Oil, Solid Minerals and the Debate Over Fair Resource Control in Nigeria

Nigeria’s Constitution places crude oil, gold, lithium and other mineral resources under federal control. Yet this article argues that enforcement and economic benefits appear uneven across regions. It contrasts military action against illegal refining in the Niger Delta with the growth of illegal and informal mining networks in mineral-producing northern states. The article highlights the environmental costs faced by host communities. It points to oil pollution, soot and damaged fishing livelihoods in the Niger Delta, alongside deforestation, abandoned mine pits, lead contamination and insecurity around mining areas in parts of the North. It also questions why oil and gas communities seeking greater compensation often face strict federal control, while hydroelectric power-producing communities have HYPPADEC. The central argument is that Nigeria should apply resource laws consistently or amend the Constitution to give states and host communities greater control over oil, gas and solid minerals.

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