Nigerian Federalism And The Minority Question: A Retrospective Examination

The ethnic composition of a nation determines the type of system of government, it considers appropriate for their countries. In Nigeria, federalism as a system of government is suitable for its multiethnic nature. The adoption of the federal system of government is predicated on the character of federalism, with the quest protect and unite its diverse ethnic groups. This paper attempts a retrospective examination of Nigerian Federalism to examine the extent to which unity in diversity in Nigeria could achieve. The research is largely descriptive, and relies more on secondary data gathered from textbooks, journals, magazines, Newspapers and other electronic means. In view of the central theme of this paper, analytical tool is employed to examine the practice fiscal federalism, execution of the principles of federal character in Nigerian, while conflict theory has been adopted as the theoretical framework to guide the study. The paper recommends among other things, the need to restructure Nigerian federalism, an amendment of the constitution to allow State Governments create Local Governments Authorities, respect for the constitution, rule of law, etc, and finally, implementation of fiscal federalism in Nigeria.