FEDERALISM IN NIGERIA: PROSPECTS AND LEGAL IMPEDIMENTS

Abstract

The Nigerian founding fathers upon independence opted for a federal system of government with central and regional governments, because of the pluralistic nature of the Nigerian society. From independence, through military era, to the present republic, it’s still doubtful to say that Nigeria is indeed a federal state in a true sense of it, given her numerous legal impediments and deficiencies. This paper reviewed the legal concept of federalism in Nigeria, with a view to finding out some of the inherent legal problems which now constitute a clog to the successful enthronement of true federalism in Nigeria. The doctrinal method of legal research was employed and materials were collated from primary, secondary and internet sources to offer us a descriptive approach to the concept. The Researcher found that the contemporary impediments, limitations and contradictions inherent with the Nigerian federation have been heavily and directly molded by her colonial antecedents and further reinforced by her successive exposure to the negative impact of military dictatorship, as manifested in power sharing formula between the federal and state governments. This work recommends among others, for an amendment of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria to give room for a constitutional restructuring of federalism in Nigeria to reflect the features of true federalism. We are also proposing constitutional amendment to allow states control of natural resources. That way, ethno-religious conflicts in Nigeria will be minimized and the fear of the minority allayed permanently.