Natural resource fund governance and the institutionalization of rent seeking in Nigeria's oil sector

The concept of resource curse is widely accepted in the extant literature. However, the burden of proof remains high as some resource‐rich countries experience rapid economic growth. This study examines how Nigeria's strategy for governance and management of revenue proceeds from petroleum resources has helped sustain rent‐seeking behavior, the resource curse phenomenon, and under‐development of the country. Using the theory of new institutionalism and a process‐tracing method, the article argues that political and historical dynamics in establishing legislation for governance and management of oil and gas revenues engendered path‐dependent rent‐seeking practices sustained by selfish political elites. The resource curse is not universal or inevitable in resource‐rich countries, but largely a product of institutionalization and sustenance of initial unhealthy practices. We recommend that recognizing the need for savings, stabilization, and investment, and setting clear fiscal rules to check excessive political discretion will reduce rent seeking and the resource curse in Nigeria and elsewhere. Related Articles Ali, Hamid E., and Shahjahan Bhuiyan. 2022. “Governance, Natural Resources Rent, and Infrastructure Development: Evidence from the Middle East and North Africa.” Politics & Policy 50(2): 408–40. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12451. Ikeanyibe, Okechukwu M. 2018. “Bureaucratic Politics and the Implementation of Liberalization Reforms in Nigeria: A Study of the Unbundling and Reorganization of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation.” Politics & Policy 46(2): 263–94. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12249. Mähler, Annegret. 2011. “Oil in Venezuela: Triggering Conflicts or Ensuring Stability? A Historical Comparative Analysis.” Politics & Policy 39(4): 583–611. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2011.00305.x. Gobernanza de los fondos de recursos naturales e institucionalización de la búsqueda de rentas en el sector petrolero de Nigeria El concepto de maldición de los recursos es ampliamente aceptado en la literatura existente. Sin embargo, la carga de la prueba sigue siendo alta, ya que algunos países ricos en recursos experimentan un rápido crecimiento económico. Este estudio examina cómo la estrategia de Nigeria para la gobernanza y la gestión de los ingresos provenientes de los recursos petroleros ha ayudado a sostener el comportamiento rentista, el fenómeno de la maldición de los recursos y el subdesarrollo del país. Utilizando la teoría del nuevo ins