The Sustainable Development and Peace Initiative for Niger Delta Indigenous Contractors and the Orashi National Congress, ONC Worldwide, have commended the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, for organizing a sensitization program on Conflict Sensitivity and Alternative Dispute Resolution, ADR, for contractors and consultants.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday, 15th September 2026, President of both organizations, Ambassador Emeni Ibe, JP, AP, described the programme as a strategic rebirth of how development should be delivered in our region.”
Amb. Ibe said for decades, indigenous contractors have battled project delays caused by community agitations, work stoppages, and disputes arising from poor community engagement.
“The NDDC’s decision to equip contractors and consultants with skills in conflict profiling, stakeholder mapping, mediation, and community-based grievance redress is a direct answer to this age-long challenge,” he stated.
According to him, the sensitization is more than a workshop. “This program is not just a workshop; it is a strategic rebirth of how development should be delivered in our region.”
Amb. Ibe highlighted three major gains from the NDDC initiative:
1. Renewed Commitment to Indigenous Contractors
“The sensitization empowers our local contractors with global best practices, making our projects more competitive, peaceful, and sustainable.”
2. Institutionalization of Peace as Infrastructure
He quoted the NDDC Managing Director/CEO, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, saying “ADR is cheaper, faster, and more enduring than litigation and confrontation. Teaching dialogue over ‘We no go gree’ is the true path to lasting peace.”
3. Alignment with Renewed Hope Agenda
“Sustainable development cannot happen without sustainable peace. This program proves NDDC has moved from mere transaction to genuine transformation,” Amb. Ibe added, aligning the initiative with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
As President General of ONC Worldwide, which covers the Orashi region across Rivers, Imo, Bayelsa and Delta States, Amb. Ibe said he understands firsthand how conflicts over land, benefits, and employment have stalled projects.
“This ADR model will save billions and restore community confidence,” he said.
The groups passed a vote of confidence on the NDDC leadership, specifically commending Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, the Executive Directors, and the Director of the Dispute and Conflict Resolution Department “for this visionary leadership.”
“We call on all indigenous contractors to attend, internalize, and implement the lessons, and we pledge the full support of our organizations to cascade this peace model to every creek and community,” Amb. Ibe stated.
He concluded: “Long live the NDDC, Long live the Niger Delta, Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”