Extending the Frontiers Of Alternative Disputes Resolution As A Tool For The Resolution Of Industrial Disharmony In The Contemporary Nigeria

Abstract

Conflict is an inevitable component of human existence. The approach to conflictresolution can either make or mar a relationship. Industrial disharmony if notproperly handled, has the potential to snowballed into avoidable consequencesincluding; decline in national income, low national productivity, unemployment,depression, loss of production/customers among others. Litigation as a means ofresolving industrial disputes have proved to be ineffective as it occasioned delay,high cost and non-preservation of relationship. This paper examines the role ofAlternative Dispute Resolution as a Panacea for the Resolution of IndustrialDisharmony in the Contemporary Nigeria taking into cognizance the numerousadvantages a resort to ADR brings. This paper also contends that the use ofAlternative Dispute Resolution mechanism in resolving industrial disputes can bemade a policy direction in every organization, association or group so as tocontinuously foster accelerated development and forestall the challengesassociated with adversarial litigation processes in the resolution of disputes. Itfurther argues that with the institutionalization of ADR in Nigeria’s judicialsystem, the prospects for the speedy resolution of industrial disputes using ADRis very promising. However, specific measures as enablers for extending thefrontiers of ADR in harmonizing industrial disharmony are recommended.