Affiliation:
1. Department of Philosophy University of Nigeria Nsukka Nsukka Enugu State Nigeria
2. Department of Public Administration and Local Government University of Nigeria Nsukka Nsukka Enugu State Nigeria
3. Department of Public Administration University of Calabar Calabar Nigeria
Abstract
AbstractThe concept of resource curse is widely accepted in the extant literature. However, the burden of proof remains high as some resource‐rich countries experience rapid economic growth. This study examines how Nigeria's strategy for governance and management of revenue proceeds from petroleum resources has helped sustain rent‐seeking behavior, the resource curse phenomenon, and under‐development of the country. Using the theory of new institutionalism and a process‐tracing method, the article argues that political and historical dynamics in establishing legislation for governance and management of oil and gas revenues engendered path‐dependent rent‐seeking practices sustained by selfish political elites. The resource curse is not universal or inevitable in resource‐rich countries, but largely a product of institutionalization and sustenance of initial unhealthy practices. We recommend that recognizing the need for savings, stabilization, and investment, and setting clear fiscal rules to check excessive political discretion will reduce rent seeking and the resource curse in Nigeria and elsewhere.Related ArticlesAli, Hamid E., and Shahjahan Bhuiyan. 2022. “Governance, Natural Resources Rent, and Infrastructure Development: Evidence from the Middle East and North Africa.” Politics & Policy 50(2): 408–40. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12451.Ikeanyibe, Okechukwu M. 2018. “Bureaucratic Politics and the Implementation of Liberalization Reforms in Nigeria: A Study of the Unbundling and Reorganization of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation.” Politics & Policy 46(2): 263–94. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12249.Mähler, Annegret. 2011. “Oil in Venezuela: Triggering Conflicts or Ensuring Stability? A Historical Comparative Analysis.” Politics & Policy 39(4): 583–611. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2011.00305.x.
Subject
Political Science and International Relations,Sociology and Political Science
Reference91 articles.
1. Adedapo Adebiyi.2022.“N6trn Subsidy Claim a Fraud Says Customs Boss.”Leadership.https://leadership.ng/n6trn‐subsidy‐claim‐a‐fraud‐says‐customs‐boss/.
2. Collaborative Governance in Theory and Practice
3. Anudu Odinaka.2022.“Nigeria Spends 86% of Revenue on Debt Servicing South Africa Pays 20%.”Punch.https://punchng.com/nigeria‐spends‐86‐of‐revenue‐on‐debt‐servicing‐south‐africa‐pays‐20/.
4. Awojulugbe Oluseyi.2020.“Buhari Orders $150m Withdrawal From NSIA To Augment FAAC Disbursement.”The Cable.https://www.thecable.ng/breaking‐buhari‐orders‐150m‐withdrawal‐from‐nsia‐to‐augment‐faac‐disbursement.
5. Funds from non-renewable energy resources: Policy lessons from Alaska and Alberta