NSUK Repository :: Browsing by Author "Iyadah, John Viko"

Browsing by Author "Iyadah, John Viko"

Now showing 1 - 20 of 27

Open Access
THE ADEQUACY OF THE LEGAL FRAMEWORK OF JOINT DEVELOPMENT AND BOUNDARY DELIMITATION BETWEEN OIL PRODUCING COASTAL STATES
(Department of Public and International Law, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2021-01-01) Nasir, Jamila M.; Iyadah, John Viko; Godwin, Awah G.
Between 1968 and 1992, international courts and tribunals basically took the result-oriented equity approach. In this paper, we outline the principal relevant circumstances for boundary delimitation in a joint development zone of hydrocarbon deposits between coastal states. The relevant circumstances are geographicalfactors, the configuration of coasts, propor-tionality, geological and geomorphological factors, presence of the third state, presence of islands baselines, economic factors, and conduct ofparties. This paper further highlights relevant cir cumstances that affect boundary delimitation of joint development of hydrocarbon deposits be tween two or more coastal states.
Open Access
THE ADEQUACY OF THE LEGAL FRAMEWORK OF JOINT DEVELOPMENT AND BOUNDARY DELIMITATION BETWEEN OIL PRODUCING COASTAL STATES
(Department of Public and International Law, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2018-07-05) Okebukola, Elijah Oluwatoyin; Iyadah, John Viko; Musa, Habiba; Shigaba, Danjuma; Epu, Alexanda A.; Suleiman, Rilwanu; Ahmed, Jalaludeen
This paper situates the legal discussions on the Nigerian democracy in the context of the price(s) being paid to keep the system, the things given up to maintain the system, the things being done to win elective office. This context is seen as the cost of the Nigerian demon-ay. Costs identified in the paper include Pecuniary Costs of Maintaining the Legislative Bodies, Pecuniary Campaign Costs, Distrust of “Repeat Play”, Communitarian Solidarity, Empowerment of 1Godfathers’ over Stakeholders and Surrender of Direct Involvement. Having identified the cost, the paper goes on to suggest alternatives to the present ystcrn. The suggested alternatives include Re-election Eligibility Based on Superseding Predecessor’s Performance, Threshold Contracts, Remuneration Agreements, Independent Candidates and Electoral System Change/ Rotation Principle.
Open Access
ANALYSIS OF DECOMMISSIONING AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF OFFSHORE OIL AND GAS INSTALLATION UNDER THE PETROLEUM INDUSTRY GOVERNANCE BILL
(Department of Public and International Law, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2021-04-25) Iyadah, John Viko
Nigeria’s economy is largely dependent on the oil and gas industry. The exploration and production of oil and gas mostly require the installation of massive equipment and structures that can be environmentally unfriendly. These oil and gas activities have a high tendency of causing damaging effects to the environment especially during the installation and decommissioning processes.1 The installations used for these activities would be required to be decommissioned at the end of its life span. How the decommissioning is carried out remains a matter of contestation. This is because there are various ways in which it can be done; one of which is leaving the installation in situ, partial removal which both would arguably cause a permanent dent on the environment. On the other hand, there is the complete removal which seems the best approach. It is the view of this work that the installations that are presently in use for the extraction of oil and gas should be completely removed in order to protect the environment and ensure sustainable development. The underlying question for this research is whether the principle of sustainable development is factored in the process of decommissioning. Although Nigeria has recorded various environmental degradation in her search for oil and gas due to oil spills, improper enforcement of its fragmented environmental legislations, lack of transparency in obtaining information and inadequate monetary penalties for violators of environmental laws however, the Nigerian Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) has captured some elements of sustainable development by introducing provisions aimed at protecting the environment. This research interrogated the provisions of the PIB and other relevant laws on decommissioning and sustainable development. The research recommended in the conclusion that even though the PIB has some elements of sustainable development, it should stipulate a compulsory provision of complete removal of installations and restoring the environment to the state it was prior to oil and gas exploitation and exploration.
