The Supreme Court Judgment of June 12, 2012 transferring 76 oil wells to Akwa Ibom State following the litigation by Cross River State, brought to the fore the politics of oil resources This motivates the study to examining the mechanism for resolving resource conflicts in Nigeria.. This paper adopted the historical, descriptive and analytical approach as its method of study and qualitative in nature. The study found that political approach and incorporation of traditional norms and values are preferable as a means of solving socio-economic differences among friendly states rather than resorting to litigation. It concludes such disputes are manifestation weak state reflecting in lack of effective institutional mechanisms for resolving conflicts. The study recommends an inclusive mechanism in resource allocation like in Alaska while conciliation and arbitration method should be adopted at the expense of litigation in line with constitutional provisions as this will gradually demystify statetism.

The Supreme Court Judgment of June 12, 2012 transferring 76 oil wells to Akwa Ibom State following the litigation by Cross River State, brought to the fore the politics of oil resources This motivates the study to examining the mechanism for resolving resource conflicts in Nigeria.. This paper ad...