Federalism | Class 11 Political Science Notes

Federalism in Nigeria

Nigeria's federal experience illustrates the challenges of managing ethnic, religious, and economic diversity within a federation. Before 1914, Northern and Southern Nigeria were separate British colonies. In 1950, Nigerian leaders decided to form a federal constitution with three major ethnic groups controlling different regions: Yoruba in the West, Ibo in the East, and Hausa-Fulani in the North. Attempts by these groups to extend influence into other regions caused fears and conflicts, leading to military rule. The 1960 constitution gave joint control of police to federal and regional governments, but the 1979 military-supervised constitution prohibited states from having civil police. Although democracy was restored in 1999, religious differences and disputes over control of oil revenues continue to challenge Nigerian federalism. Local ethnic groups resist centralized control of oil resources, showing how overlapping ethnic, religious, and economic differences complicate federal governance.

🧪 Activity: Check your progress: Who decides the powers of the central government in a federation? How are conflicts between the central government and the States resolved in a federation?

🔗 Connection: Leads to the section on Federalism in the Indian Constitution, contrasting Nigeria's challenges with India's approach.