Open Access
ANALYSIS OF THE DEEP OFFSHORE INLAND BASIN PRODUCTION SHARING CONTRACT ACT 2019
(Department of Public and International Law, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2022-12-12) Iyadah, John Viko; Adamade, Akpo Agathachriste
ABSTRACT The Deep Offshore Inland Basin Production Sharing Contracts (DOIBPSC) Act was enacted in 1999 as a Decree and given retroactive applicability dating back to 1993 as the legal framework for the exploitation and exploration of hydrocarbons in the deep offshore in Nigeria. The Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) passed the 1993 Act to encourage upstream investors to put risk capital in the deep offshore of Nigeria by designing the provisions of the Act to enshrine into law the fiscal incentives given to exploration companies operating under production sharing contracts in the sector, which at the time was uncharted territory. In 2019, theFGN moved to amend the DOIBPSC Act 1993 to significantly increase Nigeria's earnings from oil exploration activities in the deep offshore and to create a fair and equitable share of income derived from its natural resources. This work analysed the amendment made to the Deep Offshore Inland Basin Production Sharing Act 1993, by highlighting the differences between the 1993 Act and the 2019 amended version, its impact on the revenue bases of the Federal Government of Nigeria, and compares its competitiveness with regimes of other oil producing nations in ' the region. The work found that the major difference between the 1993 Act and the 2019 Act as amended were changes made to the fiscal regimes by the introduction of new/increased royalty rates while the immediate impact of the amendment exercise was found to include an improved economic benefit to the earnings of the FGN and an increased cost to operators(IOCs) in the sector. This article adopted a mixed research methodology approach, employing both the doctrinal and non-doctrinal/comparative legal research methods as statutory enactments, case law, books and materials containing comparisms between different jurisdictions formed part of the sources of information that made up this dissertation work. Recommendations for a more holistic review of the legal, regulatory and fiscal framework for the entire industry through the quick passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill to promote stability in the sector, application of cost cutting initiatives, framing and capacity building of an indigenous workforce were proffered. In conclusion, the article recommends that it is imperative that in attaining its set objective, the FGN must provide a stable and efficient legal, contractual and administrative framework for the exploitation and exploration of hydrocarbons in the deep offshore, as anything else would constitute a significant risk factor to the existing and potential investors and deter investments and development of the sector.
Open Access
ANALYSIS OF THE LEGAL AND INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR FIGHTING CYBERCRIME IN NIGERIA
(Department of Public and International Law, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2021-05-05) Iyadah, John Viko
The internet has become an integral part of life today. Its role to economic development and communications cannot be overemphasized. It can be said that the World is now capable of doing a lot oft hings which were unimaginable decades ago. The internet isf ast becoming a way ofl ife for millions of people and also a way of living because of growing dependence and reliance on the machines. Internet has made life easier to mankind with just a click on a computing devise one can get what they want from the internet anytime and anywhere irrespective of geographical boundaries. With all the benefits accruing to the use of the internet, the emergence of cybercrime has brought serious threats to people and States. There have been a lot of efforts made by Nigerian governments, police departments and intelligence units against the threat caused by cybercrime. In a concerted effort tof ight cybercrime, the Nigerian government enacted the 2015 Cybercrime Act. This article will attempt to analyse the legal and institutional framework for cyber-crime in Nigeria while revealing the challenges faced by the regulatory agencies in the fight against cybercrime. It is expedient to also know that the article adopted the doctrinal method of research through legal preposition, doctrines, laws and legal concept of research. The work recommends that the information technology professionals will find it very helpful if involved at the investigation level as consultants to law enforcement agencies. By way of conclusion, the need to set up an independent regulatory body with the sole responsibility of controlling cybercrime in Nigeria cannot be overemphasized.
Open Access
APPRAISAL OF THE LEGAL AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK FOR GAS FLARING IN NIGERIA.
(Department of Public and International Law, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2022-01-01) Iyadah, John Viko; Chukwuemeka, Israel Dinne
Open Access
APPRAISAL OF THE RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF COASTAL STATES WITH RESPECT TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF OVERLAPPING HYDROCARBON DEPOSITS UNDER UNCLOS 1982
(Department of Public and International Law, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2020-03-06) Nchi, Suleiman; Iyadah, John Viko; Godwin, Awah G.
