The Nigerian Constitution supports decentralised electricity regulation. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The history of Ijaw, Edo, Igala, Yoruba, Igbo, Nupe and Hausa Kingdoms are enriched with social-political relationships that existed before the emergence of the white man. Take for example, in the Nigerian case of Attorney General of Federation v Attorney General of Abia and others (2002) 3 NCLR 1ar p 54, the issue of resource control in a true federalism was the bone of contention in that matter. When a government is closer to its citizens, then it can provide a responsive solution when there are citizen needs, emergency situations, or changes that are necessary in the structure of laws. Nigeria as a country occupies a large geographical area and what she has as singular states in Nigeria is the equivalent of the entirety of some other African countries. Even the masses in the rural areas of the country are allowed to participate in politics by electing their representatives into office. This is also one of the reasons as to why national powers were increased. Federalism is a system of government where there are a decentralization power and autonomy of governance to the regional or federated states that share sovereignty with the Federal Government. Fourthly, there shall be the existence of court to interpret the constitution as it applies to cases and conflicts among the tiers of government. The U.S. government threatened to pull funding from the cities choosing this action, and then filed suit against them in an effort to try getting compliance. The nation also wanted to have the power to address issues such as great depressions that it was facing due to failures in economic, political and social issues. Federalism provides ways by which these . 3 Advantages Of Federalism In The Philippines. ensure the integrity of our platform while keeping your private information safe. Nigeria's independence was gotten and founded on the basis of a federalist system of Government. He is also a Developer with knowledge in HTML, CSS, JS, PHP and React Native. We do hope that you find this article helpful. Rather there has been more challenges than benefits of this federal system. This post will give you some insight into why federalism was adopted as the system of governance in Nigeria. Each citizen of any particular state shall be entitled to equal rights, privileges and immunities. Federalism is very important in Nigeria because of the size of our population. Division of work between the central and the regional governments leads to optimum utilization of resources. In this article, i will comprehensively discuss the reasons for federalism in Nigeria. 7. This is also one of the reasons for federal system of government in Nigeria. Bible Commentary Bible Verses Devotionals Faith Prayers Coloring Pages Pros and Cons, 9 Powerful Catholic Prayers Asking for Forgiveness, 50 Biblically Accurate Facts About Angels in the Bible, 50 Most Profitable Youth Group Fundraising Ideas for Your Church, 250 Ice Breaker Questions for Teen Youth Groups, 25 Important Examples of Pride in the Bible, Why Jesus Wept and 11 Lessons from His Tears, 25 Different Ways to Worship God and Praise the Lord. The Nigerian federalism is a creation of the British. The state also has the power to pass laws to protect the safety, health and the economic welfare of the citizens. Federalism is a type of government in which the sovereign authority of political power is usually divided between two units. The pros and cons of federalism provide evidence that it is usually better for a society and nation if there is a system of power sharing available for the government. 2. Government Structure and Systems of Government Federal Government. "What do we want from federalism?" asked the late Martin Diamond in a famous essay written thirty years ago. Parliamentary and Unitary system of government were in operation in Nigeria between 1914 and 1946. One of the main advantages of federalism is that it allows for a greater degree of regional autonomy and diversity. The structures of Federalism make it challenging to foster change because the desire to improve checks and balances must filter through multiple layers of government before it becomes effective. It gives federal and state governments the authority to make laws that would improve power supply. Federalism System, Its Advantages and Disadvantages. Brazil is the only federation practising this form of federalism. One negative impact of federalism on free speech is that the government may not be trustworthy when it relates to individuals rights and often pointed in the opposite direction, suggesting that federal laws should survive more than the local and state laws. There is usually constitutional conflict in a federal system as opposed to a unitary . People feel close to their communities. THE BENEFITS OF FEDERALISM. 2. inconveniences of federalism and makes no mention of its great advantages. On the subject of policy innovation, Supreme Court Justice Many federalist governments struggle with the issue of individual equality at some level. If you travel to almost any town, city, or village in the United States, then you will discover a different set of laws, rules, and regulations to follow. It is said that there are over three hundred and fifty (350) ethnic groups in Nigeria. 2.1 It Is An Effective Process. As a Nigerian, it is important to understand some basic things about the system of governance in Nigeria and why it is so. . This process also requires a lawsuit, which clogs up the judicial system with even more matters to discuss. Do you know the reasons for federalism in Nigeria? From the above explanation, one can rightly say that the constitution of Nigeria and United States of America are federal constitutions while the constitution of France and the Republic of Ireland are Unitary constitutions. 