Some Comments on Federalism and the Agitations for Restructuring in Nigeria
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2025
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
China University of Mining & Technology
Abstract
Nigeria adopted federalism like most federations in order to accommodate its diverse ethnic and religious groups in a
stable national polity. Ever since its adoption in 1954, it has been operating in both fiscal and political contexts. However,
both contexts have engendered disaffection among its citizens manifesting in the calls for restructuring of the federation.
This paper examined recent agitations for restructuring of the federation. Through a systematic examination of literature
and existing records, it is observed that the current agitations derive from anomalies in federal practice. While there have
been divergent views on the content and trend of restructuring that is advocated, it goes without saying that it lies at the
root of political instability in Nigeria. The paper argued that recent agitations for restructuring has been deafening
implying a strong disaffection with the status quo. It also argued that, what will be the outcome of the agitations is a
function of ingenuity on the part of the government and sacrifice on the part of the citizens. It is thus recommended that
the government need to thread with care in order to arrive at decisions that will be acceptable to many Nigerians. At the
same time, citizens must be willing to make sacrifices in order for Nigeria to remain united.
Keywords
Nigeria, Federalism, Restructuring, Agitations, Pluralism
Description
Keywords
Citation
Nigeria, Federalism, Restructuring, Agitations, Pluralism