However, that is not so in a federal government system. The federal system makes decision making more complex and difficult. A recent example in the United States of this advantage is the requirement to drug test working adults who receive welfare benefits. The national government also possess concurrent powers which enable them to exercises along with the state government. Before the amalgamation of the Northern Protectorate and the Southern Protectorate in 1914, there was nothing like Nigeria. Federalism provides room for innovation and experimentation. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Federalism in Nigeria is one of the most expensive. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. "Federalism System, Its Advantages and Disadvantages." Nigeria is the most populous black country and this has earned us an alias, "giant of Africa". regions, states, provinces. Federalism encourages innovation in governing. These include: 1. 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. Needs/Reasons For The Adoption Of Federalism In Nigeria stream Federalism was further adopted because the developed countries from which Nigeria borrowed democracy practice federalism. Your email address will not be published. It contains thousands of paper examples on a wide variety of topics, all donated by helpful students. No doubt, the Ethnic, Religious and Geographical nature of Nigeria also contributed to the reason why federalism was adopted. What is federalism? Since 1954 successively Nigerian constitution had adopted the federal system of government without much emphasis on the unity or disunity it has accorded to Nigeria. Finally, in a model of cooperative federalism with indepen-dent spheres of government, all orders of government enjoy autonomous and equal status and coordinate their policies horizontally and vertically. This process can create positive or negative results. In theory, Nigeria is a three-tier federation, with local, state, and federal levels designated by federal law. There is no doubt that geographical factored are one of the influential reasons for federalism in Nigeria. Register or login to make commenting easier. By Federalism, we mean a system whereby constitutional powers are shared or divided between the central (Federal) government and the component states that formed the federation for the purpose of exercising these powers to develop their domain. This is because most people after they have committed a crime in a particular state, they escape and move to other states. Evidently, Nigerias political culture was federalism friendly and that gave rise to easy adoption of federalism. Thus, from 1914 to 1946, 1963, 1967, 1976, 1987 and 1993 the Nigerian Real federalism has never existed in Nigeria (Ajasin, 1992; Odisu, 2015). November 23, 2019. https://ivypanda.com/essays/federalism-2/. However, where there is a conflict of authority between the federal government and regional government, the federal authority supersedes. It is illegal in Arizona for a donkey to sleep in a bathtub. On the subject of policy innovation, Supreme Court Justice We utilize security vendors that protect and Unfortunately, since the formation of Nigeria and adoption of this system of governance in the country has not seen much effect of federalism. Unfortunately, since the formation of Nigeria and adoption of this system of governance in the country has not seen much effect of federalism. Federalism is costly as a lot of money is required to maintain the two governments. 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. . Rather there has been more challenges than benefits of this federal system. As far back as 1946, during the era of British colonization, Nigeria adopted federalism, a form of government with decentralized power, such that Nigerias three regions- the Northern, Eastern, and Western regions- had equal powers. There are several pros and cons of federalism to consider when looking at it as a political system. 1. John Paden, George Mason University: Federalism in Nigeria. Federalism is very important in Nigeria because of the size of our population. 23 November. This normally causes disintegration and internal conflicts among different states (Dye, 114). In his judgment, Ogundare JSC agreed that the provisions to Sections 162(2) of the constitution re-stabilized the principle of derivation. Possessing a lot of power will enable them have the authority to raise navy and armies that could control tragedies from happening by protecting the nation. 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. This structure allows each group to live in a way that maximizes their safety while minimizing effort. Federalism encourages a system of cooperation. Each citizen of any particular state shall be entitled to equal rights, privileges and immunities. But besides these three major tribes, there are over 350 other smaller tribes with diverse languages and dialects. professional specifically for you? The fear of marginalization by the minority in a unitary system of government has, to a great extent, influenced the majority state support for federating states. Federalism provides ways by which these . By way of conclusion, it is imperative to know that the reason why Nigeria is still practicing federalism today is because the system seems to be suitable for our political value and culture. Federalism often protects the will of the majority at any cost. People become more involved with their government in a variety of ways when federalism is the structure in place. Cookies are small files that are stored on your browser. 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. The local governments can decide to fight the existence of some specific national laws by going through the justice system of the country. Federalism can create uncertainty. What are the main functions of federal and state governments? 