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The Nigerian Federation at the Crossroads: The Way Forward

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  • Ladipo Adamolekun

Abstract

This article reviews the first fifty years of federal experience in Nigeria. It distinguishes three phases: an apprenticeship to “true” federalism phase (1954-1965), a federal dominance phase under military rule (1966-1979 and 1984-1999), and a “muddling-through” phase under civilian rule (1979-1983 and 1999 to date). The first phase was characterized by political devolution and intergovernmental competition, during which regional governments recorded tangible results. During the second phase, successive military regimes imposed centralism and federal dominance that kept Nigeria united but arrested progress toward consolidating federal democracy. Civilian administrations under the third phase have sought to run the federation in a muddling-through fashion, including serious political and social tensions, modest economic performance, and deepening poverty. Currently, therefore, the Nigerian federation is at a crossroads and has two options: devolution or death. Copyright 2005, Oxford University Press.

Suggested Citation

  • Ladipo Adamolekun, 2005. "The Nigerian Federation at the Crossroads: The Way Forward," Publius: The Journal of Federalism, CSF Associates Inc., vol. 35(3), pages 383-405, Summer.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:publus:v:35:y:2005:i:3:p:383-405
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1093/publius/pji027
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    Cited by:

    1. Kayode Taiwo & Linda G. Veiga, 2020. "Is there an “invisible hand” in the formula-based intergovernmental transfers in Nigeria?," NIPE Working Papers 02/2020, NIPE - Universidade do Minho.
    2. Rotimi T. Suberu, 2009. "Religion and institutions: Federalism and the management of conflicts over Sharia in Nigeria," Journal of International Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 21(4), pages 547-560.

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