Managing Ethnic and Cultural Diversity For Political Development In Africa: A Case Study of Nigeria

Abstract

In particular, Africa and Nigeria have their lion share of ethnic and cultural diversity problems that seem to defer solutions. Moreover, if these problems are not managed, the country's quest for political development will always be frustrated by ethnic and cultural jingoism. Therefore, this study investigates how Africa can manage its ethnic and cultural diversity for effective political development through Nigeria's prism as a case study. A qualitative study in which content analysis of secondary material and in-depth interview of 25 academicians and experts in Nigeria and Africa cultural and ethnic historical realities was conducted. The study found the factors that encourage cultural and ethnic diversity among Nigerians, including language barriers, partisan politics, marginalization, economic deprivation, and religious bigotry. The ways to manage cultural and ethnic diversity are protecting cultural, religious, and language rights of minorities; promotion of inclusive narratives and socialization mechanisms; institutionalization of federal character; justice and fairness in formal and informal institutions; establishment of inter-religious council and establishment of the inter-ethnic council. Factors that can determine national identity that is important for the unification of the people are promoting national symbols, promoting national integration, promoting public culture, recognizing minority rights, institutionalizing citizenship, and adopting a unified language. The ways to manage ethnic and cultural diversity for political development are modernization, inclusive political institutions, adoption of a unified language, diversification of economic base, inclusive development projects, employment generation/poverty reduction, and strengthening community representatives.

Keywords: Africa, Ethnicity, Culture, Conflict, Political Development, and Nigeria

DOI: 10.7176/IAGS/90-06

Publication date: April 30th 2021