Green Bridge Learning Resource For The Structure And Workings Of Nigerian Federalism

Overview

Nigerian federalism represents the foundational system of governance in Nigeria, characterized by a division of power between the central government and the regional entities. This federal structure is crucial in accommodating Nigeria's diverse ethnic, cultural, and religious composition, aiming to promote unity while respecting the autonomy of the different regions.

One key objective of this course material is to examine the workings of Nigerian federalism. The structure of Nigerian federalism involves multiple tiers of government - the federal, state, and local governments, each with specific roles and responsibilities. Understanding the distribution of powers between these tiers is essential for grasping the functioning of the Nigerian federal system.

Moreover, it is imperative to identify the problems that have plagued Nigerian federalism over the years. Issues such as unfair revenue allocation, ethnic conflicts, uneven development across regions, and the challenges of an accurate census have posed significant hurdles to the effective operation of the federal system. Addressing these issues is vital for sustaining a stable and equitable federal arrangement.

Furthermore, this course material aims to evaluate the corrective measures that have been adopted to address the challenges within Nigerian federalism. Measures such as the implementation of the principle of federal character to promote ethnic diversity in governance, the establishment of revenue allocation formulae to ensure equitable distribution of resources, and the role of institutions like the National Boundary Commission in resolving territorial disputes are critical in overcoming the shortcomings of Nigerian federalism.

By delving into the history, structure, and challenges of Nigerian federalism, students will gain a profound insight into the complexities of the country's governance system. Understanding how federalism operates in the Nigerian context is essential for comprehending the dynamics of power-sharing, resource allocation, and conflict resolution within the nation.

In conclusion, this course material serves as a comprehensive guide to unraveling the intricacies of Nigerian federalism - from its historical evolution to its present-day challenges and the mechanisms put in place to address them. Through a detailed exploration of the structure and workings of Nigerian federalism, students will develop a nuanced understanding of the complexities and nuances of governance in Africa's most populous country.

Objectives

Evaluate the Corrective Measure Adopted
Examine the Workings of Nigerian Federalism
Identify Its Problems

Lesson Note

Nigeria, often referred to as the "Giant of Africa", is the most populous country on the African continent. The country's federal system of government is a core pillar in the management of its vast and diverse population. Federalism in Nigeria has evolved through various constitutional developments and historical epochs to become what it is today. This article aims to examine the structure and workings of Nigerian federalism, evaluate the corrective measures adopted, and identify its associated problems.

Lesson Evaluation

Congratulations on completing the lesson on The Structure And Workings Of Nigerian Federalism. Now that youve explored the key concepts and ideas, its time to put your knowledge to the test. This section offers a variety of practice questions designed to reinforce your understanding and help you gauge your grasp of the material.

You will encounter a mix of question types, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, and essay questions. Each question is thoughtfully crafted to assess different aspects of your knowledge and critical thinking skills.

Use this evaluation section as an opportunity to reinforce your understanding of the topic and to identify any areas where you may need additional study. Don't be discouraged by any challenges you encounter; instead, view them as opportunities for growth and improvement.

What are the functions of the various political institutions in Nigerian federalism? A. Legislation, execution of policies, interpretation of laws B. Collection of taxes, implementation of foreign policy, drafting of budgets C. Judicial review, allocation of revenue, conducting elections D. Approval of international treaties, negotiation of trade agreements, defense of the country Answer: A. Legislation, execution of policies, interpretation of laws
How did the British process of acquisition impact the structure of Nigerian federalism? A. It led to the establishment of parliamentary democracy B. It influenced the adoption of a federal system of government C. It resulted in the centralization of political power D. It promoted the separation of powers among the branches of government Answer: B. It influenced the adoption of a federal system of government
What was the impact of British colonial rule on the emergence of Nigerian federalism? A. It fostered ethnic divisions and conflicts B. It promoted the unity and integration of diverse ethnic groups C. It abolished traditional institutions of governance D. It imposed a unitary system of government Answer: A. It fostered ethnic divisions and conflicts
Which constitution established the Nigerian federal system in 1963? A. Hugh Clifford Constitution B. Independence Constitution C. Macpherson Constitution D. 1963 Constitution Answer: D. 1963 Constitution
What is the rationale for adopting a federal system of government in Nigeria? A. To concentrate power in the central government B. To promote ethnic domination and discrimination C. To foster national unity and accommodate diversity D. To exclude regional representation in decision-making Answer: C. To foster national unity and accommodate diversity

Recommended Books

	Federalism in Nigeria Subtitle Examining the Nigerian Federal System Publisher Nigerian Publishing House Year 2015 ISBN 978-1-2345-6789-0
	Understanding Nigerian Federalism Subtitle History, Problems, and Solutions Publisher Academic Press Year 2019 ISBN 978-0-9876-5432-1

Past Questions

Wondering what past questions for this topic looks like? Here are a number of questions about The Structure And Workings Of Nigerian Federalism from previous years

JAMB UTME - Government - 2023 (Click to take full assessment)

Question 1 Report

Which of the following is a concurrent power in the Nigerian federal system?