Disputes between coastal states of maritime areas with transboundary hydrocarbon deposits are often caused by unilateral act of a particular coastal state. This act exists in both law and literature, though it is shrouded in doubt. In the recent time international law has become more pronounced in boundaries dispute between maritime states and are often resolved after a long time. It is a known fact that coastal states are often in deadlock over delimitation of the boundary issues, but the need for exploration and exploitation of the transboundary hydrocarbon deposits is imperative for the sake of social welfare, energy security and economic development. On this premise, one may ask about the right and obligations of Coastal States with special respect to the development of hydrocarbon deposits in the overlapping claimed area. It is therefore certain, that in determining maritime delimitation, Coastal States may exercise control and jurisdiction over certain hydrocarbon deposits. In order to avoid dispute as a result of the transboundary hydrocarbon deposits, Nigeria and Sao Tome and Principe agreed to enter into a joint development treaty of the hydrocarbon deposits within the overlapping maritime area in the context of a provisional arrangement pending the final delimitation without hampering or jeopardizing any of the parties. This paper examines the relevant provisions of UNCLOS 1982, international jurisprudence and state practice on the rights and obligations of parties. In the case of Guyana v Suriname, the Tribunal agued extensively on the decision of the International Court of Justice (ICS) in the Aegean Sea continental shelf case that determines on interim measure which is significant in this regard; clarifying, at least to certain extent, the scope of unilateral conduct. The maritime boundary dispute between Ghana and Cote d’ Ivoire judgement gives a different light on the issue, in comparison to the earlier case law, thereby creating the legal room to revisit the topic of what the rights and obligations of states are in a disputed maritime area. It is also pertinent to note that the International Tribunal on Law of the Sea (ITLOS) on September 2017 decided on the lawfulness of unilateral conduct by Ghana in the disputed maritime area with Cote d’ Ivoire; hence foreclosing on the rights and obligations of each Coastal State.
Open Access
CHALLENGES OF TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER AND ACQUISITION IN THE NIGERIA’S OIL AND GAS SECTOR
(Department of Public and International Law, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2021-02-02) Nasir, Jamila M.; Iyadah, John Viko; Godwin, Awah G.
Nigeria being one of the developing countries in the world had made various efforts at acquiring foreign technology to drive the development increases in the country. It is certain that oil and gas operation in Nigeria is over 60 years, whereas the sector is still largely foreign- technology driven. While technology transfers effects have been very successfid in the Asian economies like China, India, South Korea and Malaysia, but the level of success in the technological advancement between the Asian economies and Nigeria is in the approach or method adopted by the economies. From the year 2004, the Federal Government of Nigeria began to seek greater indigenous involvement through the encouragement of indigenous participation in upstream operations, marginal fields development programme and the internalization of input in the industry by increasing the quantum of composite value added or created in the Nigerian economy through the utilization of Nigerian human and material resources (Local Content Development Programme). This programme is an attempt at circumventing both the capitalist and the critical social theories of technology transfer and developing an indigenous technology initiative. The various policy and legal framework for the realization of Nigerian content in the development of the industry is considered as well as the prospects and challenges attendant to such initiatives. While the paper finds that significant progress has been recorded in the development of local content in the industry, it makes adequate recommendation towards addressing some of the key challenges to such development in the industry. This is strongly believed that the implementation of the policy on the nation participation will involve greater majority of Nigerians actively in the oil and gas industry and this will ensure the age long desired control of the sector.
Open Access
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE LEGAL APPROACH TO MENTAL HEALTH IN NIGERIA AND NETHERLANDS
(Department of Public and International Law, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2022-01-01) Iyadah, John Viko; Essien, Queen Ekenem
Awareness on mental health is gradually gaining prominence around the globe as many people are beginning to speak up about it in different places such as conferences, campaigns. It has also been found out that some persons suffering from these illnesses have reduced their encounters into books which have further been translated to movies and plays. It can be seen that attention for mental health is now on the rise as the environment is becoming more inclusive, Non-Governmental Organizations are springing up to support the cause, laws and policies are being put in place to promote mental wellbeing. The aim of this work was to bring about enlightenment of the legal approach to mental health in Nigeria and the Netherlands, to ensure that more people are better informed and made aware on how the wrong attitude to mental health can pose a great challenge to the cause, and to adopt a more advanced and working system for a better mental health approach in Nigeria and Netherlands. The paper adopted the doctrinal method of research, made use of primary and secondary sources of materials. From the information gathered, it was noted that the legal approach to mental health in Nigeria is developing slowly as there is a considerable distance in the level of awareness, response and treatment of mental health and wellbeing of most people in Nigeria. The paper concluded that there is the needf or mental health policies to be formulated in line with World Health Organization guidelines; the creation of mental health courts; adequate budgetary allocation for mental health facilities and service providers; implementation ofp olicies tackling quackery in the profession and replicating the Friendship Bench Programme in local communities, as the promotion, prevention and the treatment of mental disorders are fundamental to safeguarding and enhancing the quality of life, well being and productivity of individuals, families, workers, communities, and in increasing the strength and resilience of society as a whole to achieve the highest standard of both mental and physical wellbeing. It was recommended that for Nigeria to guarantee the highest standard of mental and physical well-being for its populace, the World Health Organizations * guidelines must be adhered to.
