Ethnicity and the Imperatives of Development in Nigeria

Abstract

Ethnicity has been recognized as one of the major issue in the development of Nigeria. The problems of ethnicity, together with its attendant consequences have threatened the survival of Nigeria as a corporate entity. The paper examines the causes, nature and the implications of ethnicity on national development. It also looked at why ethnic problem persisted and, in many cases intensified. The paper adopted the pluralist theory as an approach, and summits that it is possible for ethnicity through exclusivism to truncate socio-political and economic development in a state like Nigeria, the recognition of every ethnic group that they belong to a nationality and not a particular ethnic group stems the negative impact of ethnicity. The 1914 amalgamation was faulted, together with the divide and rule policy which ensured psychological and political dichotomy between the north and the south. It therefore advocated an inclusive socio-political and development system with a progressive leadership that ensures the welfare and dignity of all Nigerians irrespective of their ethnic or regional differences.