The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, has emphasized the importance of promoting peace, transparency, accountability, and workplace compliance among staff members.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Reverend Julius Oworibo, Dr. Ogbuku stressed that peace and transparency are crucial to achieving sustainable development in the Niger Delta region.
The NDDC boss made this statement during a Sensitisation Programme with the theme: “Promoting Transparency and Due Process in the Workplace: Deploying Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Approaches in Building a Culture of Accountability and Integrity” organised by the Commission’s Department of Dispute and Conflict Resolution in Port Harcourt.
He said the programme aimed to promote a culture of transparency, accountability, and integrity within the NDDC, and to equip staff members with the skills and knowledge needed to resolve conflicts and disputes in a fair and efficient manner.
Dr. Ogbuku highlighted the need for a peaceful work environment, noting that conflicts can hinder the commission’s developmental efforts.
He explained that the commission is promoting Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms as a means of resolving conflicts and maintaining peace in the workplace.
“ADR is a critical tool in achieving a lot in the Commission. Transparency entails being open about how decisions are made in the workplace. Through due process, the rights of staff are protected and trust is fostered in the Commission,” Dr. Ogbuku said.
He emphasized that ADR mechanisms, including mediation and facilitation, can be used to reduce tension in the workplace and foster a culture of accountability and integrity.
“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.
“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,” Dr. Ogbuku noted.
Also, the NDDC’s Acting Director of Dispute and Conflict Resolution, Barrister Godwin Ogedegbe, reiterated that alternative dispute resolution was critical to achieving the Commission’s vision.
“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,” he said.
Professor Sylvester Odion-Akhaine, Founder of the Centre for Constitutionalism and Demilitarisation (CENCOD), underlined the importance of due process in the workplace.
“The importance of due process, transparency, integrity, and accountability in the workplace cannot be overemphasised. It is healthy for productivity and achievement of organisational goals,” he said.
Professor Fidelis Allen, Director of the Centre for Politics, University of Port Harcourt, highlighted the effectiveness of ADR in promoting transparent and accountable governance within organisations.
“ADR enhances transparent and accountable governance within organisations by promoting open dialogue, fostering a culture of responsibility, and implementing accountability protocols,” he noted.
Dr. Olugbenga Gbarada, Chief Executive Officer of the Dispute Resolution Academy, emphasized the need for institutions like the NDDC to uphold fairness by building strong systems.
“Leaders foster trust through ethical conduct when they create the foundation for ADR to become a bridge toward inclusive governance, ethical decision-making, and lasting peace,” he said.
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