Ethnicity in Nigeria:Reflections on Achieving Unity in Diversity

Ethnicity is an important factor of interactions in a multi-ethnic societies like Nigeria. This explains its centrality in the nature and character of Nigerian state within the context of inter-group relations. The complexity of ethnicity has adversely affected inter-group relations in Nigeria. Thus, the influence of ethnic consciousness on the politics of Nigeria cannot be ignored. Rather than becoming more unified and cohesive, Nigeria remains deeply divided as ever before. This paper argues that no matter the centrality of conflict in inter-group relations, social interactions are usually dynamic and the pervasiveness of conflict also depends on the strategies in which group relations are managed. The paper seeks to demonstrate on one hand the historical exploration of ethnicity and ethnic politics in contemporary Nigeria and on the other hand, the need to use ethnicity as a national integration project. Thus, it is pertinent to evolve a state-wide national identity from the many ethno-cultural groupings with which they are presently constituted in Nigeria. This is important because unity in diversity can be a tool for socio-economic development in Nigeria.