AN EXPOSITION OF THE POLITICAL ECONOMY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND CONFLICT IN NIGERIA
Innocent Benjamin Namo & Nuaimu Danbala Ibrahim
Department of Political Science
Federal University Wukari, Taraba State
Email: beninam30@gmail.com; ndanbala223@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
Nigeria is blessed with human and natural resources, particularly oil and gas reserves. It is also blessed with a large expanse of arable agricultural land. The cause of many gridlocks distressing the stability and development of the country are tied to these resources. Although these resources are needed for foreign exchange, they have become sources of corruption, conflict, environmental degradation affecting livelihoods of its inhabitants and its ability to deliver on its potentials as a nation. A number of reasons have been adduced for the way things are in the country including its colonial legacy, intrigue from the international community, socio-cultural as well as political factors. Political economic approach is used in explaining how these factors contribute in leaving Nigeria tottering constantly on conflict and on the edge of fracturing. This paper uses qualitative-descriptive technique to examine the root causes of natural resource conflicts in Nigeria tracing its origin to contact with western capitalism and colonialism. Findings show that a combination of economic, political and social factors, often accompanied by parochial interests of corrupt elites contribute in limiting or diminishing opportunities. The paper concludes that Nigeria must rise above its political economic problems to make a positive lasting impact and recommends that good accountable democratic governance is necessary to move the country towards positive development outcomes.
Keywords: Political economy, Natural Resources, Conflict, Corruption, Development.
