”