Nation Building and Intelligence Reforms Debacle in Transitional Democracies: A Review of Post-Colonial Hangovers in Nigeria

Abstract: This work is an explorative review of the intricate nation building trajectories as it relates to intelligence reforms in multicultural and transitional democracies as exemplified in the Nigerian situation, More so, the work provides an epiphany of the postcolonial vestiges that have been pulling the country into disparate directions and massively hindering the emergence of a sustainable and robust intelligence architecture, culture and management. Post-colonialism has exacerbated ethnic, religious and political tensions in the country in ways that all genuine intelligence reforms have been stifled. The consequence is accentuated insecurity and convoluted democracy in a country where genuine nationhood is a mirage. The paper adopted a historicist content analysis of nation building, intelligence reform efforts and the overall challenges rooted in the dark colonial hangovers. Useful policy recommendations were offered to reposition the country on the part sustainable nation building, intelligence reforms and democratic consolidation in tandem with best global practices.