The Nigerian Federalism: Its Challenges and the Quest for Restructuring

Nigerian state adopted a federal system of governance since colonial era because of its heterogeneous orientation. The root of federalism was planted in Nigeria with the amalgamation of southern and northern protectorate by Lord Lugard in 1914 and further consolidated by colonial constitution of Richard in 1922 and Machpherson constitution, 1954 and finally the Republic constitution 1959. The Nigerian federalist structure was further consolidated by further constitutional reform through state creation in 1962 since then; the system is faced with a lot of challenges of structural, economic, political and socio­ cultural imbalances. In trying to uncover the causes of aforementioned challenges facing Nigerian federalism, I intend to adopt descriptive and analytical method of analysis. The work will be guided by the use of federalist theory for the proper direction of the work. Fundamental questions as to why the challenges and why the increasing calls for restructuring of the country will be handled. Lastly, conclusion will be drawn and implementable recommendations with be preferred.