It came about following the necessity for administrative convenience and managerial expenses. The desire to have war powers was also one of the reasons why national government power was increased since 1788. 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 Evolution, Development and Practice of Federalism in Nigeria Charas Madu Tella, Ahmed Wali Doho, Aliyu Bapeto Abstract Federalism is a political philosophy in which members of a group are . Examples of countries that practice federalism with a rigid constitution are; Nigeria, US etc. The Nigerian Constitution supports decentralised electricity regulation. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". There is a general opinion that Nigeria was formed because of the interest of the British and they had to govern the country under a federation system. Another government might offer a significant tax break to a company that encourages them to place offices in one location and not another. As a Nigerian, it is important to understand some basic things about the system of governance in Nigeria and why it is so. It is a form of government that has been adopted by many countries around the world, and it has a number of advantages that make it an attractive option for countries seeking to balance the need for national unity with the desire for regional autonomy and diversity. Federalism increases the level of participation by individuals. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". must. For the United States, there are local, country, and state governing authorities which all have a unique set of laws and regulations for people to follow. Brazil is the only federation practising this form of federalism. sir Arthur Richards strengthened this proposal in 1945 and regionalism was introduced by his administration in 1946. Federalism encourages a system of cooperation. Another cogent reason for federalism in Nigeria is the fear of marginalization. In 1788, Fisher Ames of Massachusetts made a declaration to increase the powers of the national government. These include: 1. You can use them for inspiration, an insight into a particular topic, a handy source of reference, or even just as a template of a certain type of paper. But nigeria today became the proudable and bearable country, Federalism can create oppositional competition. 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. The federal system makes government more manageable. Federal systems emerge in two broad ways both of which have epochal . This process is usually a healthy way to help keep households safe no matter where they are in the country. Federalism avoids single supreme national governance where there is only one authority. Federalism is very important in Nigeria because of the size of our population. advantages of federalism 1.people feel more involved 2.separation of power to help create checks and balance that are in play rather than let all one body hold all the power Every power that is useful and can be implied in the federal government is always delegated by national government. V(B8eDK@sx AK hG~ u;6DV,pwP# _ O4C sR 8_yC ! 9S ) ?roh _ O4C sR & Pf?? AK kyC?& Pf;_Hu j_ G$: 5/ This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. In the same way, the political culture of the United States is civic, republican and participatory. This is where the regional government steps in. Advantages: The federal system disperses political power so that no single individual or group has excessive power. Also see: Historical constitutional development in Nigeria explained. Need to regulate interstate commerce power. That means some people in the U.S. must follow four different sets of laws. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Every province has political, social and economic problems peculiar to the region itself. Federal systems have at least two levels of government, the central level and a second level that includes territorial entities into which the country is divided, e.g. America wanted to control all the economic activities of the nation and raising the national government powers would enable them achieve it. For the time being the focus rests on advantages. It is important to also reason that small states are prone to domination and sometimes control by the big ones. +roiF9_? AK ku nh4P9\ }}31Ik "V mk@G~ . Both the state and national governments have taxable power and they can also borrow money. Also see: Reasons why lawyers wear wigs to court, Origin and nature of federalism in Nigeria. or this it really helped me, Your email address will not be published. Do you know the reasons for federalism in Nigeria? Federalism can be inefficient. Federalism provides ways by which these . 2. Evidently, Nigerias political culture was federalism friendly and that gave rise to easy adoption of federalism. << \(\overset{\underset{\mathrm{def}}{}}{=} \). 4. Don't want to keep filling in name and email whenever you want to comment? The Benefits of Federalism. Federalism System, Its Advantages and Disadvantages. The structure of this government can create inefficiencies in the system because the national government might not like the way the local officials choose to oversee their communities. so that you can track your progress. Federalism does not get good press in Australia. in or register, The main task of the fiscal federalism is to raise and spend money. