The nigerian federalism and the legality in resource control: an implication for sustainable development

The human society from air to land and sea is stuffed with large catch of resources which men, with the utility of state’s power do exploit. But, the exploitation of resources is not at the volition of any single individual rather, that of the state. From the Nigerian experience, the major factor which has determined the way in which resources are controlled is the issue of legality. This descriptive research seeks to build nexus between Nigerian federalism and the legality of resource control. The research adopts the natural law theory in its discourse. This research recommends a democratic resource control model which involves a more-strategic way of controlling resources in Nigeria by engaging the host-communities in the control process, by addressing their basic needs through a constructive democratic process. Rather than leaving them as spectators of public policy, the government should make host-communities participate in the governance and policy making process towards building effective resource control system in Nigeria.