1.0 Introduction
Natural Resources can be defined as what occur in nature in original untouched form, unless man disturbed it. Natural resources consist of all things that do not come under man-made creations. It can also be referred to those resources that are seen around the environment that take its form without human intervention. The earth is abound at with different natural resources which develop out of the natural environmental surrounding such as rivers, mountains, precious stone and mineral (Sourabh, 2012).
The natural resources of a country influence not only the economic growth, but also the economic structure. The type of natural resources available in a country sequel to its quantity, quality and distribution within the different regions of the country determine the type and scale of industries that can be developed. It also increases the economic growth in terms of rise in market productivity which enhances economic and social-wellbeing of people (Robert,1997).
The growth rate of the country's economy is determined by how human activities and institution try to conserve and manage the resources found in the country. Management refers to the decision taken on a daily basis in the use of natural resources, its harvest and utilization and how it affects the long term sustainability of the resources. This involves the proper monitoring of the resources in respect to present needs and future use. When natural resources are wisely used in a sustainable manner, it gives a tremendous potential to accelerate economic development (Sourabh,2012).
To control and maintain economic development and social-wellbeing of the people, there must be some laws that guild the use of natural resources. The Federal Environmental Protection Agency Decree Number 59 of 1992 gave a comprehensive national policy for protection of the natural environment. The impact of the policy brought about the assessment and designing of any development project by the Environmental Agency (Babangida, 1992).
The constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as the National Legal Order, recognizes the importance of improving and protecting the environment and made provision for it. Relevant sections in section 20 made it an objective of the Nigerian State to improve and protect air, land, water, forest and wildlife of Nigeria (Terry,2001).
Natural Resources in Nigeria that need to be protected can be found in different regions and locations. Some of the States where oil and gas are found are Cross-River, Rivers State, Akwa-Ibom, Imo, Delta etc,. Coal is found in Enugu, Cocoa is found in Ondo and Iron is found in Ajaokuta. Cement is found in Nkalagu, Kwekoro, Calaba etc, (Roosvelt, 1993).
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