Introduction to Nigerian Federalism
Nigerian federalism remains central to its constitutional order, reflecting diversity and history, according to Prof Abubakar Sulaiman, Director General of National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS). Sulaiman made the remark during a one-day public lecture on ‘Federalism in Nigeria at 70’ on Friday in Abuja. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the lecture attracted scholars and democracy advocates from across the country.
Overview of the Lecture
Sulaiman described the lecture as timely, offering reflection on origins, achievements and shortcomings of Nigerian federalism, while promoting forward-looking reforms suited for the 21st century aspirations. He noted that although federalism had attracted diversity, it still posed unresolved challenges after 70 years of evolving practice in the country.
Commitment to Strengthening Legislative Capacity
The NILDS director-general reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to strengthening legislative capacity and democratic values. He added that NILDS had been positioned as a hub for research-driven and evidence-based policy conversations across Nigeria. While welcoming participants, he urged them to engage critically in order to ensure impactful democracy in the country.
Managing Ethnic Fault Lines
The Guest Lecturer, Prof. Rotimi Suberu, said Nigeria’s federation, despite over-centralisation, had been ‘reasonably successful’ in managing deep-rooted ethnic fault lines within the country. He noted that the success had helped Nigeria in avoiding secessionist breakups that plagued divided federations, such as USSR, Yugoslavia, Czechoslovakia, Ethiopia–Eritrea and Sudan.
Features of Nigeria’s Federation
Suberu, a Professor of Political Science at Bennington College, Vermont, USA, noted that the centralising features of Nigeria’s federation had remained largely consistent over time. He added that India and South Africa emerged from efforts to hold together previously unitary political systems rather than from the coming together of independent pre-existing polities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Nigerian federalism has played a crucial role in the country’s constitutional order, reflecting its diversity and history. Despite the challenges posed by federalism, it has been successful in managing ethnic fault lines and avoiding secessionist breakups. The lecture highlighted the need for forward-looking reforms to strengthen legislative capacity and democratic values in the country.
FAQs
- What is the significance of federalism in Nigeria’s constitutional order?
Federalism is central to Nigeria’s constitutional order, reflecting its diversity and history. - What were the main points discussed during the lecture on ‘Federalism in Nigeria at 70’?
The lecture discussed the origins, achievements, and shortcomings of Nigerian federalism, as well as the need for forward-looking reforms. - What is the role of NILDS in promoting democratic values in Nigeria?
NILDS is committed to strengthening legislative capacity and democratic values, and has been positioned as a hub for research-driven and evidence-based policy conversations across Nigeria. - How has Nigeria’s federation managed ethnic fault lines?
Nigeria’s federation has been ‘reasonably successful’ in managing deep-rooted ethnic fault lines, avoiding secessionist breakups that plagued other divided federations.
