By Tunde Aina
As Nigeria continues to grapple with economic challenges and regional agitations for resource control, it is imperative to shift the national debate from “who owns the resources” to “how well are these resources managed?” While resource control remains a legitimate concern, it is time to shift the focus to resource management—an issue that has received far less attention but is critical to Nigeria’s sustainable development.
Beyond Control: The Need for Effective Resource Management
The conversation around resource control has often been framed as a battle for ownership between federal, state, and local governments. However, control without proper management, accountability, and sustainable policies has resulted in the misallocation, wastage, and underutilization of resources. The more pressing issue remains resource management—the ability of governments at all levels to harness, allocate, and utilize resources effectively. From oil revenues to agricultural wealth, Nigeria’s greatest challenge is not who controls the resources but how well they are managed for the benefit of all citizens.
A Wake-Up Call to Government at All Levels
• State and Local Governments Must Take Responsibility
While states demand control over natural resources, there is little to show for the resources already within their jurisdiction, such as agriculture, local industries, and internally generated revenues.
Local governments, which are closest to the people, must move beyond dependence on federal allocations and create sustainable economic strategies that empower their communities.
• Accountability and Transparency in Resource Management
• There is an urgent need for fiscal responsibility laws to ensure that revenues are managed transparently and used for development rather than misappropriation.
• Governments at all levels must publish resource utilization reports and allow public scrutiny to foster trust and efficiency.
• Diversification and Economic Sustainability
• The focus on oil revenue has led to overdependence on a single resource, neglecting other viable sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and technology.
• States must take the lead in diversifying their economies by investing in infrastructure, education, and industrialization to create long-term wealth.
• Public-Private Partnerships for Effective Resource Utilization
• Governments must collaborate with private investors to maximize resource utilization through innovative financing, technology transfer, and capacity building.
• Economic zones, agro-processing industries, and local manufacturing hubs should be developed to ensure that resources contribute directly to economic growth.
A New Direction for National Development
The New Nigerian Dream Symposium calls on the federal, state, and local governments to shift their priorities from merely demanding control of resources to ensuring their efficient management. The focus must be on maximizing existing resources, creating wealth, and ensuring equitable distribution for the prosperity of all Nigerians.
We urge policymakers, civil society, and citizens to join the movement toward responsible governance, sustainable resource management, and economic transformation. Nigeria’s future depends not just on who controls its wealth but on how that wealth is managed to create long-term prosperity.
● Mr. Aina, the Convener of the New Nigerian Dreams Symposium can be reached at newnigeriandream24@gmail.com
