AN EVALUATION OF NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT, CONFLICT RESOLUTION, AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN THE NIGERIA DELTA

Abstract

Nigeria is a country that is endowed with numerous natural resources, yet it has faced persistent challenges in managing these resources effectively amidst conflict and striving for sustainable development. This paper explores the complex interplay between natural resource management, conflict resolution, and sustainable development in Niger Delta, Nigeria. Using political ecology, environmental justice, and conflict resolution theories, the research explores how governance failures, inequitable wealth distribution, and ecological decline exacerbate conflict and hinder sustainable growth. Data were collected through open-ended interviews and document analysis across three Niger Delta states. The paper examines the root causes of resource-driven conflicts and their implications for peace and development. It looks at the role of oil wealth, land tenure systems, and environmental degradation in promoting conflicts and hindering socio-economic growth. Furthermore, the paper proposes a way forward for innovative approaches and best practices for addressing these challenges, such as community-based resource management initiatives, inclusive governance mechanisms, and conflict-sensitive development programs; carefully assessing the Nigerian experiences, this research aims to identify lessons learned and propose actionable recommendations for policymakers, civil society actors, and international stakeholders to promote peace, security, and sustainable development in resource-rich contexts.