Federalism and Challenges of Nation-Building in Nigeria: A Critical Review

Abstract

The fact that federalism is considered a suitable government for countries with varied ethnic, religious, cultural, language and otherwise characteristics, its practice in Nigeria seems to have been difficult in sustaining nation-building. This study became imperative to investigate federalism and challenge of nation-building in Nigeria. Specifically, the study sought; to determine the extent to which federalism contributed in addressing ethno-religious crisis in Nigeria, to examine the extent to which federalism has contributed in resolving issues of minority question and state creation in Nigeria among others. The study was anchored on social contract theory propounded by Thomas Hobbs in (1651). The study adopted qualitative research design. Data for the study are collected from secondary sources. Data collected were analyzed using content analysis. Findings revealed; that federalism has not contributed in addressing ethno-religious crisis in Nigeria, which federalism has not contributed in resolving issues of minority question and state creation in Nigeria among others. Based on the findings, it was recommended; that leaders in elective positions in Nigeria should endeavour to preach more peace and unity to the public to ensure that every ethnic/religious group is carried along in the government affairs as it will go a long way to address the challenged of ethno-religious crisis in the country, that federal government should ensure that more states are created especially in the geopolitical zones with lesser number of states than others.