Resource Control and Regional Development in Nigeria

Explore the dynamics of resource control in Nigeria’s political landscape and the changing rhetoric around regional ownership.

Nigeria often speaks the language of unity. Nevertheless, unity that survives only on convenience is not unity. Instead, it is a negotiation that has been postponed because of resource control.

For decades, Nigeria has operated an arrangement economic development. It was anchored on resources largely found in the South. This included crude oil from the Niger Delta. These resources sustained the federation and funded national infrastructure. They also powered a central government. Since independence, this government has been largely controlled by Northern political elites. No serious objection was raised then about “regional ownership” of resources. Still, the rhetoric of oneness was very loud, convenient and proud.

Today, that rhetoric is changing.

There have been public statements by groups and individuals commonly referred to as Northern elders. Notably, figures linked with the Northern Elders Forum claim that Northern Nigeria’s natural resources should develop the North. These assertions have gained volume. Solid minerals are being discovered across Northern states. Meanwhile, global reliance on oil continues to decline.

This shift raises an uncomfortable but necessary question. Was Nigeria ever truly one? Or was it merely profitable to pretend so?

When Southern voices demanded resource control in the past, they were branded as selfish, divisive, or even treasonous. Calls for restructuring were framed as threats to national unity. The argument was simple: Nigeria is one, and all resources belong to all.

But unity, it seems, has an expiry date.

Now that the economic future is tilting away from oil, the focus is shifting. It is moving towards solid minerals, agriculture, and internal production. Much of this potential lies in the North. Hence, the tune has changed. The same principle once condemned as dangerous is now being embraced as logical. What was once labeled anti-Nigeria is suddenly described as regional development.

This is not an argument against the North developing itself. No region should apologize for seeking prosperity. The issue is moral consistency. A federation can’t survive on double standards. One region is asked to sacrifice perpetually. Another reserves the right to renegotiate only when circumstances change.

Nigeria’s problem is not resource control; it is selective federalism.

If every region is to develop from its God-given resources, then that principle must apply equally and honestly. It should not be applied selectively or opportunistically. Otherwise, what we have is not a nation, but a contract that some parties reserve the right to rewrite unilaterally.

Unity must be founded on fairness, not fear. On justice, not convenience. On shared sacrifice, not selective memory.

Until Nigeria confronts this truth honestly, the question of oneness will not disappear. It will only grow louder, echoing from regions tired of carrying a burden they never consented to bear alone.