NDDC urged to adopt tech in service delivery

The Principal Attorney of Malachy Ugwummadu’s Chamber, Malachy Ugwummadu, has emphasised the need for the Niger Delta Development Commission to adopt technology in its interventionist services to achieve efficiency.

Ugwummadu said this at the 2024 retreat of the Directorate of Legal Services of the NDDC held on Friday in Lagos, where he spoke as one of the keynote speakers.

He underscored the importance of procurement of cutting-edge and state-of-the-art infrastructure and technology to fast-track outputs and improve productivity in the commission.

“If you remain analogue, when indeed you ought to be at the same pace with the evolution, the tech evolution that has come, and come to think of it, it is paramount more, even in these oil companies and their operations, just so that you must be properly equipped and resourced in that regard to be able to engage,” he enunciated.

The Director of the Directorate of Legal Services, NDDC, Stephen Ighomuaye, mentioned that the theme of the retreat: “Promoting Legal Service Efficiency and Excellence in the Public Sector”, was particularly fitting as it reflected the directorate’s avowed commitment to continue to raise the bar of excellence in all aspects of its service delivery.

“The role of the Directorate of Legal Services remains pivotal and centrally important in the operations of the NDDC and will continue to be so in the years to come.

“Therefore, we cannot afford to drop our guard of excellence, hard work and effective service delivery to the commission and the region. We must continuously strive to be the best not just as a directorate but also as individuals. “We must embrace the ideals of continuous personal development and teamwork while making giant strides. The Commission and the region require nothing less from us,” he declared.

Speaking on the topic: Driving Legal Service Efficiency and Excellence through Technology and Innovation, Adebomi Adekeye of Jackson Etti & Edu, noted that without the adoption of technology, NDDC risked inefficiencies, delayed project execution, and diminished trust among stakeholders.

“Conversely, a tech-savvy legal team positions the NDDC as a forward-thinking organization capable of tackling contemporary challenges with agility. As the Niger Delta seeks sustainable development, technology is a catalyst for transformation.

“By embedding technology into their core operations, legal officers can ensure compliance, uphold governance standards, and drive impactful socio-economic outcomes across the region,” she stated.

According to Adekeye, studies show that up to 22 per cent of a lawyer’s tasks can be automated, allowing professionals to focus on strategic activities.

She added that AI tools achieve up to 95 per cent accuracy compared to 85 per cent for humans, and automating routine tasks reduces operational costs by up to 30 per cent.

The NDDC was established in 2000 to promote sustainable development in the oil-rich Niger Delta region by former President Olusegun Obasanjo.