From a geographic point of view, federalism belongs rather to the new world, i. This research hereunder considers some of the basic features of federalism visavis the provisions of the federal constitution of nigeria and the challenges to her practice of federalism. Lets compare and contrast nigerian and american federalism to know why. We shall later trace the genesis of the system in nigeria. Apart from theory, federalism has also its geography and history, which is evident if one bears in mind that it most frequently appears in certain historical eras and on certain continents, more often than somewhere else. Jul 29, 2016 odukoya, on his part said nigerias idea of true federalism was an absurdity. Unfortunately, the essence of federalism in nigeria as not being fulfilled. Federalism, mode of political organization that unites separate states or other polities within an overarching political system in a way that allows each to maintain its own integrity. An analysis of issues and challenges 40 research centre for management and social studies evolution of nigerias fiscal federalism nigerias fiscal federalism is anchored on economic, political, constitutional, social and cultural development. Odukoya, on his part said nigerias idea of true federalism was an absurdity. To start with, nigeria s federalism fundamentally violated b. After highlighting some of the major problems of federalism in nigeria, it is important to proffer solutions that will address these issues. Nigerias constitutions up to the time of independence in 1960 were truly federal in character.
The fundamental features of nigeria constitutional law are. The governorgeneral was made the ceremonial head of state. For nigeria, a developing country with unique federal characteristics, this paper proposes measures of remediation and social integration. Even though they have similar federal systems, they dont share similar economic growth. Federalism is a system of government in which powers are divided between the centre and the regions states. Features of nigeria constitutional law and development hubpages. Features of lyttleton constitution of 1954 a federal legislature consisting of 184 members, which were elected directly and independently of regional assemblies. Nigerias unitary federalism the guardian nigeria news. Before we start discussing federalism in nigeria, it is pertinent to know what federalism really is.
Different administrative traditions were especially evident. Federalism in nigeria is a product of the colonial administration. Both countries have become federal republics as a result of some events in their history. Features of the independence constitution of 1960 nigerian. Nigeria still far from practicing true federalism the. Three decades later, the nigerian practice of consociationalism political representation based on respect for minorities and assertion of group rights exerts a debilitating impact on the countrys polity. The features of the federalism is the king and queen,nobles,knights,and finally the peasants. Federalism is the bedrock of democratic edifice for a country of nigerias size and bewildering diversities. A chronology of critical events in nigerias political development from the adoption of a federal system in. Each region had its own constitution, coat of arms and autonomy with regard to the functions. However, the adoption of federalism in nigeria was a compromise. Therefore, the problem with federalism in nigeria is the mixapplication or nonapplication of this clause especially as it has to do with power distribution awa, 1976. The following are the important characteristics of federalism also known as federal form of government.
The paper posits that the demand for true federalism continue to pose serious challenges to the corporate existence of nigeria, especially since the return to democracy in may 29, 1999. In fact, the problem is sufciently complex that no mere denition will sufce. Dureleys conceptualization of federalism as a division of powers between a central government and several regions of state. Just like every other country, nigeria has it own law that is a constitution which is the highest law in every country. Mar 09, 2020 features of nigeria 1999 constitution the section called the preamble is intended to be a page of contents for the nigerian legislation. The essential feature, which is the definition of federalism is that there are two levels of governance in the country at least. The evolution, development and practice of federalism in. The paper concludes that nigerians have recognized the significance of the federal system of government and opt for its preservation, because it encourages unity. To start with, nigerias federalism fundamentally violated b. The lyttleton constitution was enacted in 1954 and it established the federal principle and paved the way for nigeria s independence in 1960 features of lyttleton constitution of 1954. A federal legislature consisting of 184 members, which were elected directly and independently of regional assemblies. Major features of federalism in nigeria 2 years ago 59098 views by diana ibori the concept of federalism is based on the recognition of the federal structure of a country as the most preferred one, and the desire to combine multiple states into one, or to convert the existing unitary state into a federal one.
The best way to comprehensively understand the federal system is to learn about its features. These actions were what led to the development of federalism in nigeria today. The evolution, development and practice of federalism in nigeria. Federalism, nigerian federal constitution and the practice of. Conceptual issues fiscal federalism is a byproduct of federalism.
C wheare federalism to nigeria situation vis a vis the definition and features of federalism and i argued that, the federal system proved to be workable in nigeria between 1954 and january 1966 but the advent of the military makes the federal government to sees itself as superior to the. Lyttleton constitution of 1954 features, merits and demerits. In summary, a workable definition of a federal system of government should first highlight the existence of a general level of government of the federation, as well as a. This immediately raises a number of the complexities that beset this subject and that mechanistic discussions of it tend to ignore or obscure. However, the history of federal system in nigeria could be dated back to the. The challenges facing nigerias federalism are rooted in her experience of colonialism and nationalism. The lyttleton constitution was enacted in 1954 and it established the federal principle and paved the way for nigeria s independence in 1960. It is important to know that these features can be further divided depending on the area the author of any book wants to elaborate on. Federalism is a political concept in which power to govern is shared between national, and subnational governments creating what is often called a federation arowolo. Compare and contrast nigerian and american federalism legit. What are features of federalism in nigeria answers. Nigeria can be said to be operating the federal system of government, whereas in actual practice, the country is tending towards a unitary system. Before that however, we shall briefly consider the historical origin of federalism in nigeria. Its distinctive feature, exemplified in the founding example of modern federalism by the.
