The Nigerian Chambers of Commerce Dispute Resolution Centre (NCC-DRC), has offered to settle the protracted industrial dispute between the Federal Government and Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU.
In a letter titled ‘PROPOSAL TO PROVIDE DISPUTE RESOLUTION SERVICES AS A NEUTRAL PARTY IN THE ONGOING PROTRACTED INDUSTRIAL DISPUTE BETWEEN THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OF NIGERIA AND ACADEMIC STAFF UNION OF UNIVERSITIES (ASUU)’, and signed by the Governing Council Chairman, Chief Emeka Obegolu, the centre noted that the service is ‘FREE OF CHARGE’
The letter reads in part “Nigerian Chambers of Commerce Dispute Resolution Centre (NCC-DRC) presents its compliments and refers to the above subject matter.
“The NCC-DRC is the national dispute resolution centre of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) established with a core mandate of resolving commercial and other disputes using alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. The Centre has over the years also adopted as part of its mandate, the resolution of public interest disputes which would eventually culminate in the restoration of pre-dispute relationships.
“The industrial action undertaken by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) that has led to the protracted dispute between parties, falls within the scope and expertise of the NCC-DRC, being a dispute of grave public interest.
“The NCC-DRC is therefore desirous of assisting to bring to an end, this strike which has led to the stagnation of academic activities in public universities thereby affecting the development of human capital for a period of six months now.
“Consequent thereto, NCC-DRC hereby proposes to offer its services, to mediate as a neutral party to broker peace and see to the final and conclusive end of the ongoing dispute between the Federal Government of Nigeria and Academic Staff Union of Universities, subject to the willingness and cooperation of both parties.
“It is pertinent to mention here that the Nigerian Chambers of Commerce Dispute Resolution Centre offers the aforesaid services “Pro Bono Publico”.
“While we await your response in earnest, please accept the assurance of our highest esteem and best wishes”, the letter reads.
Read the full letter below
