Strenghtening Nigeria’s Federalism for National Development

Abstract

Federalism is a form of government that is often adopted by countries with great diversity in geography, language, culture and religion. Western countries like: United States of America, Canada, Australia, Belgium, and India are adopting the Federal system of government. They are politically and economically stable. Federalism in Nigeria has been bedeviled by myriad of problems since it was introduced by the Macpherson Constitution in 1954. Nigeria’s federalist concept has been distorted, consequently impacting negatively on her national development, political stability and economic growth. Federalism in Nigeria can be strengthened to facilitate national development, if her leaders can only allow each level of government to be autonomous. This paper is aimed at affirming the benefits of federalism; strengthen the practice of federalism in Nigeria and to contribute to her national development. The paper delves into the concept and evolution of federalism; took a critical look at the nature of Nigeria’s federalism, its missing link, and using Kenneth C. Wheare’s concept of federalism to strengthen federalism in Nigeria towards sustained national development. The paper recommended the followings as a panacea to strengthening federalism in Nigeria: States should be created due to their ability to sustain themselves, all levels of government should be coordinate and independent, creation of State Police, each state should have absolute control of her wealth and resources, strengthening of the Nigerian Constitution to reflect Wheare’s concept of federalism, two party system should be imposed, and strengthening of the judiciary for independent and effective performance.

DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2013.v4n5p27