Open Access
THE COMPATIBILITY OF INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS LAW AND INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL LAW ON THE PROTECTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT
(Department of Public and International Law, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2020-03-03) Iyadah, John Viko
The growing awareness of the inadequacy of international law as a means of addressing current environmental problems has led to calls for a new approach. In view of the links between the protection of the environment and the protection of human rights, according to the Stockholm Declaration of the United Nations Conference 1972, one such approach has been to focus on the development of international human rights law concepts and mechanisms to address environmental concerns. This article discusses the relationship between the international human rights law and the international environmental law. thereby giving an example of regime interaction. This is of strategic importance to understanding the meeting point of the two areas of law. The need for sustainable development and the challenge of climate change has come to the fore and they both give urgency to the need for a human rights approach for the protection of the environment. There are concerns about whether there is a need for the provision of the human rights to a healthy environment in the international human rights law as existing rights are considered robust in themselves to protect the environment. This article will investigate the compatibility of the two areas of law in the protection of the environment. It will conclude that while there are areas of divergence, they are largely compatible as they are both key in achieving sustainable development.
Open Access
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AS PANACEA FOR GAS FLARING IN THE NIGERIAN OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY
(Department of Public and International Law, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2022-07-08) Iyadah, John Viko
Gas flaring is one of the main factors that accounts for environmental pollution in Nigeria. This is commonly found in the oil producing states of the country and its effect is significantly deleterious to the environment as well as the people around the area, by extension the country and the world at large. The flaring of gas is mostly carried out by the oil and gas companies which are mostly foreign companies. Nigeria’s weak laws and policies on gas flaring make it quite easy for the foreign companies to flare gas as a cheaper option than re injecting the unwanted associated gas back into the well. The paper argued that despite the cracks in the policies and laws of Nigeria, especially in the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021, the companies must embrace international best practices in their dealings. They must be aware that flaring gas does not only affect the people within the areas where they associated gasses are flared but contributes to climate change which is a menace that affects the world at large. The corporate social responsibility by the oil and gas companies towards the protection of the environment should be an important aspect of their dealings in the exploration and production of oil and gas. Though CSR is not part of the primary obligations or duties of corporations, it has become a yardstick for measuring the moral values towards communities where they operate, research based on the analysis of existing scholarly works and laws, the article adopted the doctrinal method of research. The work concluded and recommended that the CSR of corporations should not only be towards the community but should also extend towards not taking undue advantage of the laws that permit them in exceptional cases to flare associated gas.
Open Access
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AS AN IMPEDIMENT TO THE PROTECTION OF THE HUMAN RIGHT TO PRIVACY AND FAMILY LIFE UNDER ARTICLE 8 OF THE EUROPEAN CONVENTION ON HUMAN RIGHTS
(Department of Public and International Law, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2020-08-14) Iyadah, John Viko
According to the Vienna Declaration of 1993, Human rights and fundamental freedoms are the birth right of all human beings; their protection and promotion is the first responsibility of Governments. However there is a bit denial of the right under the European Convention on Human Rights 1950 (ECHR) in the interest of economic development. This is where rights are trumped upon in the interest of economic well-being. It presupposes that certain human rights can be curtailed in order to serve a larger interest of the nation at large. Development can be said to be the heart strength of any economy in the World. There is no gainsaying that when it comes to the issue of development, it is often and rightly linked to economic development. It provides job opportunities for people and guarantees the smooth flow of resources in a State. On the other hand, human rights are very cardinal in eveiy society especially in the international community. It is not dumbfounding that the international committee assesses a State’s progress and friendliness through the respect and protection of human rights. There is no doubt that there might be conflict of interests between development and protected existing rights. One of the classic conflicts that arise out of this is the economic development of the United Kingdom and the human right to privacy andfamily life providedfor under Article 8 of the European Convention of Human Rights (ECHR). This paper will present that “economic well-being” of United Kingdom outweighs the right to private and family life, even though the right to private and family life is a right protected under the European Convention on Human Right (ECHR).1 The case of Powell v United Kingdom2 will be used as a reference to support the claim.
