Alternative Dispute Resolution in the Niger Delta

The pace at which the resource related conflict in the Niger Delta has escalated has shown that traditional means of dispute resolution (such as litigation and violence) are no longer applicable. While there is a perceived need for a viable dispute resolution process, to date, no concerted effort has been made to harness relevant experiences and build a network of practitioners skilled in the management of such conflicts.Emerging Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) methods which do not involve litigation may offer opportunities to resolve disputes in the Niger Delta region more effectively than litigation-based means. Research has shown that no method of dispute resolution can be efficient, equitable and administratively practicable without the collective effort of all parties involved. Thus, individuals, institutions and nongovernmental organizations need to work together to develop a countrywide ability to design an effective conflict resolution system.In view of this, the author assesses indigenous dispute resolution processes in terms of their potential applicability as alternative dispute resolution processes for the Niger Delta conflict.