Dynamics of Resource Governance, Climate Change, and Security: Insights from Nigeria and Norway

Abstract

This study examines the nexus between resource governance, climate change and security in Nigeria and Norway against the backdrop of the resource curse. Based on the qualitative analysis of secondary data, aided by the eco-violence theory, the study posits that the prevalence of ecological conflict in resource curse countries thrives within the context of resource mismanagement characterized by lack of optimal resource governance frameworks. The study identifies corruption, poor resource utilization, rent seeking, resource disenfranchisement and over dependence on oil revenues as critical drivers of resource curse and eco-violence in Nigeria. With reference to the Norwegian governance model, the study analyses the possibilities of effective resource governance for cushioning the effects of existential climate threats and better resource management in Nigeria, noting that dealing with climate security threats requires not only addressing the root causes that perpetuate and incentivize them but adopting institutional mechanisms that promote better resource governance.