NDDC DCR Dept Set to Examine Conflict Dynamics in the Region Using Early Warning System as Resolution Tool

Sunday Okobi

The Department of Dispute and Conflict Resolution (DCR) of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) yesterday reinstated its commitment to examine the landscape of conflict dynamics in the Niger Delta region, and explore best practice and innovations in the early warning systems to resolve conflict in the region.

The DCR further stated that it would also identify gaps in its existing frameworks and propose actionable solutions to strengthen inter-agency coordination and capacity for rapid response.

These promises were made yesterday at the retreat and summit organised by the DCR department, held in Lagos to “align our strategies with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the president to ensure that peace and development go hand in hand in the Niger Delta region.”

In his lecture, one of the resource persons and keynote speaker, Professor Isaac Olawale Albert of the University of Ibadan, said the matter of utmost importance to the nation and, indeed, to the future of the Niger Delta region.

On the theme of the retreat: ‘Effective Early Warning System for Conflict Prevention: A Key in Advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda for Sustainable Development in the Niger Delta Region’, the don said it underscores the urgent need for proactive strategies to ensure peace, stability, and inclusive development in the region.

His lecture elucidated the roles of early warning systems in the drive towards conflict prevention and promoting sustainable development in the region.

While linking the workshop agenda and the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present government, he said: “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is a policy framework designed to drive Nigeria’s development across various sectors, focusing on economic revitalisation, social inclusion, and improved governance.

“In the Niger Delta, an area historically affected by resource-based conflict, the agenda’s success depends on how well its core strategies (connecting rods) address both the root causes and the manifestations of conflict.”

Albert noted that connecting rods in the Renewed Hope Agenda include Inclusive Economic Development: Broad-based economic growth, emphasising job creation, entrepreneurship, and infrastructure development.

He added that: “By fostering economic opportunities in the Niger Delta, such as youth empowerment, support for local businesses, and investment in infrastructure, economic grievances that often fuel conflict can be reduced.”

On good governance and accountability as a panacea to conflict in the region, he posited that strengthening institutions, promoting transparency, and ensuring accountable leadership are central to the Renewed Hope Agenda of the president.

In the Niger Delta, where distrust in government has historically contributed to unrest, these measures can build public trust and address perceptions of marginalisation.

“Also, environmental degradation due to oil extraction has been a significant source of conflict in the Niger Delta. The agenda’s focus on environmental restoration, equitable resource management, and sustainable development directly addresses these concerns, offering pathways for conflict prevention.”

On the social inclusion and community participation, he noted that empowering local communities to participate in decision-making processes ensures that development initiatives reflect the actual needs of the Niger Delta’s diverse population.

This approach helps prevent alienation and fosters a sense of ownership, which is vital for conflict management.

“The agenda also includes reforming security agencies, promoting dialogue, and investing in peace-building initiatives. These steps aim to address security challenges in the Niger Delta by shifting from militarised responses to community-centred conflict resolution.”

In his concluding remarks, Professor Albert said that early warning could be the catalyst for the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Tinubu government, adding that the journey to peace and sustainable prosperity in the Niger Delta must be proactive, not reactive.

“The Niger Delta peace processes are multifaceted and ongoing. Sustainable peace will depend on continued dialogue, transparent implementation of development projects, environmental restoration, and inclusive economic growth.

“The experience of the Niger Delta offers important lessons for conflict resolution and post-conflict reconstruction in resource-rich but restive regions around the world.

“Effective early warning systems, deeply rooted in community participation, strengthened by technology, and backed by strong political will, are foundational to advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“Let us commit to building anticipatory capacities that turn warning into action and hope into reality for all in the Niger Delta,” he stated.

In his opening remarks, the acting Director of DCR, Godwin A. Ogedegbe, stated the deliberations are not only timely but essential “if we are to translate aspiration into action and protect the vulnerable, while unlocking the region’s vast potential.”

Ogedegbe, who also built on the theme of the summit, highlighted that the Niger Delta remains one of the most dynamic yet, most challenged regions in Nigeria, adding that it embodies immense natural wealth, vibrant communities and a history of conflict rooted in environmental degradation, competition over resources, governance gaps, unemployment, youth restiveness and unequal access to services.

According to him, “The Niger Delta region, rich in natural resources and cultural heritage, has long stood at the crossroad of opportunity and adversity. While its oil wealth has powered the national economy, the region has also endured decades of environmental degradation, socio-economic inequality and intermittent conflict.

“These challenges have not only stifled development but have also eroded trust between communities, government institutions and private stakeholders.

“In this context, the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu offers a transformative vision, one that prioritises inclusive growth, environmental stewardship and peace as the foundation for sustainable development.

“However, this vision cannot be realised without proactive mechanisms that anticipate and prevent conflict before it escalates. That is where the Early Warning System (EWS) becomes indispensable.

“To this end, an effective Early Warning System is not merely a tool, it is a lifeline. It enables us to: Detect signs of tension and unrest at their earliest stages; mobilise timely and coordinated responses across sectors; empower local communities to be active participants in peace-building, and foster transparency, accountability and resilience within governance structures.”

While fielding questions from journalists, the acting director stated that: “By integrating data-driven insights, community intelligence and institutional collaboration, an Early Warning System becomes a strategic pillar in conflict prevention and a catalyst for sustainable development.

“Over the course of this retreat, we will: Examine the current landscape of conflict dynamics in the Niger Delta; explore best practices and innovations in early warning systems from within Nigeria and beyond; identify gaps in our existing frameworks and propose actionable solutions; strengthen inter-agency coordination and build capacity for rapid response, as well as aligning our strategies with the Renewed Hope Agenda to ensure that peace and development go hand in hand in our region.”

In his brief remark, the Managing Director of the NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Security, Hon Ibarakumo Otobo, said the early warning system is very important in conflict resolution, as it signifies that “if we know our problem early enough, we will be able to proffer solution, and this is one key area the NDDC will work on. We need to know our problem; have the early signs of what might trigger conflict, and then know how to tackle it.”

However, the Commission boss counseled everyone that in all area of life, speaking truth to power must be a key factor in solving problems, particularly in the service to the people of the region.