Historicizing the Impact of Aquatic Resources and Water Bodies on National Development: A Survey of the Nigerian Situation

Abstract

Economic historians, development experts and social scientists are in agreement that the periods before and after colonial rule in Nigeria have been characterized with abundant marine resources and water bodies such as rivers, lakes and coastal areas that can effectively serve as veritable tools for sustainable socio-economic development. Regrettably, Nigeria’s rich aquatic and marine
resources seem not to be adequately harnessed due to chronic neglect of the economic potentialities of these aquatic resources by successive Nigerian governments that depend mainly on petro-dollar driven economy. This study seeks to explore different ways water bodies have shaped the historical development of the people of Nigeria dating back to the pre-colonial and colonial times especially in the sphere of Euro-Nigerian trading relationships. The study spot-lights the roles played by navigable river systems like the Niger as it appertains to trade and social intercourse amongst diverse people of Nigeria as well as the expansion of Euro-African trade after the discovery of the Niger river. Equally, crucial roles played by water bodies in terms of agricultural practices,
settlement patterns and marine transport were interrogated in the context of this research endeavour. The study x-rays the impact of aquatic resources and water bodies on the social, economic, cultural and political development of the Nigerian state. The study intends to excavate monumental challenges that plaque the marine resource sector due to Nigeria’s government neglect of the economic potentialities of the sector. Finally, this study submits that adequate policy thrusts on effective utilization of aquatic cum marine resources by the Nigerian government can engender adequate management of aquatic resources for sustainable national development.