Problems of Nigerian federalism - SS2 Government Lesson Note

Nigeria practices a federal system of government where power is shared between the central government and the states. However, this system has faced several challenges which include:

• ·         Revenue Allocation Formula: One of the biggest challenges of Nigerian federalism is the issue of revenue allocation. The central government controls a significant portion of the country's resources and revenue, leaving the states with limited funds to develop their respective regions. This has led to a struggle for control of resources and revenue, and has created tensions between the central government and the states.
• ·         Minority Issues: Nigeria is a diverse country with over 250 ethnic groups. However, some ethnic groups feel marginalized and underrepresented in the federal system, which has led to tensions and conflicts. This has also resulted in demands for restructuring of the federation to give more autonomy to the states.
• ·         State Creation: The creation of new states has been a controversial issue in Nigeria. Some groups believe that new states should be created to promote equity and representation, while others argue that it will only deepen the existing problems of revenue allocation and marginalization.
• ·         Ethnicity Rivalry Problems: Nigeria is also plagued by ethnic rivalries that have led to conflicts and violence. The federal system has not been able to effectively address these issues, and the government has been criticized for not doing enough to promote national unity and integration.