The Case for Organic Restructuring
If Nigeria embraces systematic assimilation of its diverse peoples into geo-economic zones, the federation could undergo organic restructuring. Cities like Aba and Onitsha would become hubs for Nigerian entrepreneurs, not just Igbo traders. Cattle breeding would be a Nigerian enterprise, not exclusively Fulani. Unity, social cohesion, and structural stability are prerequisites for economic growth. There must be a Nigerian nation before progress can be achieved.
Beyond the Diversity Myth
Currently, Nigeria is a collection of micro ethno-geographic nationalities prioritizing local interests over national ones. Citizens identify more as 'indigenes' than 'Nigerians.' The notion that diversity—compounded by colonial amalgamation of incompatible cultures—causes disunity is a fallacy unsupported by evidence. Diversity measures racial mix, not ethnic composition within a broad racial category. Nigeria, a mono-racial (black) country, is not diverse in the same sense as the United States or South Africa. It shares more with mono-racial China or the United Kingdom of old.
China and the UK: Models of Unity
China, like Nigeria, has 55 to 95 ethnic groups within a Mongoloid mono-racial classification, including Uygur, Hui, Zhuang, and Han. Mandarin evolved from closely related languages spoken by diverse ethnic groups. Similarly, Nigeria's multi-ethnic identification stems from a common source, evident in cultural and linguistic similarities. The Kwararafa confederacy's implosion centuries ago sparked southward migrations. The Igala, related to the original Hausa states, migrated to Idah, then crossed the Niger River to join Bini migrants, establishing Igbo-speaking communities like Onitsha and Asaba, linking Nigeria's plural peoples.
The British majority Caucasoid population also includes ethnic subgroups: Prime Ministers Benjamin Disraeli (Jewish) and Winston Churchill (Huguenot), Queen Elizabeth II (Germanic), and successors of Greek ancestry. The difference lies in the UK and China elevating racial similarity and citizenship above ethnic differences, while Nigeria prioritizes indigeneship.
From Sectionalism to Nationalism
Like Queen Elizabeth II, Disraeli, and Churchill—all White and British—Ahmadu Bello, Nnamdi Azikiwe, and Obafemi Awolowo are Black and Nigerian. Placing Nigerian citizenship above ethno-geographic indigeneship can forge a pan-Nigerian consensus, enabling effective economic models. To replace sectionalism with nationalism, political leaders must mobilize Nigerians to align economic interests with democratic choices, moving away from ethnic and religious voting.
Shoe makers and garment workers in Aba, Sokoto, and Ilesa should vote for candidates whose economic policies promise higher productivity and prosperity. Farmers in Jega, Agatu, Onitsha Ugbo, and Owo should support candidates offering higher yields and increased income. This process can create a proletarian consensus to counter elite divide-and-rule tactics.
Convergence of Politics and Economics
Aligning business interests with democratic choices will merge politics and economics, creating a democratic demography of competing pragmatic ideas rather than ethnic or religious supremacy. This will foster ideological politics, with parties coalescing around defined socio-economic leanings. A governance structure elected by a majority from plural backgrounds, united by shared ideas, will replace the current majority based on ethnicity and religion.
Federating units will transform from ethno-geographic entities created for oil revenue sharing into inclusive geo-economic hubs of wealth creation, expanding the national cake. A Nigerian born in Onitsha who identifies as Igbo but is drawn to cattle breeding can move to Sokoto. A Fulani from Kano inclined to garment making can settle in Aba. A Kanuri from Borno can pursue marine transport in the Niger Delta, and an Ijaw can weave caps in Borno.
Long-Term Implications
If this assimilation becomes entrenched, the federation will undergo organic restructuring. Aba and Onitsha will host Nigerian entrepreneurs, not just Igbo traders. Cattle breeding becomes Nigerian, not Fulani. The creeks of the Niger Delta become inclusive, and Kano's tanneries become a Nigerian cultural heritage. The 13% derivation from oil resources payable to Bayelsa State will benefit all Nigerians—Kanuri, Fulani, Yoruba—for whom Bayelsa is home. Similarly, Kano State's 44 local government areas will serve Nigerians—Ijaw, Igbo, Bini—for whom Kano is home.
Majeed Dahiru, a public affairs analyst, writes from Abuja.
