This book combines perspectives from development theory and law to address the problem of public participation in natural resource development. While its practical focus is on oil and gas resources, the analysis contained therein can be applied widely. The book draws from a variety of disciplines, including development studies, conflicts studies, environmental studies and law. The book notes that while public participation has acquired a prominent status at the international level, its evolution at the domestic level is irregular. Using Nigeria - a country well known for its difficulties in grappling with the human and environmental problems associated with oil and gas development - as a case study, it analyzes the international law of public participation and assesses the domestic standards in Nigeria against that backdrop. Since many countries, especially in the developing world, face similar challenges, the insights contained in this book can also be of benefit to those other countries.