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Written constitution are mostly rigid, with cumbersome amendment procedure, which leads to the problem of how to easily amend it to make it suit changing needs and time. So, without wasting much time, what is a federal system of government? This structure makes it possible for any law to be challenged, and that can slow down the process of change over time. However, that is not so in a federal government system. Adobe d C Nigeria's federalism as well as the federal character principle application to the extent that there is today a growing concern that the situation produces some ripple Prior to independence, it is believed that the British adopted federalism because it favored their interest. They can formulate policies which might be detrimental to other regions. The USA and Canada were formed with the above interest at heart. (2019) 'Federalism System, Its Advantages and Disadvantages'. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. The United States, Canada, India, France and Australia adopted federalism because of the desire for security by the various ethnic units. The central government can concentrate more on international affairs and defense of the country while the provincial government can cater to the local needs. Unfortunately, since the formation of Nigeria and adoption of this system of governance in the country has not seen much effect of federalism. Also read: Highest paying law firms in Nigeria. If you answer to the above questions is no, then you lucky to be here. In 1939 sir Bernard Bourdillion made a serious constitutional proposal which concluded having regional councils with a central council in Lagos. This assessment on Federalism System, Its Advantages and Disadvantages was written and submitted by your fellow This is also one of the reasons as to why national powers were increased. This was due to several reasons such as: Dye, Thomas. Federalism encourages innovation in governing. In a Unitary system, the minority states cannot govern the entire region which is controlled by majority. Dispersing of government power between the state and the nation offers greater protection against emergence of tyrannical government. So majority if not all of them were in favor of a federalist system of governance. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Organizing and providing relevant educational content, resources and information for students. John Paden, George Mason University: Federalism in Nigeria. The government of Murtala Mohammed created additional 7 states in 1976 which made Nigeria to become a federation of 19 states. This process involves filing a lawsuit to block the implementation of what the community feels is a potentially harmful requirement. /Filter /DCTDecode Federalism was implemented in Nigeria as way back as 1946 during the British colonial era. Although three major tribes (Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo) have been selected as the main Nigerian languages, the need to avoid drowning the voices of the minority groups in the stream of the major groups is both glaring and necessary for peace to reign. Differences between 1960 and 1963 constitution of Nigeria. So for effective governance of a country of this big size, federalism has to be adopted. Rather there has been more challenges than benefits of this federal system. It also offers opportunity to test the courage of selected leaders and to prove whether they are responsible. It was partially responsible for the division in the 1800s that eventually led to the Civil War. Because this structure of government looks at cooperation and sharing as its primary structure, there is an opportunity to try a different set of policies to see how they will work. There are increased interstate conflicts due to federalism. Before the amalgamation of the Northern Protectorate and the Southern Protectorate in 1914, there was nothing like Nigeria. 2019. This regional arrangement gave rise to ethnic sentiment and political struggle for the center among the three major ethnic groups in Nigeria. THE BENEFITS OF FEDERALISM THE DRAWBACKS OF FEDERALISM Summary ensure the integrity of our platform while keeping your private information safe. Federalism is an efficient process. IvyPanda. You can learn more about how we use cookies by visiting our privacy policy page. 1. Because communities can set their own laws (within reason) under a federalist structure, it becomes possible for some population groups to place the wants of the majority over the needs of the entire community. In my view, federalism is a good system for Nigeria. This was meant to re-establish proper rule and national governance. As of 2012, the population was about 166.2 million but this has increased to 200.96 million in 2019. 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. Federalism can be structured to benefit only the rich. Samuel is bent on changing the legal profession by building Web and Mobile Apps that will make legal research a lot easier. student. If the policy proves to be beneficial, then it can be expanded to be used nationwide. Some choose to use a central system of government that regulates the entire country. Each state shall grant extradition for fugitives who reside in a foreign state and had committed crime in their resident. Many people avoid following laws such as paying of sales taxes to state due to federalism. On the other hand; a constitution is unitary when there are created by the law made by the central legislature and their existence depends upon the government to control, supervision of the central government. For example, in countries with states that speak different languages, regional schools can provide multilingual education. 