| Summary: | The concept of sustainable development came into prominence in the early 80s and gradually found its way into a multilateral instrument in the early 90s in the form of Agenda 21 - Rio Declarations. In very simple terms, the concept deals with addressing the exploitation and production of naturally endowed resources in a fashion that the current generation utilizes equitably, while a sufficient proportion is left for the use of generations unborn. This concept has a particularly fundamental significance in developing countries such as Nigeria which occupies a very prominent 6th position as the world's largest oil producer in addition to being 10th in terms of gas reserves globally. The aim of this study is to examine the significance of this concept within the context of Nigeria, its resources and the Resource Producing Communities, particularly, the Niger Delta Region. The study comes up with very interesting findings and conclusions. First, Nigeria's underdevelopment places it in a different position to effectively apply the concept of sustainable development. Importantly, it will take an overhaul of the present legal and regulatory framework within Nigeria to introduce the principles of values of this important concept.
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