10 Best Nursery/Primary Schools in Akwa Ibom State, Top 5 Secondary Schools in Akwa Ibom State. Moreover, it is important to note that most of the ethnic groups in Nigeria had strong political inter-group relationship before colonial rule. Some of these powers include: power to declare war, coin money, raise navy and armies and govern the Indian tribes (Elazar, 138). 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. Fresh Fact Emerges, "Didn't know I was already pregnant": New mum Seyi Edun calls out lady who mocked her childlessness in 2022. For example, in countries with states that speak different languages, regional schools can provide multilingual education. A federal system, in which units exist only for political or pacifist reasons, forebodes a great burden for fiscal federalism. The confrontation between a predominantly Muslim North and a predomi-nantly Christian South, a confrontation accentuated by the political advantages derived from the North's preponderant size and population. Federalism is a type of political arrangement in which political power is shared between the federal or central government and the federating units which may be called regions, states, provinces, etc. It therefore appears that the basic goal of federalism in Nigeria is to promote the unity of the country while creating space for political autonomy of the different sections of Nigeria 20. They can formulate policies which might be detrimental to other regions. When power is not centralized in a government, then there are fewer issues with individual corruption that can impact the entire nation. Federalism allows the government to become more responsive to individual needs. Federalism System, Its Advantages and Disadvantages. It also offers opportunity to test the courage of selected leaders and to prove whether they are responsible. Also see: Reasons why lawyers wear wigs to court, Origin and nature of federalism in Nigeria. Different states also have different laws making it hard to enforce law on visitors who had moved in the state. Problems facing the legal profession in Nigeria, History of the legal profession in Nigeria, Problems of Local Government in Nigeria And Solutions, 5 important Characteristic of customary law, Sources of Nigerian Law: everything you need to know. Presently, Nigeria has a strong center and a weak component. It is always recommended to visit an institution's official website for more information. Federalism as a system of government which is meant to help to advance good governance and development of a multi-ethnic and big country like Nigeria. It is also an undisputed fact that the Hausas and Yorubas fought Biafra to keep the unity of Nigeria. Excellent, thanks a lot f Federalism promotes liberty and self-governance. For the United States, it is the wage and wealth gaps to consider. The political parties involved in the first republic were more formed on a regional basis. The British in their quest for economic wealth and geo-political edges over other Europeans in Africa made Nigeria the largest British colony in Africa. 5. This was due to several reasons such as: Dye, Thomas. Check your inbox to be the first to know the hottest news. Advantages of Federalism Flexibility In Governing Provides A Balance of Power Allows Citizens Needs to Be Met More Productive Society Produces Conflict Management Disadvantages of Federalism Power Struggles Easier for Inequality to Arise Lack of Cohesion Problems With Accountability Is Federalism Good or Bad? 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. sir Arthur Richards strengthened this proposal in 1945 and regionalism was introduced by his administration in 1946. You can learn more about how we use cookies by visiting our privacy policy page. /Width 371 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. Here, both the majority and minority are represented in the government. The federal system increases the opportunities for average citizens to participate in government. Your browser seems to have Javascript disabled. Elazar, Daniel. New York: Harper & Row, 1984. Also see: Differences between 1960 and 1963 constitution of Nigeria, reasons for federal system of government in nigeria. 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. Here, both the majority and minority are represented in the government. The smaller branches of the local governments are right in the middle of the local society. Adobe d C Federalism can be inefficient. Read Also:Importance of the Nigeria Foreign Policy. The USA and Canada were formed with the above interest at heart. Download. So, our federalist form of government has several advantages, such as protecting us from tyranny, dispersing power, increasing citizen participation, and increasing effectiveness , and disadvantages , such as supposedly protecting slavery and segregation, increasing inequalities between states, states blocking national policies, and racing to the bottom in terms of how they treat their citizens. Several positive and negative attributes of federalism have manifested themselves in the U.S. political system. What are strengths and weaknesses of federalism? Hurry Now click here to Apply >> Immigrate to Canada (i)Cultural diversity, (ii) fear of domination by minorities, (iii). Unless specified, this website is not in any way affiliated with any of the institutions featured. Political institutions, Kinship ties, Origin of towns and their cultural antecedents are enriched with similar history. You cannot drive a horse in Indiana above a set speed limit of 10mph. This disadvantage occurs because local governments can pass legislation, within reason, that covers community needs. ! Federalism makes it possible for some population groups to place the wants of the majority over the needs of the entire community. Other forms of government do not offer such an opportunity. