Federalism and Resource Control Agitations in the Niger Delta: Implications for National Unity

This study examines how Nigeria's federal structure has shaped and responded to resource control agitations in the Niger Delta, and the implications of these dynamics for national unity. Resource conflicts in the Niger Delta have persisted as a defining challenge of Nigerian federalism, with host communities consistently demanding greater control over petroleum revenues extracted from their territories. The study is anchored on Fiscal Federalism Theory, particularly the contributions of Wallace Oates, which emphasizes the efficient allocation of fiscal resources between central and subnational governments. A mixed-methods research design was adopted. The population comprised community leaders, civil society actors, government officials, and academics in the Niger Delta region and Abuja. A sample of 280 respondents was selected through purposive and stratified random sampling. Data was collected using questionnaires and documentary analysis. Findings indicate that the current derivation formula and revenue-sharing arrangement are perceived by Niger Delta communities as inequitable and insufficient to address the environmental and developmental costs of oil extraction. The study also reveals that agitations for resource control have intensified inter-ethnic tensions and strained federal-state relations, particularly following renewed militancy activities documented between 2021 and 2023. It is concluded that Nigeria's fiscal federal architecture remains poorly calibrated to manage resource conflicts in petroleum-producing regions. The study recommends a constitutional review to increase derivation percentages, alongside the establishment of transparent environmental reparation funds administered at the state level.

Keywords: Federalism, resource control, Niger Delta, national unity, fiscal federalism