Nigeria's Diversity and National Integration; Challenges and Prospects

By: Lanre Shodimu

No doubt, much has been said concerning Nigeria! A country sitting on a land mass of about 923,768km. Infact, whenever the name Nigeria is mentioned, what readily comes to mind is her huge population characterised by its ethno-religious diversity.

As the world's most populous black nation, the country cannot be said to have fully imbibe the virtues of equity and equality in managing her diversity. Much as we are told that Nigeria constitutes the bulk of black people in diaspora, there is the need for Government to work assiduously towards integrating Nigeria's diversified society inorder to create a sense of belonging to Nigerians both home and abroad.

No doubt, the country has over the years been able to provide leadership at the global Arena and has equally provided International figures and great minds that have helped shaped, define and ultimately contributed to global growth and development in all spheres of human endeavors.

The diverse ethnic groups which make up today's Nigeria were once administered separately before it was coherced and forced together through the 1914 Amalgamation facilitated by Lord Luggard for ease of administration and Economic purpose, and the country has been left to live with such consequence more than a century afterwards. The Country as had to face and still facing the consequences and the challenges of the 1914 Amalgamation.

Although several pre and post constitutional conferences were held at different stages of Nigeria's existence, little can be said to have been achieved in terms of the peaceful coexistence of various ethnic groups in the country. Most crises in Nigeria today has to do with poor management of its diversity by subsequent leadership of the country, who at most times would rather choose to advance the course of their ethnic groups above others.

The core North for example has greater percentage of its population as Hausa/Fulani, the Middle Belt can be described as an area largely occupied by Northern minorites The Southwest are predominantly Yoruba speaking ethnic group, while the Southeast are the Igbo speaking people. The Southsouth which was formed as a result of the need to give identity to core Southern minorities which use to be part of the old western region of old Bendel State, which later became Midwestern region and those of the core Eastern minorities of Rivers, Akwaibom, Bayelsa, Cross Rivers, presently constitutes the Southsouth Geopolitical Zone as a way of creating a distinct identity for them.

The Southsouth zone is largely the treasure base of the nation.

The 1966 coupe de tat no doubt changed Nigeria's political narrative as the country's federalism and democractic order was forever distorted. This is because the Federal system of Government which ensured that regions attain some form of fiscal autonomy and control of their resources was altered and till date the country is yet to attain true federalism.

Although the inculsion of military into Nigeria's body politics foisted a unitary system. Although, some are of the opinion that the military were able to unite the country better as against pre and immediate post colonial political activities which pitched different ethnic groups against each other.

Infact, the political parties of Nigeria's first republic was largely ethnicised and this became a fundamental issue as political parties from subsequent republic was mandated to have a national outlook as a requisite for its registration.

Under the military regime, several measures were put in place to manage Nigeria's diversity.

The 1977 constitution drafting committee for example canvassed options for the adoption of Federal Character Principle in the 1979 Constitution. This was aimed at ensuring equal and fair representation of the diverse ethnic groups in Federal appointments and job opportunities in the country. The Federal Character Commission was therefore setup to ensure that the Principle of equal representation is not violated. As much as important as this principle is for national integration and cohesion, it has often time being violated by successive Government in the country and this is bad for national integration.

Furthermore, On assumption of Democratic governance in 1999, there were some form of unwritten agreement for rotational presidency. This was put in place to ensure fairness and to prevent domination of the country's political space by certain ethnic groups. Although some sections of the country believe that politics is a game of numbers and power should reside with the region that possess the numerical strength.

Also, it is mandatory for the President to choose its ministers from each State of the Federation, as this is a way of ensuring equal representation at the Federal Executive Council. This is as mandated by the Constitution. However, some positions considered as "juicy" goes to certain sections of the Country and this in a way threatens National unity.

The Quota system is also aimed at ensuring equity and integration. It is aimed at ensuring less educationally advantaged gets equal opportunity with other educationally advantaged groups. However, there are calls for it abrogation as the Quota System as it is seen as been counter productive, thus encouraging laziness.

Much as the need for Nigeria to ensure its togetherness and integration, the need to avert ethnic biases is so essential. It's for example crystal clear seeing policy makers openly violate Federal Character Principle while they brazenly practice nepotism. Most at times, certain ethnic groups are given preferential treatment before the law and this is antithetical to national cohesion.

The imbalances in the citing Federal projects should be adequately corrected. Also, the issue of resource control should be reconsidered by putting in place true Federalism.

The solution to Nigeria's lingering crises ultimately lies in restructuring as this will enable the Federal Government shed some power and allot more to the States.

The country also needs a true national leader that will put all ethnic groups and Geopolitical Zones into consideration in the scheme of things as this will ultimately ensure a lasting peace, tranquility and promote ethnic cohesion in the country.