History, National Interest, and Nation-Building in Nigeria: A Philosophical Perspective on the Past, Present, and Future

A crucial aspect of nation-building in Nigeria is the understanding of key issues in the philosophy of history. However, this dimension of historical study is often neglected, both by historians – due to its complex ideological nature – and by the broader society, where it is largely absent from intellectual discourse. Yet, history is a dynamic force, shaping human action across three interwoven temporal dimensions: the past, present, and future. A deep engagement with the past enables individuals and societies to appreciate their present circumstances and intentionally shape a better future. While history cannot predict the future with certainty, an unplanned and unstructured future offers little hope for progress. This paper examines the ‘missing link’ in Nigeria’s nation-building process – namely, the absence of a genuine national interest. This deficiency stems from indiscipline, ethnic and religious divisions, greed, pervasive corruption, and a general disregard for both historical consciousness and long-term vision. These factors have collectively eroded national cohesion, exacerbated crises, and deepened socio-political instability, leaving the country vulnerable to further deterioration. The paper argues that unless this ‘missing link’ is addressed, and its underlying issues systematically resolved, Nigeria’s aspirations for sustainable development will remain elusive. The continued neglect of these challenges may lead to escalating crises and potential fragmentation. The study draws on a range of books and articles on the philosophy of history, sourced from various libraries, alongside insights from discussions with history experts. Additionally, relevant internet sources were consulted, with careful consideration of their reliability and accuracy.