Malachy Ugwummadu, Principal Attorney of Malachy Ugwummadu’s Chamber, has made a compelling case for the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to leverage technology in its service delivery and interventions. At the 2024 retreat for the Directorate of Legal Services of the NDDC held in Lagos, where Ugwummadu was a keynote speaker, he stressed the urgent need to upgrade the commission’s operational methods from traditional approaches to more advanced technological solutions. His assertion is rooted in the belief that incorporating cutting-edge infrastructure and tech will significantly enhance productivity and expedite output, particularly important in the oil industry where competition and efficiency are high stakes.
Ugwummadu warned against the dangers of remaining in an analogue age while technology advances around them, emphasizing the necessity for organizations, including the NDDC, to keep pace with technological evolution. The importance of being equipped with the latest tools and resources was highlighted, particularly for engaging effectively with oil companies and managing operations in a sector where technological adeptness is becoming a competitive advantage. His insights reflect a broader call for regulatory bodies and development commissions to modernize their approaches and become more innovative in addressing regional challenges.
Stephen Ighomuaye, Director of the NDDC’s Directorate of Legal Services, echoed Ugwummadu’s sentiments during the retreat. He noted that the theme of the gathering, “Promoting Legal Service Efficiency and Excellence in the Public Sector,” was aligned with the directorate’s mission to enhance service delivery standards. Ighomuaye reaffirmed the pivotal role of legal services within the NDDC, emphasizing the critical need for the directorate to maintain high standards of excellence and dedication. He urged the team to pursue continuous personal and professional development, reflecting a commitment to not only their individual growth but also to that of the entire region.
Expanding on the integration of technology, Adebomi Adekeye from Jackson Etti & Edu highlighted the transformative potential of adopting technological tools within the NDDC’s legal framework. She warned that failure to embrace modern technology could lead to operational inefficiencies, protracted project timelines, and a degradation of trust among stakeholders. In contrast, a legally adept team well-versed in technology could ensure the NDDC emerges as a proactive organization, adept at addressing contemporary challenges. Adekeye portrayed technology as an essential enabler in driving socio-economic progress in the Niger Delta, thereby positioning the commission not just as a facilitator of development but as a leader in innovative practices.
Statistical insights about automating legal tasks were also revealed by Adekeye, indicating that up to 22 percent of tasks traditionally performed by lawyers could be automated. This shift could allow legal professionals to focus on higher-value strategic functions. She further noted that artificial intelligence (AI) tools could achieve accuracy levels of up to 95 percent in legal processes, compared to 85 percent by human intervention. By integrating these technologies, the NDDC could potentially lower operational costs by as much as 30 percent, strengthening its financial sustainability and capacity to execute projects efficiently.
The establishment of the NDDC in 2000 by former President Olusegun Obasanjo marked a significant milestone in promoting sustainable development in the Niger Delta—a region rich in oil resources but plagued by socio-economic challenges. As the commission looks toward the future, the dialogue at the retreat signals a necessary pivot toward a more technologically-advanced operational ethos. By embracing technology, the NDDC is poised not only to enhance its internal mechanisms but also to fulfill its mission of fostering development across a region that has long awaited comprehensive solutions. This approach could redefine the NDDC’s role in the Niger Delta, enabling it to meet the complex needs of the communities it serves while adapting to an ever-changing global landscape.