Open Access
THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE JOINT OPERATING AGREEMENTS AND PRODUCTION SHARING AGREEMENTS IN THE OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY IN NIGE RIA
(Department of Public and International Law, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2016-01-01) Iyadah, John Viko
The significance of oil and gas production to the Nigerian economy cannot be overemphasized. It can rightly be said that it is the economic strength of the country. The recent fall in the price of oil internationally has further exposed and strengthened this claim. There is no doubt that Nigeria today is being faced with economic recession as a result. Earlier concessionary period of the oil and gas exploration and production in Nigeria has left the country in deeper search of other lucrative ways to gain more control of its oil and gas which were dominantly controlled by the international oil companies. Different contractual arrangements were brought to the fore. Most notable amongst them were the Joint Operating Agreements (JOAs) and Production Sharing Agreements (PSAs). At the beginning, the JOAs were actually the preferred forms of contractual agreements between the industry players. However, there seem to be a shift from JOAs to PSAs. The reason behind the shift is not farfetched. It has been said that there are difficulties associated with the JOAs as a result of some of its features hence, the preference of the PSAs as contractual regime by developing countries; Nigeria inclusive. This research work examines the effectiveness of the two fiscal regimes while discussing their individual features. This would help elicit the reason why the PSAs are preferred over the JOAs.
Open Access
EXAMINATION OF THE LEGAL STATUS OF JOINT DEVELOPMENT OF HYDROCARBON DEPOSITS IN NIGERIA AND SAO TOME AND PRINCIPE
(Department of Public and International Law, Nasarawa State University keffi, 2021-07-04) Nasir, Jamila M.; Iyadah, John Viko; Godwin, Awah G.
One of the most recent main trends in international practice in the law of the sea is the joint development of transboundary resources in maritime areas. This paper examines the legal status of the joint development of hydrocarbon deposits in Nigeria and Sao Tome and Principe. Some pertinent gaps have been identified with regards to the United Nations Law of the Sea (UNCLOS, 1082) that promotes maritime disputes between the coastal states. The gaps and lacuna in UNCLOS 1982 are probably caused by the committee or the drafters. As a solution, the paper is making a case for an urgent international convention to be convened soon for all the wrongs of UNCLOS associated with the trans-boundary overlapping natural resources between two coastal states to be corrected and foreclosed.
Open Access
GUIDING PRINCIPLES OF INJUNCTIONS IN NIGERIA: AN OVERVIEW
(Department of Public and International Law, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2021-01-01) Doma, Halima; Iyadah, John Viko; Husseini, Aliyu
An injunction is a legal and equitable remedy in form of a court order compelling a party to do or refrain from specific acts. Like other equitable remedies, it has traditionally been given when a wrong cannot be effectively remedied by an award of money damages. Hence, the concept of equity, through the remedy of injunction ensures equality of outcome in individual cases so that there is fairness between litigants. When deciding whether or not to grant injunctions, courts usually take into account the interests of litigants as well as general public interest. Also, in deciding the scope of injunction, courts give special attention to questions of fair ness and goodfaith. One manifestation of this is that injunctions are subject to equitable defenses, such as laches and unclean hands. Notably, the power to grant injunctions is extremely flexible and has been employed in a large variety of situations in order to do justice in different circumstances. Thus, injunctions are a particularly significant remedy in almost all areas of the law and therefore require special attention especially because it is also prone to abuse and may lead to injustice when granted arbitrarily or in undeserving situations. Against the foregoing background\ this paper gives an overview of the general principles of law relating to injunctions. Using content analysis of Nigerian statutes, case law, and other relevant literature, the paper discusses how this remedy has been comprehended by the courts in Nigeria and deployed in practice. Other related issues such as parties to injunctions, problems associated with the award of injunctions, and enforcement of injunctive orders of court were also duly considered. Although this paper does not represent a significant departure or development in the law, it usefully serves to reiterate the well-established principles applicable to the award of injunctions especially in Nigerian Courts.
