N’Delta activist advocates ADR for peace, development

A rights activist, Chief Nengi James-Eriworio, has described Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) as a pathway to peaceful coexistence, progress and prosperity in the Niger Delta.

Chairman of the Nigeria Institute of Chartered Arbitrators, Bayelsa State branch, James-Eriworio, made the assertion in his recent article: ‘Alternative Dispute Resolution in a changing world: A pathway to peace, progress and prosperity.’

He said the rapidly changing world, marked by technological advancement, resource scarcity and increasing social and economic interactions, had made conflict inevitable but stressed that conflict need not lead to crisis.

According to him, the traditions of dialogue, mediation and restorative justice among the Nembe and Ijaw people demonstrate that lasting justice can be achieved through conversation rather than confrontation.

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The activist said ADR — covering negotiation, mediation, conciliation and arbitration — was no longer merely an alternative to litigation but an essential foundation for a just, inclusive and peaceful society.

He explained that negotiation involves the exchange of interests, mediation provides guided dialogue, conciliation seeks to heal divisions, and arbitration offers fair and binding decisions by trusted experts.

James-Eriworio said ADR was particularly important in the Niger Delta, where disputes over resources, land and development agreements often require urgent resolution.

He warned that prolonged litigation could delay development and deepen mistrust.

He noted that through the Nengi James Foundation and other advocacy efforts, ADR had helped promote timely settlements while preserving relationships among individuals, communities and institutions.

He added that ADR allows disputes to be resolved with attention to cultural realities and specialised expertise, while arbitration can benefit from international enforcement mechanisms such as the New York Convention.

The peace advocate called for stronger ADR standards and training, better enforcement of mediated settlements, and greater participation of women, youths and rural communities.

He said ADR should serve everyone and not only the privileged.