Federalism in nigeria refers to the devolution of selfgovernance by the west african nation of. However, be that as it may, to daniel 2007, it means several varieties of political arrangement in nigeria to which the term federalism has properly been applied. This part has general stipulations and gives us a general feel and summary of what the constitution is all about. The nigeria constitution is the highest law in nigeria, any law that is not consistent with the constitution is null and void. Features of lyttleton constitution of 1954 a federal legislature consisting of 184 members, which were elected directly and independently of. Federalism can be seen as a system of government in which governmental powers that exist in a country are shared between central government and other component units i. Kapur 2006 identifies basic features of a federation to include the desire. A federation is an agreement between two or more sovereign states to create a new state in which each will exercise specific powers. Written constitution it is important as the division of powers between centre and the states is present in the constitution. The paper traces the origin of nigerian federalism to colonial insinuations of. These characteristics combined to reflect the true essence of federalism. Thus, in this article, we shall be dealing with the problems of nigeria federalism.
The constitution defines and explains the powers and the. Download as pdf abstract this article argues that the nigerian federation epitomises an incomplete federal arrangement. The idea of federalism in nigeria is to achieve economic development and to establish an efficient administration. An evaluation of the origins, structure and features of nigerian. Fiscal federalism in nigeria an analysis of issues and. Federal theory and federalism in africa berihun gebeye. Its restoration of federalism osuntokun mr akin osuntokun, political adviser to former president, chief olusegun obasanjo is a former managing director of the news agency of nigeria, nan. The feature of nigerian federalism could only be better understood by a reproduction of the definition of the concept federalism, professor nwabueze in his definition, defined federalism as an arrangement whereby governmental powers within a country are shared between a national, country wide government and a number of regional governments. The aim of this paper is to examine the origins, structure and features of nigerian federalism. Aug 03, 2019 the fundamental features of nigeria constitutional law are. Providing both a detailed theoretical examination and fresh case studies, it clearly distinguishes between federation, a particular kind of state, and federalism, the thinking that drives and promotes it. Dynamics of indian federalism download ebook pdf epub. Nigeria and usa has a lot of interesting similarities and contrasting ideas.
That true federalism eludes our grasp is part of the reality of instability that is bedeviling the overall well being of the country. Pdf the evolution, development and practice of federalism in. It established two legislative houses at both the federal and regional levels. Federalism in nigeria refers to the devolution of selfgovernance by the west african nation of nigeria to its federated states, who share sovereignty with the federal government. Nov 30, 2011 i have also gone ahead to place the basic tenets of k. However, be that as it may, to daniel 2007, it means several varieties of political arrangement in nigeria to which.
This small article examines the debate about the federal nature of indian constitution. Origin and evolution of federalism in nigeria nigerian. Features of nigeria 1999 constitution the section called the preamble is intended to be a page of contents for the nigerian legislation. Federalism and nationbuilding in nigeria longdom publishing sl. The richards constitution of 1946 provided the ground work for. Federalism is the mixed or compound mode of government, combining a general government the central or federal government with regional governments provincial, state, cantonal, territorial or other subunit governments in a single political system. It is however, correct to note that the nigerian federal system is.
The concept of federalism and its features in nigeria. The paper also looks into some efforts at resolving issues in the nigerian federalism such. This is because federalism is presented as a panacea in organizing distinct political identities under a state. The origins of nigerias federalism lie not in the pluralities of economic and geographic regions or of ethnic nationalities, but in the plurality of colonial administrative traditions imposed by the british. The paper traces the origin of nigerian federalism to colonial insinuations of conquest and divide and rule. The transformations of the late seventies were attuned to preserve nigerias unity. The richards constitution of 1946 provided the ground work for the takeoff of the federal constitution. Comparative federalism uses a comparative approach to explore the contemporary nature and meanings of federalism and federation. An evaluation of the origins, structure and features of. Federalism will lead to stability in the economy and will eliminate any form of crisis that may occur as a result of ethnic competition. The constitution introduced a parliamentary system of government.
It retained the federal structure with the regions having residual powers. This provides a more favorable environment to preserve and develop specific regional, historical, economic and cultural features. Federalism has a balancing and thus a stabilizing effect. Jul, 2018 just like every other country, nigeria has it own law that is a constitution which is the highest law in every country. In fact, fiscal federalism is a general normative framework for assignment of functions to the different levels of government and appropriate fiscal instruments for carrying out these functions oates, 1999. I have also gone ahead to place the basic tenets of k.
Learn more about the history and characteristics of federalism in this article. The federal government should ensure that theres cohesion among the people. This agreement is in the shape of the constitution. Jun 30, 2017 its restoration of federalism osuntokun mr akin osuntokun, political adviser to former president, chief olusegun obasanjo is a former managing director of the news agency of nigeria, nan. In order to discuss federalism at a theoretical level at least, it is necessary to dene it. Therefore, the problem with federalism in nigeria is the mixapplication or nonapplication of this clause especially as it has to do with power distribution awa, 1977. Federalism and contending issues in contemporary nigeria. The division of the country in cus guarantees that many economic, political and cultural centers develop. The lyttleton constitution was enacted in 1954 and it established the federal principle and paved the way for nigerias independence in 1960. The feelings of marginalisation, which had been suppressed during the military era are fully expressed by ethnoregional groups in the postmilitary era and these feelings finds expression in the potent agitation for a more functional federal system. May 11, 2020 problems of federalism in nigeria and solutions. In nigeria, there are different and distinct ethnic groups brought together by colonization. Then, we shall look into why the system has not achieved its desired results in nigeria.
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