Decentralized Governance in Nigeria: A Means to An End

Abstract

Historically Nigeria has come a long way from multi-ethnic entity with political differences and background to the amalgamation of 1914 till the present structure of thirty-six states. Ethnicity, no doubt has contributed immensely to ethnic conflicts in Nigeria because of long standing hatred or resentments towards ethnic groups different from one’s own or fear of domination which can as well lead ethnic groups to resort to violence as a means to protect and preserve the existing ethnic groups; this seems to make the adoption of decentralized political system a welcome development. With this re-organization it is believed that ethnic conflict would be contained in as much as it guarantee the protection and promotion of every ethnic group’s interests through representation and participation in governance. In essence political decentralization ensures that every state is allowed to decide or determine what they do or do not in terms of socio-political and economic development of their local state.

Key words: Decentralization, Governance, Ethnic group, Conflict, Re-organization, Political participation