The Nigerian State and Challenges of Nation-Building

Abstract

Seek ye first the political kingdom and all other things shall be added unto it -- Kwame Nkrumah.

This vision of political independence, being the solution to most of the problems confronting African states, underpinned the struggle for independence by nationalist leaders and their followers during the colonial period throughout Africa, with Nigeria playing a leading role. Thus, it was believed that with the attainment of independence and the control of our destiny in our hands, it would be easier to promote national integration and economic development. Beyond that, it was also hoped that greater continental unity would be achieved and neocolonialism effectively combated. These aspirations have largely remained unfulfilled in most independent African states. Political instability, disease, and economic underdevelopment have instead become the hallmark of many African states, including Nigeria.

This lecture examines the causes and consequences of these problems, which constitute serious challenges to nation-building efforts, and proffers some solutions. It will be seen that while some of the difficulties are rooted in our colonial experience, others are within the duration of our independence. It is increasingly becoming obvious that we have to accept responsibility for much of the malaise sweeping through the continent and indeed Nigeria.Before proceeding further on this discourse, it is germane to discuss variables or concepts in this topic. These concepts are State and Nation-building. The question then arises, is Nigeria truly a state in the real sense of it? Besides, can we also argue that it is a Nation