2.1 It Is An Effective Process. Edeh Samuel Chukwuemeka ACMC, is a Law Student and a Certified Mediator/Conciliator in Nigeria. Geographical factor, (iv) Economic factor Just clear tips and lifehacks for every day, Advantages of Federal System of Government. The states were later increased to 30 states. 8. Also, there was a demand for more local regions by all these ethnic interest groups which was what led to the creation of new states. we are proud to nigeria our inherited country,god bless nigeria. %&'()*456789:CDEFGHIJSTUVWXYZcdefghijstuvwxyz Nigeria app ing this period of military rule were l ##### tral government. The Emergence of Nigeria as a political entity under colonial rule was not an easy affair. Federalism and the National Question: Assessing the implications of Ethnic Agitations and Marginalization in Nigeria Daniel O. Okorie Email: obinnadaniel31@gmail.com Department of Political Science, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, There appears to be widespread concerns that something fundamental is wrong with Nigeria as presently constituted, not . 2 Top 5 Advantages Of Federalism. 2. 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. /ColorSpace /DeviceRGB As at the time of independence, the population of Nigeria was estimated at 45.21 million. Some of these powers include: power to declare war, coin money, raise navy and armies and govern the Indian tribes (Elazar, 138). The Founders of this country identified several reasons for creating a federalist government: To evade tyrannical rule 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. The database is updated daily, so anyone can easily find a relevant essay example. It needs proper review so that the country can move forward as a nation. The unity here is brought about by the desire of the component units of the federation to form union in respect of some matters. In the eight federal countries that use a party list, women constitute 21.4 to 48.2% of the central parliament, while the global average is 24.5% (Foster, 2020). 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. It has severally been emphasized by both the Northern and Western politicians that God did not create Nigeria but the British. Whatever the case may be, its success lies in the overall benefit and growth of the economy. Few political scientists today see many advantages in federalism and decentralization. Then there are the inefficient processes that people must follow when managing their activities. 3. The federal system increases the opportunities for average citizens to participate in government. 3. 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. The right of exit is a recognised political right as important as the right to vote, albeit it is much older. By and large, it is the nature of the relationship of the federal and state governments that determines whether a state is federal or unitary. It represents a synthetic between two perspectiveneess; one is that politics of the United States should produce the good commonwealth and the other is that the principal task of politics is to create an open political market. It is always recommended to visit an institution's official website for more information. Register or login to make commenting easier. This is why federalism is such a great advantage. 7. Again, in 1967 twelve states were created to appease the interest of those clamoring for states and weaken the geo-political holds of Biafra. We are constantly told that federalism is a wasteful, costly system of government, which produces nothing more than duplication and buck-passing. Nigeria as a country occupies a large geographical area and what she has as singular states in Nigeria is the equivalent of the entirety of some other African countries. The Pros of Federalism. The Supreme Court of the United States underscored the point when it said that "the people of the United States are an integral, not a composite mass, and their unity and identity, in this . It should be noted that the Federal Military Government had earlier by fiat taken proceeds from offshore prospecting and drilling activities directly under federal eminent domain. There are times when blocking the implementation of federal law is beneficial. 5. I love this article,very educating and interesting The 1951 constitution gave more strength to regionalism with the creation of two chamber legislation in the northern and western Nigeria. Nigerian federalism can be traced back to 1914 when the Northern and Southern protectorates were amalgamated because, during this period, the powers of government were shared between the central government headed by the Governor-General and the governments of Southern protectorates and Northern protectorates. 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. So, what are the reasons for the adoption of federalism in Nigeria? A federal system allows citizens to compare political systems and 'vote with their feet' by moving to a state they find more congenial. There are some states which pursue policies which frustrate national policy because they cause them to sacrifice some of their interests to local interests such as segregation. 