Theory question 110
Nigerian FederalismOutline six factors that led to the formation of federalism in Nigeria.
Show the model answer
Model answer
Any six: ethnic, linguistic and religious diversity; fear of domination by minorities and smaller groups; large size of the country; the 1914 amalgamation and colonial regionalism (Richards 1946, Macpherson 1951, Lyttelton 1954); desire to bring government nearer to the people; uneven development of the regions; desire for unity while keeping regional autonomy; demands of nationalist leaders at the constitutional conferences; economic advantages of a larger union; influence of the British, who promoted a federal arrangement.
Explanation
The Lyttelton Constitution (1954) formally made Nigeria a federation.