ROBERT NOZICK'S THEORY OF JUSTICE AND RESOURCE CONTROL IN NIGERIA

Abstract

This work examines Robert Nozick's theory of justice and how it can help in the actualization of resource control struggle in Nigeria thereby bringing development to resource producing areas particularly in the Niger Delta Region. Lack of fairness, equity and justice is a serious problem facing Nigeria as a country. Thus, fair and equitable distribution of national wealth and resources among states in the country has been an issue. The main objective of the paper is that Robert Nozick's theory of justice could serve as a philosophical blueprint and validation to the issue of resource control which in turn can bring about social justice in Nigeria thereby improving the social conditions of the people especially the resource producing regions. The scope of the paper is within the confines of socio-political philosophy, limited to addressing the grievances of resource producing areas especially the Niger Delta region through the policy of resource control informed and inspired by Robert Nozick's theory of justice. The theoretical significance is that it would contribute to scholarship generally on justice and practically beneficial to resource producing areas in Nigeria especiallyin the Niger Delta region. The justification is that resource control is a natural right to any resource producing area in Nigeria as affirmed by Robert Nozick. The work employed analysis and reflection as methods to show that resource control is a veritable policy in bringing peace and serenity to the Niger Delta region and the entire country at large. Therefore, it is the finding of the work that resource control could be a panacea to the incessant crisis, restiveness and insecurity in the country especially in the Niger Delta Region.