The Nigerian federal system: performance, problems and prospects

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Periodical article

Title:	The Nigerian federal system: performance, problems and prospects
Author:	Suberu, Rotimi
Year:	2010
Periodical:	Journal of Contemporary African Studies (ISSN 0258-9001)
Volume:	28
Issue:	4
Pages:	459-477
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Nigeria
Subjects:	federalism centralization
External link:	https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/02589001.2010.512741
Abstract:	The transformation and centralization of the Nigerian federation by 'soldiers and oil' has produced contentious and contradictory outcomes. Many influential commentators describe the current centralized system of federalism as a veritable source of, rather than a credible solvent for, the country's multifaceted crises of unity, democracy, and development. A more balanced perspective would distinguish between the system's remarkable achievements in alleviating inter-group political inequality and insecurity, and its conspicuous failures to advance good democratic and economic governance. Ultimately, focused reforms, especially electoral and anti-corruption reforms, will be required to consolidate Nigeria's real successes in mitigating potentially disintegrative ethno-political conflicts and to assuage current agitations for the wholesale restructuring or dismantling of the federal system. Bibliogr., notes, ref., sum. [Journal abstract]