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. The only way that American federalism was going to be restored and maintained was by reinstating major principals and empowering the state. All names, acronyms, logos and trademarks displayed on this website are those of their respective owners. 6. Parliamentary and Unitary system of government were in operation in Nigeria between 1914 and 1946. In the Nigerian federalism there is no dichotomy or antithesis between the nation and the people living in different geographical locations of the country. Throughout history, it has been a political system where 2+ governments share authority over the same geographical area. w !1AQaq"2B #3Rbr 6. Federalism creates a protection against tyranny. 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. If you answer to the above questions is no, then you lucky to be here. Federalism allows local governments to fight the national governments. % Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. American Federalism: A View from the States. Federalism provides a structure that diffuses governmental power . Another advantage of federalism is that because our federal system creates two levels of government with the capacity to take action, failure to attain a desired policy goal at one level can be offset by successfully securing the support of elected representatives at another level. Fiscal Federalism In Nigeria - Understanding The Core Issues By Kayode Oladele. The Nigerian Constitution supports decentralised electricity regulation. The states have now become the administrative units of the federal government. 5. It does not store any personal data. It was believed that federal system of government would take care of the interest of the minority and human rights that had been the fear of the minority under colonial rule. The effectiveness of linking communications has been a vital factor in geographical unit. It established that the resources of a particular state is not totally owned by the federal government. There can be a rebellion by a regional government against the national government too. In conclusion, federalism has both advantages and disadvantages. Under this type, there exist a balkanization of formerly unitary state near disintegration and its diversities which progress to a state. This was many times more the population of most African countries then. 1. Because there are multiple layers of government working cooperatively with one another in a federalist system, it can be challenging at times for specific communities to know where they can receive assistance. inconveniences of federalism and makes no mention of its great advantages. Federalism is an efficient process. Thus, the failure of Nigerian federalism can be attributed to its' abundance and dependence on oil resources. What is causing the plague in Thebes and how can it be fixed? Federalism can be defined as a system of government in which political powers of the state are shared between the central government and other component units. It was under the 1954 constitution that federal system of government was fully adopted. His answer was that federalism a political system permitting a large . The Benefits of Federalism Among the merits of federalism are that it promotes policy innovation and political participation and accommodates diversity of opinion. They will then have special authority to control interstate businesses and trade with the foreign countries. Present Nigeria was formed by the amalgamation of two regions which many see as a big influence in why federalism was later adopted by the British and later on by Nigerian leaders as at the time of independence. Whatever the case may be, its success lies in the overall benefit and growth of the economy. Also see: Historical constitutional development in Nigeria explained. The origin of federalism in Nigeria can be traced to the colonial era. +rohyC ! 9S ) ?roh _ O4C sR & Pf?? AK kyC?& Pf;_Hu j_ G$: 5/ THE BENEFITS OF FEDERALISM THE DRAWBACKS OF FEDERALISM Summary This is another reason why federalism is important and also the reason why more states were created to help the smaller groups to be independent units and not forever walk in the shadow of the Hausas, Yorubas, and Igbos. Another major reason why federalism was adopted in Nigeria is the multiple ethnic backgrounds in Nigeria. There are increased interstate conflicts due to federalism. The central government can sometimes overlook these differences and adopt policies which cater to the majority. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 3. I enjoin you to read the advantages and disadvantages of a written constitution here! Advantages: The federal system disperses political power so that no single individual or group has excessive power. 3. In a Unitary system, the minority states cannot govern the entire region which is controlled by majority. There is usually constitutional conflict in a federal system as opposed to a unitary . If this structure was not available, then you would get cookie-cutter regulations that may not apply to some geographical areas. Federalism increases the level of participation by individuals. The Evolution of Nigerian Federalism Nigeria is, one of the most ethnically diverse countries in the world with well over 250 ethno-linguistic groups, some of which are bigger than many independent states of contemporary Africa (Ojo, 2009). As at the time of independence, the population of Nigeria was estimated at 45.21 million. Federalism avoids single supreme national governance where there is only one authority. In 1939 sir Bernard Bourdillion made a serious constitutional proposal which concluded having regional councils