GOVERNANCE OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR PEACE AND SECURITY IN THE NIGER DELTA

This study examined the relationship between natural resource governance and conflict in the Niger Delta, focusing on the socio-economic consequences of poor resource management, environmental degradation, and the role of multinational corporations. The problem of the study lay in the persistent socio-political instability in the Niger Delta, despite the region’s wealth in oil resources because of the mode of exploration that made it a curse than a blessing. The aim was to explore how governance structures and corporate practices influenced conflict and development in the region. The study adopted the Resource Curse Theory as the theoretical framework, which explained how resource wealth could exacerbate conflict when not managed effectively. Using a qualitative methodology, the study analysed existing literature, reports, and case studies to assess the impacts of oil extraction on local communities. The findings revealed that lack of utilization of best practices by Multinational Corporations, poor governance, environmental degradation, and exclusion from resource benefits had led to increased militancy, economic inequality, and social unrest. The local communities, despite being the custodians of the oil wealth, remained marginalized, with little to show for their resources. The government's failure to effectively monitor and implement existing regulatory frameworks, to engage with local populations and address their grievances further fueled tensions, while multinational corporations contributed to environmental damage without providing adequate compensation by using different standards of operations in home countries and marketing outposts. The study concluded that effective resource governance, including transparent management, environmental restoration, and inclusive decision-making, was essential for reducing conflict and promoting sustainable development in the region. Recommendations included implementing existing local and international environmental laws, inclusive governance reforms, holding corporations accountable for environmental damage, and establishing collaborative conflict resolution mechanisms to foster trust and long-term peace