Which resource is controlled by the Nigerian government?

In Nigeria, the federal government has control over the country's major natural resources, most notably petroleum (oil) and natural gas. These resources are critical to Nigeria's economy and are managed by the government through the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). The NNPC is a state-owned enterprise that oversees the exploration, production, and marketing of petroleum and its derivatives. Additionally, other valuable minerals like tin, coal, limestone, and iron ore are also under the control of the Nigerian government.

Nigeria's economy is heavily dependent on oil, which makes up a significant portion of the government's revenue, as well as the majority of its export earnings. This dependency on oil has led to economic fluctuations based on the global price of petroleum. The government's control over oil resources has been a controversial issue, as it has sometimes led to environmental degradation, particularly in the Niger Delta region, and has contributed to local and regional conflicts over the fair distribution of oil revenues.

Besides petroleum, Nigeria has a wealth of other natural resources. However, the exploitation and management of these resources have often been met with challenges, including legal, environmental, and social issues. Addressing these challenges is an ongoing process, and the government continues to develop policies aimed at sustainable resource management, economic diversification, and ensuring that the benefits of resource exploitation improve the welfare of the Nigerian population.