The Federal Government has implored the adoption of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) technique in conflict resolution on water management.
The Acting Executive Director, Nigeria Integrated Water Resources Management Commission (NIWRMC), Mrs. Sakinatu Suleiman Abbo Jimeta made the statement while declaring open the workshop on ‘Support for Conflict Management in the Enforcement of the Water Resources Act’ in Abuja.
She said “the purpose of this workshop is to train participants on techniques that parties can use in settling disputes with the help of a third-party engagement. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) is of universal application, with commendable outcome. The ADR technique helps to ensure effective conflict and dispute resolution as an alternative to litigation which we all know is time wasting and expensive”.
According to Jimeta: “We gather here to engage in the rudiment of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). We know that dispute is inherent in every society, so, there will always be disputes and disagreements that sometimes are occasioned by misunderstanding of facts and events, and sometimes because of peculiarities of human nature. Water, they say, is life and the first thing to search for is water and where there is water, there is also conflict in respect to water uses.”
“This workshop is a ‘train the trainer initiative’ which is expected to train potential instructors on the subject matter to enable them to train other staff in the organization and in the field,” she added.
The Legal Adviser, NIWRMC Mr Rotimi Ojegbile while delivering his introductory speech said “we have cases in court arising from these disputes and we consider it very important, we should consider alternatives to all disputes. We don’t want to begin to carry over disputes and disagreements in an acrimonious manner knowing fully well that truly disputes and offences will arise but there are also ways of ensuring that these disputes are settled and resolved without the parties becoming enemies on account of their differences.”
He explained that “ADR is not a new concept. It is something that has been in Africa for a long time. ADR is used to resolve disputes through reconciliation and mediation through a third party.”
Fatimah Yusuf
Head (Information and PR)