Ethnic Consciousness: The Bane to Economic and Socio-Political Development of Nigeria

Nigeria is a Nation of varied Ethnic Nationalities. Research, shows that the Ethnic groups of the country is above 370. As a result, the cultural expressions of these groups varied socially, and politically. In effect, this should have been a source of strength to the nation, but instances have proved otherwise. Prior to the amalgamation of the Southern and Northern Protectorate into a Nation Nigeria, these groups have remarkably evolved peaceful means of promoting inter-ethnic relationship. The relationship had remained cordial for years, and extended through the political, economic and social spectrums of the people. At that time, the inter-ethnic conflicts were irregular, unsophisticated and occurred sparingly. The British intervention though might have instigated a kind of positive results, but its consequences on group’s relationship more so on politics sphere are devastating. In effect, the amalgamation of the Southern and Northern protectorate adversely punctuated socio-economic and the political order of the Niger-area groups. The impact of this unholy accord is obvious, even as recent studies have shown the rising ethnic induced tensions in the polity as a fall out. Already one of such has resulted into full blown civil war. The mistrust which characterizes our present predicament has a direct link to the forceful integration of the groups by the British Colonists. Under the strange political institution deliberately imposed by the British, the confusion generated thereof have continued to hunt the unity of nation. In this state of quagmire, lies the fear of domination and lack of patriotism needed to build a new nation. In this presentation we have devoted our time to reminiscence on the ethnic characters of the country, the impact of the British amalgamation on the ethnic political, social and economic development. We have also looked at the problems of the ethnic loyalty, and its effect on Nation building and concluded by subscribing to re- kindling the pre colonial bond of unity sustained through peaceful inter-group trade, which was established among the people as perceived solutions. In that case, the groups are expected to extend the spirit of peaceful trade to the spirit of peaceful political co-habitation. This, it is believed will contribute to establish generally acceptable political solution, that will be accommodating which we believe would help in our collective aspiration toward building an egalitarian society we can be proud of.