The Nigerian federal system: Performance, problems and prospects

The transformation and centralisation of the Nigerian federation by 'soldiers and oil' has produced contentious and contradictory outcomes. Many influential commentators describe the current centralised system of federalism as a veritable source of, rather than a credible solvent for, the...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of contemporary African studies 2010-10, Vol.28 (4), p.459-477
Main Author: Suberu, Rotimi
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
centralisation
Centralization
Conflict
Corruption
Crises
decentralisation
Decentralization
Democracy
Democratization
Federalism
Federation
Governance
Nigeria
Petroleum
Reform
Reforms
Regional security
Security
Unity
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Summary:The transformation and centralisation of the Nigerian federation by 'soldiers and oil' has produced contentious and contradictory outcomes. Many influential commentators describe the current centralised system of federalism as a veritable source of, rather than a credible solvent for, the country's multifaceted crises of unity, democracy, and development. A more balanced perspective would distinguish between the system's remarkable achievements in alleviating inter-group political inequality and insecurity, and its conspicuous failures to advance good democratic and economic governance. Ultimately, focused reforms, especially electoral and anti-corruption reforms, will be required to consolidate Nigeria's real successes in mitigating potentially disintegrative ethno-political conflicts and to assuage current agitations for the wholesale restructuring or dismantling of the federal system.
ISSN:0258-9001
1469-9397
DOI:10.1080/02589001.2010.512741