The oil and gas resources are held in trust by the Federal Government on behalf of the citizens of Nigeria for the overall benefit and development of the nation. The provision of derivative funds for host communities, particularly the Niger Delta, is an implicit recognition of the primary ownership of the people of the land in which the oil resource resides. The doctrine of Public Trust of Natural Resources and equitable distribution of same is essential to bring the present discourse into specific perspective and for the enlightenment of those who might have been swayed by the perspicacious lustre of charm. The Federal Government is a steward/custodian of natural resources to be harnessed and distributed as best as possible to serve the common good. Section 17(2)(d) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) states that exploitation of natural resources in any form whatsoever for reasons other than the good of the community shall be prevented. This critical relationship between ownership and trusteeship of natural resources is a vital point in the Nigerian polity and socio-economic development.
Index to Nigerian Newspapers