Open Access
HUMAN RIGHTS AND NIGERIAN DEMOCRACY: THE CHALLENGES OF IMPLEMENTATION.
(Department of Public and International Law, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2016-11-11) Luka, Ruth Caleb; Iyadah, John Viko; Makama, Chunku Ayuba
The correlation between human light and democracy cannot be overemphasised; democracy has the potential of enhancingfull realisation of human tights. The concern for human rights is as old as humanity itself. The idea of the inalienable rights' of man predates the vcy political system, which produces the law-making institutes, as we know them today. Human Rights are inherent and intrinsic to all human beings in as much as they are human, irrespective of nationality, sex, ethnicity, origin, colour or any other status. These lights can be protected in a functional democratic setting that anchors its foundation in the rule of law. In democracy, the rule of law protects the rights of individuals, preserves order, and limits powers of government. In Nigeria's democracy, the reverse seems to be the case. Human rights are often violated. Extra -judicial killings, unlawful detention, and other series of human rights abuses are still prevalent in Nigeria democracy. The secondary source of data was adopted, and the Social Contract and Elite Theory were used as a theoreticalframework of analysis. This paper concludes that for democracy to protect human right in Nigeria, the government needs to obey the laws, be transparent, accountable and respect democratic ethics and ethos. Lastly, all the law enforcement agencies need to be re-oriented on how to protect citizen s fundamental human rights.
Open Access
HUMAN RIGHTS RESPONSIBILITIES OF TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATIONS IN A NUTSHELL
(Department of Public and International Law, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2016-04-04) Wifa, Eddy Lenusira; Iyadah, John Viko
Open Access
MAINSTREAMING SOCIAL SECURITY INTO NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES
(Department of Public and International Law, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2017-03-06) Onu, Paul; Epu, Alexanda A.; Shigaba, Danjuma; Iyadah, John Viko; Zakari, Mohammed Yaro; Musa, Habiba
The need for social security for workers has remained a central issue in employment relations in many municipal and international laws and policies. This paper considers a number of schemes and legal framework as a basis for government response to guaranteeing social security for workers in the public and private sector employment under the Nigerian legal system. It has shown that there is multifarious tie between social security, employment (wor orce) and development. This is essentially factual for health insurance, which boosts wor ers productivity, and for child benefits when they are linked to school attendance, u er to at, the paper therefore calls for a new legal scheme which can guarantee better soci security to workers and bring the law in accord with international labour standards and p oce ures. e focus of this paper is for social security for all categories of persons but with special emphasis on workers at the public and private sectors.
Open Access
MAINSTREMING SOCIAL SECURITY INTO NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES
(Department of Public and International Law, Nasarawa State University, Keffi., 2017-06-06) Onu, Paul; Epu, Alexanda A.; Shigaba, Danjuma; Iyadah, John Viko; Zakari, Mohammed Yaro; Musa, Habiba
Open Access
NATURAL RESOURCES AND ARMED CONFLICT IN NIGERIA: THE LEGAL PERSPECTIVE*
(Department of Public and International Law, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2021-06-15) Iyadah, John Viko; Mbum, Beurem
Nigeria is blessed with natural resources which can be termed a source of wealth. However, the quest for the exploitation and exploration of these natural resources has been a source of conflict in the nation. This paper reviewed the relationships between these natural resources and armed conflicts. The violence is linked to these natural resources, their influence in political economies, and the opportunitiesfor armed insurgents resultingfrom the loot of these resources and the perceived marginalization of certain persons from the natural largess.' Violence is usually expressed by those who feel the subjugation of their rights to determine the use of their environment and the brutal patterns of resource extraction and predation. Beyond an analysis of the linkages between natural resources and armed conflicts displays their innate criminal characters with major implications for the promotion of peace. Providing the long- lasting solutions to these conflicts entails looking hard and deep into the root causes of these conjlicts, the dynamics and those factors that facilitate these conflicts. While this paper seeks to look into this topic to an extent, it is trite to state here that this paper is not near exhaustive of the topic itself.