Nations’ human and material resources are unevenly endowed, distributed and developed. This allows flow of labor, raw materials, capital and finished products across national boundaries and markets; thus resulting in “mercantilism” as the earliest international economic system that proposes massive and aggressive export over import to accumulate wealth, to have favorable balance of payment and trade and to be still relevant in today’s economy. Game theory and Global Strategic Rivalry theory were used in analyzing various innovations and discoveries (industrial, technological, colonial, imperial, liberalism and globalization) as the economic strategies are offshoots of mercantilist evolvement. Hence, mercantilism never died nor was it buried as claimed by many scholars.

For their survival, humans have always depended upon natural resources that are scarce and unevenly distributed across the globe. The constantly increasing value of crude oil has provoked individuals, groups, nations, and governments to fight for ownership and control over it, leading to clashes of interests that often culminate in violent conflicts.A model of politics-value-interest-interactions and relationships was developed to analyze the conflicting political environment surrounding oil-dependency in Nigeria. Data were gathered from secondary sources and analyzed using the contextual-descriptive method. The findings demonstrate that conflict triggered by "oil politics" in Nigeria is a result of political class manipulations, marginalization, and lack of true federalism. The study suggests a policy change in line with the tenets of true federalism that will enable individual states to obtain greater control over their resources. This will also ensure sustainable development in the Nigeria oil sector that is currently riddled with contention and strife.

The role theory plays in research work cannot be over-emphasized. A theory that is apt gives direction to research work in explaining, organizing, analyzing, and predicting phenomenon and showing their relationships in order to enhance understanding. Despite these roles played by theory, upcoming scholars and students many at times fail to use theory that is apt in their research work, while some skip to adopt any theory in their research, even when it is necessary to adopt one. Thus, leading to disjointed and poor research work. Lack of good theory and/or lack of its correct application instantly de-links the relationship and blurs the understanding of research questions, variables, and hypotheses, which theory integrates to give a coherent and holistic view of phenomenon, and answering the question of “why” the phenomenon is the “way” it is. Explanatory and qualitative research approaches were employed. Secondary data were collected from books, journal articles; internet materials, etc. were used in analyzing the roles theory plays in research work. The findings are (1) that the purpose of theory is to explain, describe, analyze, and predict phenomenon to aid understanding (2) a good theory that is apt and well applied gives clarity and logicality to the problem understudy (3) theory in research is like a bridge that links concepts, variables, and hypotheses. The paper recommends among other things that scholars/teachers should devote more chapters or contribute more papers in journal specifically on theory.

Security decentralization is a hallmark of true federalism across the globe. Yet, the Federal Government of Nigeria refused to decentralize security despite the prevailing high rate of insecurity—terrorism, insurgency, kidnapping, killings, robbery, and banditry going on in Nigeria. Hence, a clear attestation to the failure of the centralized security architecture, leading to the formation of regional security outfits across the country. The method used is a cross-sectional survey leveraging quantitative and qualitative data. Findings revealed that regional security formations are the antidote to the insecurity in Nigeria. Recommendations made anchored on the liberal perspective of security in a secular state.

SUMMARY Bilateral formal trade relations between Nigeria and the Republic of Benin have increased significantly in the last 10 years. There has also been an increase in the smuggling of contraband goods due to the porous borders. This briefing explores the nexus between bilateral trade and politico-administrative border relations between the two countries. It interrogates the character of the border relations and consequences for the political economy of trade. The briefing highlights that border politics drive formal and informal trade relations. It also highlights other drivers of illegal activities in the border areas, including the cultural affinity between inhabitants living within the contiguous borders, and compromised government officials.