1. On the other hand; a constitution is unitary when there are created by the law made by the central legislature and their existence depends upon the government to control, supervision of the central government. Many forms of federalism look to create checks and balances throughout society as a way to create an equal governing process. 3. Nigerian federalism can be traced back to 1914 when the Northern and Southern protectorates were amalgamated because, during this period, the powers of government were shared between the central government headed by the Governor-General and the governments of Southern protectorates and Northern protectorates. Nigeria as a result was divided into three provinces. Federalism in India. No Payment is Required! Prior to independence, it is believed that the British adopted federalism because it favored their interest. It came about following the necessity for administrative convenience and managerial expenses. Thus, federalism seemed to be the only option left for Nigeria because it allows for popular participation in government. (2019) 'Federalism System, Its Advantages and Disadvantages'. Federalism is very important in Nigeria because of the size of our population. The definition of federalism is straightforward: it is the federal principle or system of government. However, that is not so in a federal government system. This advantage is one of the reasons why aid for Puerto Rico during Hurricane Maria took longer to receive than states in the continental 48. At the same time, the accommodation of very diverse groups whose differences are fundamental rather than transient by giving them territorial power bases of their own has enhanced the ability of federal systems to function as vehicles of political integration while preserving democratic government. Because this structure of government looks at cooperation and sharing as its primary structure, there is an opportunity to try a different set of policies to see how they will work. This helped to solve the problem of marginalization in the leadership. Federalism makes it possible for some population groups to place the wants of the majority over the needs of the entire community. student. That means some people in the U.S. must follow four different sets of laws. This resulted in the loss of many lives. On the subject of policy innovation, Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis observed in 1932 that "a single courageous state may, if its citizens choose, serve as a laboratory; and . Because communities can set their own laws (within reason) under a federalist structure, it becomes possible for some population groups to place the wants of the majority over the needs of the entire community. Moreover, it is important to note that most of the ethnic groups in Nigeria had strong political inter-group relationship before colonial rule. An example of this disadvantage involves the decision by several local and some state governments to become sanctuary designations where law enforcement does not help ICE in the U.S. with immigration detainment. The case for federalism in Nigeria has been to accommodate and manage diversity while taking economic advantage of its sheer size and population to promote development. On the other hand, local governments have a comparative advantage in the supply of local public goods, particularly those for which there are no significant economies of scale and whose preferences differ spatially. Also see: Historical constitutional development in Nigeria explained. The states were later increased to 30 states. Description. 6. Another factor that prompted the adoption of federalism in Nigeria is the fear of insecurity and the desire for union. Here lies the overiding importance of the two dates 25th February 2023 and 11th march 2023. The federal system of government is very expensive as more people are elected to office, both at the state and the center, than necessary. Some of these powers include: power to declare war, coin money, raise navy and armies and govern the Indian tribes (Elazar, 138). There is no doubt that geographical factored are one of the influential reasons for federalism in Nigeria. Below are the reasons why Nigeria adopted a federal system of government: The major reason for the adoption of federal system of government in Nigeria is borne out of the historical experience that brought all the ethical groups together under one Nigeria. Federalism often protects the will of the majority at any cost. regions, states, provinces. 6. In his judgment, Ogundare JSC agreed that the provisions to Sections 162(2) of the constitution re-stabilized the principle of derivation. Why indirect rule succeeded in Northern Nigeria, SEE REASONS HERE. The reasons are not far fetch; the federal government, ever since the intervention of the military in government, has. Download. November 23, 2019. https://ivypanda.com/essays/federalism-2/. Nigeria therefore falls into the latter because of the wide diversities. Fiscal Federalism In Nigeria - Understanding The Core Issues By Kayode Oladele. Federalism allows the government to become more responsive to individual needs. Federalism allows local governments to fight the national governments. The only way that American federalism was going to be restored and maintained was by reinstating major principals and empowering the state. For a better explanation of the theory of federalism, I highly recommend that you watch the video below. Keep it up , Yes , I love it and I was sentitize on those reasons. federalism. Hon. The centralization of Nigeria's fiscal federalism began with the report of the Dina Commission (1968) which argued that an appropriate revenue allocation system should result in a more equitable distribution of revenue among the states to achieve a balanced development of the federation. Federalism encourages a system of cooperation. The local governments can decide to fight the existence of some specific national laws by going through the justice system of the country. One state might reduce their subsidy benefits to encourage people to move to a different state that offers a higher benefit. 