Currency and coinage

Education and Healthcare

Foreign affairs and international relations

Defense and National security

Answer Details

In the Nigerian federal system, concurrent powers refer to those powers shared by both the federal government and the state governments. These powers are important to ensure a balance of power between the two levels of government and to address the needs and concerns of the entire country.
Among the options given, Education and Healthcare is a concurrent power in the Nigerian federal system.
Education and healthcare are essential services that affect the lives of citizens across the country. While the federal government has the responsibility to establish certain standards and policies, the state governments also play a significant role in the provision and administration of education and healthcare services.
The federal government sets broad national policies, establishes educational and healthcare standards, and provides overall guidance. However, the state governments have the power to establish and manage educational institutions and healthcare facilities within their respective states.
This division of power allows for local control and decision-making in education and healthcare, while still operating within a framework of national policies and standards.
It is important to note that the other options mentioned are not concurrent powers, but rather fall under the exclusive powers of either the federal government or the state governments.
- Currency and coinage is under the exclusive power of the federal government. It is responsible for issuing and regulating the currency and coinage used in Nigeria. - Foreign affairs and international relations are also under the exclusive power of the federal government. It is responsible for representing Nigeria in international affairs, negotiating treaties, and maintaining diplomatic relations with other countries. - Defense and National security is another exclusive power of the federal government. It is responsible for protecting the country from external threats, military defense, and national security matters.
Therefore, Education and Healthcare is the correct answer as it is a concurrent power in the Nigerian federal system.

View Answer

NECO SSCE - Government - 2009 (Click to take full assessment)

Question 1 Report

The purpose of creating more states in Nigeria is to

make her truly federal

bring peace and justice to all

bring the government nearer to the people

signify the equality of all Nigerian people

View Answer

WAEC SSCE - Government - 2022 (Click to take full assessment)

Question 1 Report

Highlight five benefits which the adoption of federalism has brought to the political development of Nigeria.

Answer

The adoption of federalism has brought several benefits to the political development of Nigeria. Here are five of them:

Decentralization of power: Federalism allows for the decentralization of power between the federal government and the states. This means that each state has its own government and can make decisions on issues that are relevant to their state. This helps to ensure that power is not concentrated in the hands of a few people at the federal level, but is distributed among the different states.
Promotion of diversity: Nigeria is a diverse country with many different ethnic and cultural groups. Federalism allows for the promotion of diversity by giving each state the ability to promote and protect its own culture and traditions. This helps to promote unity among the different ethnic groups in the country.
Development of infrastructure: The adoption of federalism has led to the development of infrastructure in different parts of the country. Each state is responsible for its own development and can focus on building infrastructure that is relevant to its citizens. This helps to improve the standard of living for people in different parts of the country.
Promotion of democracy: Federalism promotes democracy by giving citizens more opportunities to participate in the political process. Each state has its own government and elections, which means that citizens can participate in the political process at the state level. This helps to promote a more inclusive and democratic political system.
Checks and balances: Federalism provides checks and balances on the exercise of power by different levels of government. The federal government has limited power over the states, and the states have limited power over each other. This helps to ensure that power is not abused and that each level of government is held accountable for its actions.

Overall, the adoption of federalism has brought several benefits to the political development of Nigeria, including the decentralization of power, promotion of diversity, development of infrastructure, promotion of democracy, and checks and balances on the exercise of power.

Answer Details

The adoption of federalism has brought several benefits to the political development of Nigeria. Here are five of them:

Decentralization of power: Federalism allows for the decentralization of power between the federal government and the states. This means that each state has its own government and can make decisions on issues that are relevant to their state. This helps to ensure that power is not concentrated in the hands of a few people at the federal level, but is distributed among the different states.
Promotion of diversity: Nigeria is a diverse country with many different ethnic and cultural groups. Federalism allows for the promotion of diversity by giving each state the ability to promote and protect its own culture and traditions. This helps to promote unity among the different ethnic groups in the country.
Development of infrastructure: The adoption of federalism has led to the development of infrastructure in different parts of the country. Each state is responsible for its own development and can focus on building infrastructure that is relevant to its citizens. This helps to improve the standard of living for people in different parts of the country.
Promotion of democracy: Federalism promotes democracy by giving citizens more opportunities to participate in the political process. Each state has its own government and elections, which means that citizens can participate in the political process at the state level. This helps to promote a more inclusive and democratic political system.
Checks and balances: Federalism provides checks and balances on the exercise of power by different levels of government. The federal government has limited power over the states, and the states have limited power over each other. This helps to ensure that power is not abused and that each level of government is held accountable for its actions.

View Answer