Cultural Diversity and Its Impact on Nigerian Politics
Nigeria is a multicultural nation, with a diverse population of over 200 million people from 300 different ethnic groups, who speak 520 languages and practice various religions. This diversity has played a significant role in Nigeria's politics as it has brought about both positive and negative impacts. The cultural diversity of Nigeria has the potential to unite citizens and allow diverse experiences to be shared, but it can also lead to competition for resources and power between groups and often result in conflict.
One of the significant effects of cultural diversity in Nigeria's politics is the opportunity for the exchange of different experiences and perspectives. This exchange is essential in shaping public policy decisions and allowing citizens to learn and appreciate one another's differences. Furthermore, the diversity of Nigeria's population allows for the formation of a national identity that unites all citizens. In recent times, ethnicity, which had been a major division in the Nigerian nation, has become subsumed by nationality, citizenship, and the sense of nationhood. This sense of nationhood provides a framework for nation-building, which is necessary for political stability in the country.
The negative effects of cultural diversity in Nigeria are evident in the country's divisive politics. For instance, the 2023 election showed a sharp division between the major political parties, which has led to greater polarization in Nigerian politics. Unfortunately, politicians often use people as pawns to secure power, leading to widespread corruption in the political system. As a result, the Nigerian government has not been able to address the critical needs of its people, which often results in protests, violence, and insecurity. The most prominent example of this was during Nigeria’s civil war from 1967-1970 when there was a conflict between northern Nigerians who were mainly Muslim Hausa-Fulani people versus southern Nigerians who were mainly Christian Igbo people. This conflict resulted in thousands of deaths before it ended with an agreement to establish a federal system that would recognize all three major ethnic groups as equal partners within Nigerian society.
Another significant challenge facing Nigeria's cultural diversity is the lack of representation and inclusion in politics. Despite being one of the largest ethnic groups in Nigeria, the Igbo people have never held the presidency, leading to feelings of neglect and marginalization. This has led to an increase in secessionist movements such as the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), which seeks to create a separate state for the Igbo people. The quest for self-determination of some ethnic group[s] has resulted in a series of protests and violent conflicts. This conflict is a direct result of the lack of inclusion in politics and the failure of the government in addressing the concerns of its diverse population.
The challenges facing Nigeria's cultural diversity demonstrate the need for greater inclusion in politics and the promotion of intercultural dialogue. The country needs to invest in building a strong sense of nationhood that unites all citizens, irrespective of their ethnic or religious backgrounds. This can be achieved by promoting citizenship and national identity education in schools and universities. Furthermore, the government needs to work towards ensuring adequate representation of diverse groups in politics. The inclusion of more diverse voices in decision-making processes will bring about greater accountability and democratic governance.
To address the challenges of cultural diversity in Nigeria, it is essential to promote intercultural dialogue. This can be achieved through events such as cultural festivals, intercultural exchanges, and public lectures on the importance of cultural diversity in the country. Such events provide opportunities for people from different cultural backgrounds to learn and appreciate each other's differences. Promoting intercultural dialogue will help bridge the gap between different cultures, promote mutual understanding, and reduce ethnic and religious tensions.
Cultural diversity is both a challenge and an opportunity for Nigerian politics. The country's diversity has the potential to unite citizens and promote a sense of nationhood, but it can also lead to competition, conflict, and polarization. The lack of inclusion in politics and the promotion of extremist movements pose a significant challenge. To overcome these challenges, Nigeria needs to invest in nation-building, promote intercultural dialogue, and ensure adequate representation of diverse communities in politics. Achieving these goals will promote democratic governance, accountability, and a sense of national unity in the country.
Work Cited
Akpojivi, U. (2021). Ethno-Religious Conflicts in Nigeria: A Critical Review of Unity and National Integration. Journal of Pan African Studies,13(1), 77-103.
Anifowoshe, R., Aluko, O. & Abimbola, O. (2018). Nigerian Political Parties and the Management of Diversity. In T. Fadahunsi (Ed.). Challenges of Diversity Management in Africa (pp. 87-102). Ibadan: University of Ibadan Press.
Enweremadu, D., & Fasina, F. (2017). Ethnicity and corruption in Nigeria: An empirical investigation. Journal of Money Laundering Control, 20(3), 326-341.
Okorie E.,& Okoronkwo C.,2019,.Language Policy And Planning For Multilingual Education In Sub Saharan Africa: An Overview [PDF] Available At <Http://Www2Scopuscom/Record /Displayhtml?Eid=2-S2 0X00380Y1Y0X0&Origin =Inward&TxGid=Bb72E8A513Dc58Ff5Dd7C9A664 cC731a>