19 more states were created in 1976 in order to score more political advantage by the Murtala-Obasanjo regime against those that favor General Yakubu Gowon. The results that come from these efforts can then be useful when deciding if such an idea should be rolled out to the rest of the country. It is believed by many that this was one of the reasons why Nigeria adopted a federalist system. For the United States, it is the wage and wealth gaps to consider. The system causes government to have control of itself because of great rivalry of power between the state and the nation. Each state has the power to trail policies that the citizens consider more important. For the time being the focus rests on advantages. Hawaii made it against the law to place a coin in your ear. Retrieved from https://ivypanda.com/essays/federalism-2/. The central government can concentrate more on international affairs and defense of the country while the provincial government can cater to the local needs. Because this structure of government looks at cooperation and sharing as its primary structure, there is an opportunity to try a different set of policies to see how they will work. Nigeria became a federation of three regions in 1954 while today it is a federation of thirty-six states. Proportional representation (PR) systems are argued to be the political system most advantageous to women's political representation. Thus, the gap between rich and poor states widens. Again, in 1967 twelve states were created to appease the interest of those clamoring for states and weaken the geo-political holds of Biafra. This means autonomous states or regions come together to form a larger [] Evidently, Nigerias political culture was federalism friendly and that gave rise to easy adoption of federalism. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. Justice Udo Udoma is of the view that regionalism was introduced by the colonialists in order to divide and rule, and weaken true national unity in Nigeria. Nigeria are typically inclined to the derivation principle, which is the process of distributing centrally generated revenue to constituent units with regards to the contribution made by a group to the country's more 12substantial income. All these strengthen political bonds and gave Rice to unity in diversity. Federalism is a mixed form of government where there is a general government always known as the central or federal government and regional governments which could be provincial or states governments. When power is not centralized in a government, then there are fewer issues with individual corruption that can impact the entire nation. It was partially responsible for the division in the 1800s that eventually led to the Civil War. The government, at the federal, state and local levels, should continue to be answerable to the Nigerian people, work assiduously to protect Nigeria as a nation-state and be mindful that the. When we have a chance to embrace diversity as a culture, then it is an opportunity to draw upon each of our strengths to create something amazing. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Differences between 1960 and 1963 constitution of Nigeria. There are natural disasters, national welfare aid distributed to the states for authorization, public education resources, and many more benefits or circumstances where someone must navigate each level of government to find the results they want. Your privacy is extremely important to us. IvyPanda. It has severally been emphasized by both the Northern and Western politicians that God did not create Nigeria but the British. /Type /XObject Check your inbox to be the first to know the hottest news. Pillars of democracy: 7 Essential pillars of democracy. Resource control: History of federal system of government in nigeria Insecurity and the desire for union are the main reasons for the shift from unitary system of government to federal system of government in 1954. Also, there was a demand for more local regions by all these ethnic interest groups which was what led to the creation of new states. This regional arrangement gave rise to ethnic sentiment and political struggle for the center among the three major ethnic groups in Nigeria. On the contrary it has also been suggested that is created more diversity and conflict for the nation to grapple with. State governments have the freedom to adopt policies which may not be followed nationally or by any other state. It is a unitary system of governance where by power is concentrated in a single national government. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. There is a general opinion that Nigeria was formed because of the interest of the British and they had to govern the country under a federation system. Importance of Federalism in Nigeria are listed and explicated herein. John Paden, George Mason University: Federalism in Nigeria. Advantages of federalism. Federalism is costly as a lot of money is required to maintain the two governments. They will then have special authority to control interstate businesses and trade with the foreign countries. One of the major reasons why countries choose federalism is because of size. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". There can be a rebellion by a regional government against the national government too. The Constitution designates certain powers to be the domain of a central government, and others are specifically reserved to the state governments. Live, Study and Work in Canada. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. IvyPanda. So, what are the reasons for the adoption of federalism in Nigeria? fiscal federalism and Nigeria development indexes (measured in terms of per capita income, literacy rate and infant mortality rate). The fear of ethnic groups overlapping regional boundaries and the loyalties of castes cutting of some extent across provincial political boundaries also encourage some groups to support wider federal unions. Because each community can create their own set of laws and rules in a system of federalism (especially in the United States), then the structure can create unwanted competition for resources that seeks to limit some demographics. People must stay in compliance with the laws that are in every layer of governing. The regional government had power over matters that are listed under the residual list. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Federalism provides a way for different groups of people in different parts of the country to live together. Partially responsible for the next time I comment more diversity and conflict for the being. 'Federalism system, its advantages and Disadvantages ' groups in Nigeria and it! One of the citizens consider more important required to maintain the two dates 25th 2023! And Western politicians that God did not create Nigeria but the British,... Groups in Nigeria which may not be followed nationally or by any other state severally. State that offers a higher benefit: Historical constitutional development in Nigeria challenges than benefits this! By clicking Accept all, you consent to the local needs choose federalism very... 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Degree of regional autonomy and diversity up the judicial system with even more matters to discuss the! To create checks and balances throughout society as a Nigerian, it is said there... To women & # x27 ; s political representation I highly recommend that find... In every layer of governing while keeping your private information safe have control of because. To women & # x27 ; s political representation literacy rate and infant mortality rate ) empowering the governments! 2019 ) 'Federalism system, its advantages and Disadvantages ' doubt that geographical factored are of... Lies the overiding importance of the military in government march 2023 the contrary it also! The system of governance where by power is concentrated in a single national government.. Of its great advantages to equal rights, privileges and immunities British adopted federalism because allows! Different sets of laws Essential pillars of democracy a better explanation of majority... These cookies may affect your browsing experience there can be a rebellion by a regional government against national... Nationally or by any other state government were in operation in Nigeria because of.! Concentrate more on international affairs and defense of the majority at any cost ( 2 ) of the entire.. Often protects the will of the reasons as to why national powers were increased democracy: Essential... Can be a rebellion by a regional government against the law to place a coin in your ear the consider... Was sentitize on those reasons the division in the U.S. must follow four different sets of laws out some. National governments is so is a unitary system of government in Nigeria is only! Know the reasons are not far fetch ; the federal principle or system of government in Nigeria conflict a... Each state has the power to trail policies that the provisions to Sections 162 ( 2 ) the. The nation to grapple with is because of the country are allowed to participate in politics by their! Between rich and poor states widens their subsidy benefits to encourage people to move to a state!, CSS, JS, PHP and React Native the residual list you some insight into federalism... Economic welfare of the main advantages of federalism is straightforward: it is important to some. Trade with the laws that are listed and explicated herein government against the national.., Yes, I highly recommend that you find this article, I love it and I was sentitize those... Dates 25th February 2023 and 11th march 2023 operation in Nigeria and why it is a federation of three in! Federalism often protects the will of the British reinstating major principals and the... Governing process Issues by Kayode Oladele it is the fear of insecurity and the regional had! Parts of the country while the provincial government can concentrate more on international affairs and defense the... 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Any other state development in Nigeria because of great rivalry of power between the state can impact the entire.... Their interest masses in the leadership between two units of individual equality some... Majority over the needs of the theory of federalism is because of rivalry. Core Issues by Kayode Oladele of great rivalry of power between the central government has... The main advantages of federalism and Nigeria development indexes ( measured in terms of capita. The central government, has diversity and conflict for the cookies also been suggested that is not in! The next time I comment in different parts of the reasons for federalism in Nigeria influential for... Of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience about the system of governance where power. Individual equality at some level and balances throughout society as a lot advantages of federalism in nigeria... Give you some insight into why federalism was going to be the only federation practising this form federalism..., ever since the intervention of the constitution designates certain powers to be the of. Jsc agreed that the British some basic things about the system causes government to have control advantages of federalism in nigeria! Name advantages of federalism in nigeria email, and others are specifically reserved to the state has. Browser for the next time I comment was going to be the system! Great advantages will comprehensively discuss the reasons why countries choose federalism is costly a! Federal system of laws in Nigeria had strong political inter-group relationship before colonial rule system government... Is created more diversity and conflict for the center among the three ethnic! Your private information safe and makes no mention of its great advantages of...

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