What does this research mean for the field?

Weak implementation mechanisms, political mistrust, and limited institutional capacity undermine effective coordination between the Federal Government of Somalia and Federal Member States in managing petroleum resources. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.NOVEL_FINDING. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.CHALLENGES_CONSENSUS.

What question did this study set out to answer?

The research aims to investigate the obstacles to cooperation between federal and state governments in Somalia's petroleum management.

February 21, 2026Open Access

Federal Government and Member States Institutions Coordination in the Somalia Petroleum Sector Management

MFMohamed Mohamoud Farid

Key Points

The research aims to investigate the obstacles to cooperation between federal and state governments in Somalia's petroleum management.
Conducted constitutional analysis of Somalia's legal framework
Reviewed sector legislation related to petroleum
Comparative analysis of federal experiences from Nigeria and Iraq
Assessed the upstream oil and gas sector across project lifecycles
Identified weak implementation mechanisms and political mistrust as obstacles to cooperation
Recognized the importance of a shared ownership model for natural resources
Highlighted limited institutional capacity undermining coordination efforts
Concluded that clarifying constitutional roles and reinforcing joint institutions is essential

Abstract

HRMARS - Somalia’s petroleum sector has regained strategic importance due to renewed exploration activities and growing international interest. Despite significant oil and gas potential, effective development of the sector remains constrained by prolonged conflict, fragile institutions, and unresolved federal governance arrangements. This study examines institutional challenges affecting cooperation between the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) and Federal Member States (FMS) in managing petroleum resources. The study examines the institutional and legal challenges affecting cooperation between the FGS and FMS petroleum ministries, with a focus on the upstream oil and gas sector across the project lifecycle. Drawing on constitutional analysis, sector legislation, and comparative federal experiences from Nigeria and Iraq, the research assesses the suitability of Somalia’s federal system for managing high-value extractive resources in a post-conflict context. The findings indicate that while Somalia’s legal framework recognises shared ownership of natural resources and promotes cooperative federalism, weak implementation mechanisms, political mistrust, and limited institutional capacity undermine effective coordination. The study concludes that clarifying constitutional mandates, operationalising fiscal federalism, and reinforcing joint FGS AND FMS institutions are essential to ensuring transparent, equitable, and sustainable petroleum sector development.

Ask AI

Helpful

Bookmark

View Full Paper