LEGAL REGIME GOVERNING THE OWNERSHIP AND EXPLOITATION OF NATURAL RESOURCES IN NIGERIA

OTTA, UCHECHI NNEOMA (2026) LEGAL REGIME GOVERNING THE OWNERSHIP AND EXPLOITATION OF NATURAL RESOURCES IN NIGERIA. Other thesis, Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu.

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Abstract

Natural resources are an essential element of economic development and nation-building, and thus, their ownership and exploitation have become a critical issue of law, politics and socio-economics. In Nigeria, the laws, including the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, vests ownership and regulation of its exploitation on the Federal Government of Nigeria, leading to several debates about resource control and environmental justice. This long essay analyzes the existing law on the ownership and exploitation of natural resources in Nigeria and accesses a socio-legal implications, suggesting better ways for management of Nigeria’s natural resources. The study adopted the doctrinal research methodology, relying on both primary and secondary sources of law. It revealed that the current system of federal ownership is an extension of the colonial policy of resource control which has been responsible for environmental degradation, economic marginalization, resource disputes and exclusion of host communities from participation in the process of resource ownership and management within their territories. The study also found that International Law supports the right to self-determination of indigenous peoples, energy justice and indigenous peoples' rights, which encourages community participation in resource management. Consequently, the research advocates for a transition from government ownership of natural resources in Nigeria, to a regulated community-based ownership and management of natural resources. It calls for constitutional and legal reforms that would recognize the proprietary rights of host communities, effective implementation of free, prior and informed consent and other regulatory measures to achieve sustainable resource management and environmental protection.

Item Type: Thesis (Other)
Subjects: K Law > K Law (General)
Divisions: Faculty of Law, Arts and Social Sciences > School of Law
Depositing User: COMFORT AJALA
Date Deposited: 27 Jul 2026 14:18
Last Modified: 27 Jul 2026 14:18
URI: http://eprints.gouni.edu.ng/id/eprint/6050

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