TDSH (The Dispute Solutions Hub) recently anchored and participated in a high-level Sensitization and Consultative Forum on the Alternative Dispute Resolution Centre (the ADR Centre or ADRC) of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission.
The forum brought together regulators, in-house counsel, industry operators, mediators, arbitrators, and legal practitioners for a candid and solution-driven conversation on the limitations of traditional litigation and the growing need for efficient, confidential, and industry-sensitive alternatives. Discussions centred on the growing role of Mediation in preserving business relationships, shortening dispute timelines, and unlocking value often stalled by lengthy court processes.
A recurring theme throughout the engagement was the critical importance of confidentiality, neutrality, and sector-specific expertise in building user trust and encouraging early recourse to Mediation. Participants engaged in candid, solution-oriented dialogue on industry concerns, essential institutional safeguards, and emerging best practices. They offered constructive feedback aimed at strengthening the ADRC framework.
Importantly, participants also reflected on the broader impact of dispute resolution choices on host-community relationships. Adversarial processes can deepen mistrust, entrench grievances, and prolong tension at the community level. By contrast, mediation creates space for dialogue, early engagement, and problem-solving, thus helping to de-escalate conflict, preserve social license, and support more sustainable community–operator relationships.
A clear consensus emerged. Prolonged litigation often freezes projects, hardens positions, and destroys value. Mediation, when it is confidential, neutral, and informed by sector-specific expertise, offers a credible alternative that aligns more closely with how businesses actually operate. In this regard, a key takeaway was the firm commitment by NUPRC, in response to concerns voices by several participants, to establish a secure, confidential, access-restricted portal for all correspondence, documents, and data relating to any matters referred to the center.
Overall, the Forum reinforced a commitment to shift dispute resolution in Nigeria’s upstream petroleum sector from conflict to collaboration. It highlighted Mediation as a preferred and strategic tool for effective dispute resolution and sustainable conflict management. There was overall consensus among pparticipants that Mediation is crucial for effective governance, robust risk management, and sustainable industry growth within Nigeria’s upstream petroleum sector.