1.0 Introduction
Nigeria is blessed with numerous national endowments which gives her a lot revenue in return. This in return prompted the people especially those in power to manipulate the economy of the nation and this act gave rise to selfish political consciousness to almost every Nigeria. This feelings in particular gave rise to resource control agitation in Nigeria and invariably Nigeria have suffered a lot of set back both in socio, economic and culture development due to this agitation to control the resources of the country.
This struggle, according to recent research, shows that it started during the slave trade era in the 16th century. The fact is that, there is no region in our country that is not naturally blessed but the ability and capability of the Nigeria government to control it effectively turns out to be a problem. It is obvious that some states in the country are not aware of the mineral resources available to them.
However, the essence of this study is to ascertain the causes and implications of resources control in our country. This constitute the following:Underdevelopment, jealousy and greediness.
1.1 Background of the Study
Nigeria is immensely a mineral rich country with every state literally endowed. This seemingly innocuous question begs for an answer in Nigeria because not since the European discovered the wealth. Africa has such agreed driven wickedness been witnessed as been visited by the people of the Niger Delta of Nigeria because of the discovery of crude oil on their land and waters. Why these clamous focus on a single resources is it because neither the government nor the people know that there are resources in every nook and cranny of the country, which if properly exploited are capable of generating as much kerosene as crude oil.
Going by facts, it is not adequately blessed, for the continuous existence of the country as we know it now. The government had better retrace their steps and beg to execute true justice in the land. Justice for the people includes aggressive development moribund, agrarian and tourism economics together with optimal mining and management of mineral resources. These can climate in ordinance fixation on the Niger-Delta crude oil.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
There are reports about misappropriation of resource fund(crude oil) derived from Niger-Delta region. Also there exist minimal exploitation and management on solid minerals resources alongside the neglect of other economic sectors. For examples agriculture and tourism has remained a recarrying boomer against Nigeria since independence, since Federal Government focus on resources of Niger-Delta region has intensified, resulting in several disadvantages that manifest in various forms of ecological devastation, inequalities, injustice, human right abuse and conflicts.
1.3 Objective of the Study
The objective of this study is to find out
- If different states in the country Nigeria are aware of the mineral resources available to them.
- If there is law that give the Federal Government absolute rights over mineral resources in Nigeria
1.4 Research Questions
This research in the resource control agitation in Nigeria as regards to its causes and implication with particular reference of River State has raised some questions among experts and professionals, which the study has attempted to address. The research question consist of the following:
- If resource control is achieved, do you think it will lead to economic development in Nigeria?
- If resource control is ascertained, do you think it will stop ethic crises?
- Do resources control agitation exist in Nigeria?
1.5 Significance of the Study
The essence of this study is to ascertain and identify the causes and effects of resources control clamour in Nigeria with particular reference to River State. The work will enlighten us the more on the contending issues in resources control.
It will also show the level of awareness amongst ethic groups in relations to their natural endowment. Also the implication and consequences of resource control will be seen. The work will also provide dues as to management of resources, it will also recommend solutions on how best to handle this problem of resources control in Nigeria.
1.6 Scope of the Study
The scope and range of this study would have been wide enough to encompass grossly all the states in Nigeria but this study will be focusing on conflict or causes and implications of resources control agitation with particular reference to River State. Moreso, comparison may be made with other state where and when necessary.
1.7 Limitation of the Study
During the course of this study, the researcher encountered some problems. The problem of time stood in the way of the researcher, financial predicament was yet another obstacle to the researcher and also lack of available materials to carry out the research work effectively constitutes the limitations for instance, lack of information unnecessary bureaucratic steps in the River State Ministry of commerce and industry all contributed to the problems encountered during this research work.
1.8 Definition of Terms
The terms are to be define for the better understanding of this research work are as follows:
- Resources
- Control
- Agitation
- Causes
- Implication
Resources:
According to Kelly Osolo in his book “ Resource development and management Vol 1” defined resources as available assess which a nation or state have. The oxford dictionary term for help that is been genuine.
Control:
To exercise authoritative control or power over some thing. It is also the power to direct, influence or limit something.
Agitation:
It is a campaign to arouse public concern. Also it is a mental state of extreme emotional disturbance.
Causes:
Event that provide the generations force that is the origin of something. A reason for doing something.
Implication:
A possible effect, the fact of being implicated.
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