Spatial Data for Resource Assessment, Mobilization and Allocation as a Panacea for Conflict Resolution in Democratic Nigeria

Abstract

Equitable utilization and co-ordinate management of the shared national resources in realization of the economic potential of the country requires targeted technical support in order to overcome barriers to management of resources of the country. The basis for such cooperation is joint planning and equitable sharing of benefits flowing from the natural resource endowments of the nation. There is a lot of potential in spatial data collections and this potential is released by making the data widely available. The vision is to ensure that spatial data permeates every aspect of society and that they are available to people who need them, when they need them, and in a form that they can be use to make decisions with minimal processing. The most efficient and effective way to achieve these two related objectives is to establish spatial data infrastructures, using GIS technology to maintain and exploit the SDI. The overarching goals of the paper were: (i) highlight the significance of spatial data infrastructures for development in Nigeria; and (ii) applicability of SD for prosperity, security and peace for all people in the Nation. Towards these ends, the paper strived to create a common knowledge base for resource assessment, mobilization and allocation and equal technical base as a prerequisite for equitable and sustainable utilization of the shared natural resources through SDI for conflict resolution in democratic Nigeria.

Keywords: Spatial data, Resources, Conflict resolution