NDDC Lists Benefits Of ADR In Workplaces

The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has stressed the imperativeness of alternative dispute resolution in promoting transparency, accountability, and integrity in the workplace.
The Managing Director of the commission, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, who was addressing an in-house sensitisation seminar on ADR, said ADR is a critical tool in fostering trust at the workplace.
The theme of the seminar was, “Promoting Transparency and Due Process in the Workplace: Deploying Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Approaches in Building a Culture of Accountability and Integrity.” It was organised by the commission’s Department of Dispute and Conflict Resolution in Port Harcourt.
The Chief of Staff to the MD, Rev. Julius Oworibo, who represented him, noted that ADR could help achieve transparency, due process, protect workers’ rights and build trust in the workplace.
“Over time, this approach fosters a workplace where integrity, fairness, and trust are the norm and are at the forefront of fulfilling our mandate in the region. Employees begin to trust that issues are handled openly and fairly. Do not forget that we are a team. To make a difference, fairness must be established across the board. ADR is not just about solving problems; it is ensuring that these are a part of our everyday work life,” he noted.
NDDC’s Acting Director of Dispute and Conflict Resolution, Mr. Godwin Ogedegbe, said ADR was critical in achieving the commission’s vision.
He stated, “The theme of this programme captures the core of what we seek to achieve in our Commission: a workplace where every action is expected to be guided by openness, fairness, and a steadfast commitment to due process. Where conflicts are not merely resolved, but prevented through structured, principled processes; and where accountability and integrity are not aspirational ideals but everyday practice.”
The Director, Centre for Politics, University of Port Harcourt, Prof. Fidelis Allen, highlighted the effectiveness of ADR while speaking on the subtheme, “Strengthening Organisational Governance for Transparency and Accountability: Integrating Alternative Dispute Resolution in Workplace Conflict Management.”
He said, “ADR enhances transparent and accountable governance within organisations by promoting open dialogue, fostering a culture of responsibility, and implementing accountability protocols. These approaches ensure that disputes are resolved efficiently and equitably, with mutually agreed-upon outcomes that are more likely to be adhered to by all parties involved.”
In the keynote presentation, the Founder of the Centre for Constitutionalism and Demilitarisation, CENCOD, Prof. Sylvester Odion-Akhaine, spoke on the importance of due process in the workplace.
He said, “The importance of due process, transparency, integrity, and accountability in the workplace cannot be over-emphasised. It is healthy for productivity and achievement of organisational goals. For workplace ethics to blossom, it requires ethical leadership that leads by example and employees with work engagement character who are not afraid to communicate honest advice to management.”
In a presentation on the subtheme, “Promoting Ethical Standards and Institutional Integrity,” the Chief Executive Officer of the Dispute Resolution Academy, Dr Olugbenga Gbarada, noted that institutions such as the NDDC should uphold fairness by building strong systems. At the same time, leaders foster trust through ethical conduct. These, he said, create the foundation for ADR to become a bridge toward inclusive governance, ethical decision-making, and lasting peace.”