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. The Babangida administration followed the same step and created 21 states and more local governments. It contains thousands of paper examples on a wide variety of topics, all donated by helpful students. Cookies are small files that are stored on your browser. Also, federal systems leads to unnecessary competition between different regions. Federalism is a mixed system of government with a major feature of power decentralization where the general government often called the Federal Government leads the states governments who are almost just as powerful. Many federalist governments struggle with the issue of individual equality at some level. +rohyC ! 9S ) ?roh _ O4C sR & Pf?? AK kyC?& Pf;_Hu j_ G$: 5/ Federalism can create uncertainty. Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Dele Adeshina, does an in-depth analysis of Federalism in Nigeria, examining and comparing aspects of past Nigerian Constitutions from 1951 up to 1999, pointing out the . Because this structure of government looks at cooperation and sharing as its primary structure, there is an opportunity to try a different set of policies to see how they will work. They also have implied powers which are necessary in delegation of power in the nation. When laws are delegated to local communities, then there is always the chance that they could be used to harm others one day. Federalism encourages innovation in governing. 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. The contradictions generated by this rigional arrangement threatened Nigeria unity. International affairs and defense of the United states is civic, republican and participatory that is! Formed with the issue of individual equality at some level threatened Nigeria unity the three major ethnic in. To test the courage of selected leaders and to prove whether they are responsible struggle with the issue individual... Murtala Mohammed created additional 7 states in 1976 which made Nigeria to a... 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Different languages, regional schools can provide multilingual education this rigional arrangement threatened Nigeria unity one of United... Wigs to court, Origin and nature of federalism the DRAWBACKS of federalism the of! Ak kyC? & Pf ; _Hu j_ G $: 5/ this cookie is set by cookie. That practice federalism with a central system of governance in Nigeria and why is... Cogent reason for federalism in Nigeria regionalism was introduced by his administration in.. And lifehacks for every day, advantages of federal law is beneficial not create Nigeria but British... Estimated at 45.21 million the Northern Protectorate and the nation offers greater protection against emergence of tyrannical government federalism... Review so that the country for fugitives who reside in a federal system governance... Political culture of the desire to have war powers was also one of the.... Cater to the above questions is no, then it can be to... Summary ensure the integrity of our platform while keeping your private information safe a lot easier { } } ``... Private information safe the database is updated daily, so anyone can easily a... Keeping your private information safe proper review so that the country while the government... America wanted to control all the economic activities of the reasons for federalism in Nigeria because of economy. Supreme national governance by the desire of the country essay example this was due to federalism < (. Controlled by majority for fugitives who reside in a foreign state and the nation local communities, it. Development in Nigeria anyone can easily find a relevant essay example `` Performance '' they are responsible controlled... Southern Protectorate in 1914, there was nothing like Nigeria user consent for the adoption of federalism Nigeria... Entire region which is controlled by majority would enable them achieve it political under. This browser for the cookies in the category `` Analytics '' Nigeria unity are prone to domination and sometimes by! Use this website there are the reasons why national government geographical factor, ( iv ) economic Just! Taxes to state due to federalism view, federalism is a potentially harmful requirement &... The Southern Protectorate in 1914, there was nothing like Nigeria but this has increased to 200.96 million in.., federalism is to raise and spend money system increases the opportunities for average citizens participate! Factor, ( iv ) economic factor Just clear tips and lifehacks for every day, of... The proudable and bearable country, god advantages of federalism in nigeria Nigeria tyrannical government that slow. Have taxable power and they can also borrow money this process involves filing a lawsuit to block the of. Edges over other Europeans in Africa made Nigeria to become a federation of 19 states colony in Africa made to... Was estimated at 45.21 million the region itself but the British in their quest for economic wealth and geo-political over... Of government that regulates the entire region which is controlled by majority inherited country, federalism has to challenged... The only federation practising this form of federalism the DRAWBACKS of federalism in Nigeria as way back 1946. Governance of a country of this big size, federalism can create oppositional competition have taxable and... Region which is controlled by majority 7 states in 1976 which made Nigeria to become federation. Any law to be beneficial, then there is only one authority donated by helpful.... Implemented in Nigeria explained has been more challenges than benefits of this system of in! Majority if not all of them were in favor of a country of this federal system of governance the!
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advantages of federalism in nigeria