Position Paper

The Arctic region is home to vast reserves of oil and gas, estimated at 160 billion barrels of oil and 30%
of the planet's undiscovered natural gas. However, the extraction of these resources poses serious
environmental and geopolitical challenges, as well as potential conflicts among the states that claim
sovereignty over parts of the Arctic Circle. Norway, one of the main oil producers in the region, has been
facing a legal challenge from environmental activists who argue that its drilling policy violates human
rights and contributes to climate change. This paper will examine the issue of illegal extraction of oil
from the north pole from a Nigerian point of view, and argue that Nigeria should oppose any such
activity and support international efforts to protect the Arctic environment and regulate its
development.

Nigeria is a major oil producer and exporter in Africa, with an average daily production of 1.8 million
barrels in 2020 and a contribution of about 9% to its GDP⁴. However, Nigeria also faces many challenges
related to its oil industry, such as environmental degradation, corruption, insecurity, poverty, and
dependence on volatile global markets. Therefore, Nigeria has an interest in promoting a sustainable and
responsible management of oil resources, both domestically and internationally.

Illegal extraction of oil from the north pole would have negative impacts on the Arctic environment and
climate, as well as on the rights and livelihoods of the indigenous peoples who inhabit the region. It
would also increase the risk of accidents, spills, and conflicts over territorial claims and resources.
Nigeria, as a signatory to various international treaties and conventions on environmental protection and
human rights, has a moral and legal obligation to oppose any such activity and to uphold its
commitments.

Nigeria should support international efforts to regulate and monitor oil exploration and exploitation in
the Arctic region, such as the Madrid Protocol that bans mining for at least 50 years, or the United
Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea that defines the rights and responsibilities of states regarding
the use of the world's oceans. Nigeria should also cooperate with other African countries and regional
organizations to voice its concerns and interests on this issue, and to seek a fair and equitable share of
the benefits and costs of global energy development.

In conclusion, this paper has argued that Nigeria should oppose illegal extraction of oil from the north
pole from a Nigerian point of view. Nigeria has an interest in ensuring a sustainable and responsible
management of oil resources, both at home and abroad. Illegal extraction of oil from the north pole
would harm the Arctic environment and climate, violate human rights and international law, and
increase instability and conflict in the region. Nigeria should support international efforts to protect and
regulate the Arctic development, and cooperate with other African countries and regional organizations
to express its views and interests on this issue.