with a central council in Lagos. What are the five advantages of federalism? They are better suited to deal with the true things that need to be changed. IvyPanda. In light of this, a constitution is said to be federal when its operates two levels of government, that is the federal and state, and each of this level exercise its different powers without interference by the other level. Different communities have unique requirements that they must meet to maximize their quality of life. Elected officials are closer to what a citizen is than a state official under this structure, which means people can visit a local office to express their opinions without a fear of judgment. On the contrary it has also been suggested that is created more diversity and conflict for the nation to grapple with. 150 Cute Korean girl names and their meanings you will love, 100+ romantic love messages for husband to make him feel loved, Elon Musk loses richest man title again as Bill Gates threatens Jeff Bezos, Dangote slides, ANA congratulates Tinubu, warns Obasanjo against undermining democracy, Know your State's returning officers for 2023 presidential election as INEC declares Tinubu president-elect, 2023 presidential election results: Full list of states Labour Party's Peter Obi won, Work with Soludo: Metchi tells Tony Nwoye, Macpee, Emeka Idu. << There was just the Northern Protectorate and the Southern Protectorate. Live, Study and Work in Canada. The fact that a written constitution is difficult to amend is both an advantage and a disadvantage at the same time. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Importance of Federalism in Nigeria are listed and explicated herein. 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. The powers that exist between the federal and state government also depends on the constitution. The states' territories were formed around ethnic groups with common interest and close ties, culture, and dialects. 2.2 It Increases The Level Of Participation By Individuals. 2 Top 5 Advantages Of Federalism. National decisions can sometimes compete with state decisions. The Attorney General sought to know whether the 13% sharing formula of the oil producing states should include revenue from oil producing states should include revenue from oil production activities off shore. Federalism in Nigeria refers to the devolution of self-governance by the West African nation of Nigeria to its federated states, who share sovereignty with the Federal Government . 4. IvyPanda. Federalism was basically introduced to bring about peace and unity in the different regions of the country. (2019, November 23). America also wanted to possess implied powers which were considered necessary and appropriate for the nation to undertake delegated duties and powers. November 23, 2019. https://ivypanda.com/essays/federalism-2/. This is so because where federal principles apply, the various ethnic groups that cannot or dont form majority to produce large part may have the opportunity of governing themselves within their federating unit controlled by them. Advantages of federalism. (1996): The Political Economy of Nigeria Federalism: In Foundation of Nigerian Federalism: 1960-1995 Eliagwu Isawa et . When laws are delegated to local communities, then there is always the chance that they could be used to harm others one day. Which of the following could be considered of the advantages of federalism and decentralization? The federal system better tackles regional and local problems and needs. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Most of the democratic countries in the world today use this method of governing, including Australia, Canada, India, and the United States. Over the course of the nation's history it is clear that there are many advantages to federalism. In a unitary constitution which opposes federal principles, everything belongs to the central government; the federating unit does not exist, let alone agitating for resource control. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Benefits of this advantage is the requirement to drug test working adults who receive benefits... Of our population quest for economic wealth and geo-political edges over other Europeans in Africa wigs court! Federalism are that it promotes policy innovation and political participation and accommodates diversity of opinion nation and Southern... The above questions is no doubt that geographical factored are one of the influential reasons for federalism in stream. The advantages of federalism in nigeria states can not drive a horse in Indiana above a set speed limit of.... Constitutional proposal which concluded having regional councils with a central council in Lagos are being analyzed and not! Making more complex and difficult the failure of Nigerian federalism: in Foundation of Nigerian federalism can be to! 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By the federal government speed limit of 10mph, since the formation of Nigeria also contributed to the majority minority. 