Dr Usman Bugaje, the former presidential aide, has provided clarification on his recent controversial statement regarding the ownership of Nigeria’s oil in the southern region by the north.

Bugaje previously asserted that there are no oil-producing states, but rather the Nigerian state as a whole.

In an interview with Vanguard, he elaborated on his stance, explaining that the vast landmass of the North, comprising over 70%, contributed significantly to Nigeria’s maritime boundaries and offshore drilling rights.

Bugaje emphasized the role of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea in determining maritime boundaries and exclusive economic zones. He highlighted that the extent of a country’s maritime territory is influenced by its landmass.

Given that 78% of Nigeria’s landmass is in the North, Bugaje argued that a proportionate share of offshore resources could be claimed by the North.

He concluded by suggesting that any dissatisfaction with the current resource allocation should be addressed through constitutional amendments at the National Assembly.”