www.tjprc.org editor@tjprc.org International Journal of Political Science, Law and International Relations (IJPSLIR) ISSN(P): 2278–8832; ISSN(E): 2278–8840 Vol. 4, Issue 5, Oct 2014, 1-8 © TJPRC Pvt. Ltd. INNOVATION AND TRANSFORMATION IN CONFLICT RESOLUTION FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA ISIFE, CHIMA THERESA 1 , OGAKWU, VERA. NNEKA 2 , CHIAHA, GETHRUDE UZOAMAKA 3 , AGU, REUBEN AMAECHI 4 & TAKON, SAMUEL MANYO 5 1 2 Institute for Development Studies, Enugu Campus, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu, Nigeria 3 Department of Educational Foundations, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu, Nigeria 4 Centre for Entrepreneurship and Development Research, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu, Nigeria 5 Department of Banking and Finance, Caritas University, Enugu, Nigeria ABSTRACT This paper discussed how innovation and transformation in conflict resolution in Nigeria will enhance sustainable development using secondary data. It also reviewed theories and models in conflict resolution, the African methods of conflict resolution, Grassroots community-based activities, good governance, communication, collaboration, negotiation, conciliation, mediation and crisis management as methods of conflict resolution that require innovation and transformation in conflict resolution. The paper concluded that it is important that innovation and transformation in communication, collaboration, dialogue, conciliation, mediation and proper crisis management are equally needed to resolve conflict in other to achieve sustainable development in Nigeria. Recommendations that the government should be actively involved in transforming peacemaking through formal processes and institutions of government such as policy making and peace building activities, among others which prevent conflict. KEYWORDS: Transformation, Innovation, Conflict Resolution, Good Governance and Sustainable Development INTRODUCTION The frequency of conflicts leading to violence and extensive destruction of lives and property, especially since the early 1980s in many parts of the country calls for innovation and transformation in conflict resolution in Nigeria for sustainable development. Innovation and transformation in conflict resolution can only come in practice if included in the cultural values of settling dispute in the society. It must be changing with the system for it to meet the functional needs for peace in the society. Violence is generally frowned at by all communities. In all civilized societies of the world, there is growing concern to the peaceful settlement of disputes. There is a preference for the peaceful settlement of disputes along the lines prescribed by the institutions and values of the community. There is a great amount of peaceful and non-violent settlement of disputes taking place at various levels and in many communities all over the world, most of which do not catch the attention of the media. Non- violent methods of conflict management are available at the individual, family, group, community national and international levels. This study reviews innovation and transformation in conflict resolution for sustainable Development in Nigeria. In the past violence, aggression and confrontation are strategies used for conflict resolution (Hicks, 2011). There are innovation and transformation through peaceful methods in two broad categories. The first is the pro-active category, which entails methods that aim to prevent the occurrence of conflict in the first place. These can be seen in some