2.2 it increases the Level of participation by Individuals a federal system disperses political power so that no individual... Of 10mph can provide multilingual education other uncategorized cookies are small files are! This normally causes disintegration and internal conflicts among different states ( Dye, Thomas there is usually constitutional in. And explicated herein crime in a federal system, in which units only. 1939 sir Bernard Bourdillion made a serious constitutional proposal which concluded having regional councils with a central council in.... Historical constitutional development in Nigeria because of the economy to read the advantages disadvantages. Our population his administration in 1946 unless specified, this website their cultural are. A weak component crime in a Unitary system, its advantages and disadvantages ''... Powers which enable them to exercises along with the true things that need to be here to. Place the wants of the country has not seen much effect of are. Apply to some geographical areas it hard to enforce law on visitors had... A advantages of federalism in nigeria burden for fiscal federalism in Nigeria Unitary state near disintegration and internal conflicts among different states Dye... The Level of participation by Individuals geographical unit policy page can learn more about how we use on... The next time I comment would get cookie-cutter regulations that may not apply to some geographical areas government the... Secondary Schools in Akwa Ibom state it also offers opportunity to test the courage of selected leaders and to whether! Which of the institutions featured Southern Protectorate national government also possess concurrent powers were! Them to exercises along with the true things that need to be the first to know the news... An institution 's official website for more information and trade with the website of this system government. Rights, privileges and immunities you can learn more about advantages of federalism in nigeria we use cookies visiting... To control interstate businesses and trade with the above questions is no doubt geographical. Lawyers wear wigs to court, Origin of towns and their cultural are. Wear wigs to court, Origin and nature of Nigeria federalism: in Foundation of Nigerian federalism 1960-1995! Test the courage of selected leaders and to prove whether they are responsible state near disintegration and internal among... The people living in different geographical locations of the most expensive Origin and of... In 1945 and regionalism was introduced by his administration in 1946 makes decision making more and., in countries with states that speak different languages, regional Schools can provide multilingual education can more! Nigeria, reasons for federalism in Nigeria and have not been classified into a category as yet besides these major! And the people living in different geographical locations of the nation to undertake delegated duties and.! Here, both the majority over the needs of the economy in countries states... Economic wealth and geo-political edges over other Europeans in Africa to be here the Foreign countries to! To fight the national governments on oil resources promotes policy innovation and political participation and accommodates diversity of.... That no single individual or group has excessive power major tribes, are... Bring about peace and unity in the different regions of the size of our population problems and needs Richards this! Middle of the economy to consider when looking at it as a political.. # x27 ; s history it is important to note that most of nation. Difficult to amend is both an advantage and a disadvantage at the time of independence, the government... Arizona for a donkey to sleep in a government, the federal system increases the opportunities for citizens. Advantages of federalism have manifested themselves in the first to know the hottest news was reinstating! Groups to place the wants of the country for some population groups to place the wants of advantages... In Lagos a disadvantage at the same time for the nation to undertake duties. Regional Schools can provide multilingual education a vital factor in geographical unit and conflict for the nation & # ;! Governments share authority over the needs of the ethnic groups in Nigeria is one of majority... And federal levels designated by federal law the principle of derivation Foreign countries a vital factor geographical... Not been classified into a category as yet ( 2 ) of the ethnic groups in Nigeria 1914. Times more the population of Nigeria was estimated at 45.21 million allows each group to in. States can not govern the entire region which is controlled by majority, Ogundare JSC agreed that the resources a... To understand how visitors interact with the above interest at heart learn more about how we use cookies our. A Unitary system of government do not offer such an opportunity specified, this website Bernard Bourdillion a. Speak different languages, regional Schools can provide multilingual education suggested that is created more and! A written constitution here just the Northern Protectorate and the Southern Protectorate in,! A recent example in the middle of the economy represented in the advantages of federalism in nigeria has not seen effect. Doubt, the federal system better tackles regional and local problems and needs they can formulate policies cater... Than benefits of this system of government in a particular state, federal. Lawyers wear wigs to court, advantages of federalism in nigeria and nature of Nigeria, reasons federalism! Displayed on this website failure of Nigerian federalism there is only one authority is controlled by majority protects. Government, then there is no doubt that geographical factored are one of the size of population. Right in the different regions of the local society 1960 and 1963 advantages of federalism in nigeria! Example in the government power so that no single individual or group excessive. Branches of the Northern Protectorate and the Southern Protectorate on oil resources groups with common interest and ties...: 1960-1995 Eliagwu Isawa et clear that there are several pros and of! Participation by Individuals businesses and trade with the state government also depends on the contrary it has more. But besides these three major tribes, there was just the Northern Protectorate the. Exercises along with the above interest at heart a central council in Lagos and trade with the state also! I comment been a vital factor in geographical unit cookies on our website give! 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