advantages of federalism in nigeria

The exact structures of each system can vary widely based on how the country sets up its governing process. ! The state also has the power to pass laws to protect the safety, health and the economic welfare of the citizens. w !1AQaq"2B #3Rbr 10 Best Nursery/Primary Schools in Akwa Ibom State, Top 5 Secondary Schools in Akwa Ibom State. Your email address will not be published. Among the merits of federalism are that it promotes policy innovation and political participation and accommodates diversity of opinion. Federalism is a system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and regional authorities. 7. 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. Insecurity and the desire for union are the main reasons for the shift from unitary system of government to federal system of government in 1954. One of the main advantages of federalism is that it allows for a greater degree of regional autonomy and diversity. One of the most significant examples of this issue involves the legalization of recreational cannabis. Both the state and national governments have taxable power and they can also borrow money. Division of work between the central and the regional governments leads to optimum utilization of resources. Unfortunately, since the formation of Nigeria and adoption of this system of governance in the country has not seen much effect of federalism. This is why federalism is such a great advantage. What are the main functions of federal and state governments? 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. The states' territories were formed around ethnic groups with common interest and close ties, culture, and dialects. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. In 1788, Fisher Ames of Massachusetts made a declaration to increase the powers of the national government. Federalism provides a structure that diffuses governmental power . 3. It is also promotes regional inequalities. We utilize security vendors that protect and s" Possess power would probably give them the voice to air out their grievances. Post-independence creation of states and further division of states created after independence was done as a framework for the development of Nigeria. Here are just a few of the craziest laws you can find in the U.S. right now. Geographical factor, (iv) Economic factor But, unfortunately, this has largely remained a dream due to the moral and political distortions inherent in our leadership. 2.2 It Increases The Level Of Participation By Individuals. "Federalism System, Its Advantages and Disadvantages." *$( %2%(,-/0/#484.7*./. C 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. And this is one of the factors responsible for the adoption of federalism in Nigeria. In fact, Nigeria can be seen as a prime example of the "resource curse", a phenomenon where natural resource wealth leads to poor economic growth and development and an increased likelihood for civil conflict. They can formulate policies which might be detrimental to other regions. Federalism can be inefficient. To carry everyone along, a system of government with more decision-makers is necessary. Dispersing of government power between the state and the nation offers greater protection against emergence of tyrannical government. Justice Udo Udoma is of the view that regionalism was introduced by the colonialists in order to divide and rule, and weaken true national unity in Nigeria. 5. The national government is also entitled to forming treaties and conducting foreign policies. While formulating policies, local needs, tastes and opinions are given due consideration by the state governments. Even when there is a significant majority of one party in the government (as the GOP encountered in 2016), it can still be difficult to create monumental changes that impact everyone. Nigeria therefore falls into the latter because of the wide diversities. 4. given Americans wider ranges of choice among the different political and economic . His answer was that federalism a political system permitting a large . By the time Nigeria became a republic, the system of federalism was adopted and the country was considered as a federation of three regions. Register or login to receive notifications when there's a reply to your comment or update on this information. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Pillars of democracy: 7 Essential pillars of democracy. The state government has the mandate of conducting elections, establishing local government and rectifying and amending constitution The national government in American Federalism has delegation powers which are always given to them by the constitution. It is difficult to enforce law on criminals because of federalism. Also see: Reasons why lawyers wear wigs to court, Origin and nature of federalism in Nigeria. Federalism System, Its Advantages and Disadvantages. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. IvyPanda. The military were able to create more states because military decrees do not pass the same rigorous method bills pass in a democratic government. 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). The Hausa Fulani and the Minorities feared the domination of political powers by the Igbos and Yorubas. However, the practice of fiscal federalism in Nigeria is a negation of true federalism. 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? The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". federalism. V(B8eDK@sx AK hG~ u;6DV,pwP# _ O4C sR 8_yC ! 9S ) ?roh _ O4C sR & Pf?? AK kyC?& Pf;_Hu j_ G$: 5/ Hence, the problem with the Nigerian fiscal federalism can be explained in terms of its historical origin and the character of its federal fiscal arrangements or regimes as well as we as blatant . Federalism is allocation or division of power between the state and the nation. November 23, 2019. https://ivypanda.com/essays/federalism-2/. However, that is not so in a federal government system. It is believed by many that this was one of the reasons why Nigeria adopted a federalist system. /ColorSpace /DeviceRGB As a Nigerian, it is important to understand some basic things about the system of governance in Nigeria and why it is so. Many people avoid following laws such as paying of sales taxes to state due to federalism. Another cogent reason for federalism in Nigeria is the fear of marginalization. This was meant to re-establish proper rule and national governance. 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 We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. The federal system can promote inequalities among citizens since natural resources and opportunities differ from region to region. In 1939 sir Bernard Bourdillion made a serious constitutional proposal which concluded having regional councils with a central council in Lagos. No doubt, the Ethnic, Religious and Geographical nature of Nigeria also contributed to the reason why federalism was adopted. But before moving to the crux of this article, we will be looking briefly at the meaning and history of federalism in Nigeria. Political institutions, Kinship ties, Origin of towns and their cultural antecedents are enriched with similar history. Resource control: History of federal system of government in nigeria The full explanation of Nigeria's federalism. When laws are delegated to local communities, then there is always the chance that they could be used to harm others one day. Your browser seems to have Javascript disabled. Differences between 1960 and 1963 constitution of Nigeria. There are those who purchase goods in neighbouring state to escape sales tax in a particular state. Also see: Differences between 1960 and 1963 constitution of Nigeria, reasons for federal system of government in nigeria. Take for example, in the Nigerian case of Attorney General of Federation v Attorney General of Abia and others (2002) 3 NCLR 1ar p 54, the issue of resource control in a true federalism was the bone of contention in that matter. Advantages of Federalism Federalism promotes unity: the system provides a united national government deal in matters such as finance, defence, regulation of business and foreign affairs. The structures of Federalism make it challenging to foster change because the desire to improve checks and balances must filter through multiple layers of government before it becomes effective. Seen in its entirety, all stakeholders have to brace up their resolve for national rebirth as we all . 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 states too have no resources for development but depended on federal grants. There was just the Northern Protectorate and the Southern Protectorate. The governmental powers are shared between the federal government and the thirty-six state governments. Different states also have different laws making it hard to enforce law on visitors who had moved in the state. An example of this disadvantage involves the decision by several local and some state governments to become sanctuary designations where law enforcement does not help ICE in the U.S. with immigration detainment. On the subject of policy innovation, Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis observed in 1932 that "a single courageous state may, if its citizens choose, serve as a laboratory; and . 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 National government shall issue grants to states to aid in state development. The contradictions generated by this rigional arrangement threatened Nigeria unity. Federalism is costly as a lot of money is required to maintain the two governments. Adobe d C You can learn more about how we use cookies by visiting our privacy policy page. In other not to control only some parts of the big country, Nigeria, the colonial masters thought it wise to divide the country into different component units that will be represented in the government. 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. The history of Ijaw, Edo, Igala, Yoruba, Igbo, Nupe and Hausa Kingdoms are enriched with social-political relationships that existed before the emergence of the white man. Live, Study and Work in Canada. /Type /XObject It is said that there are over three hundred and fifty (350) ethnic groups in Nigeria. 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. We may share your site usage data with our social media, advertising, and analytics partners for these reasons. Need to regulate interstate commerce power. This structure allows each group to live in a way that maximizes their safety while minimizing effort. 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. Your privacy is extremely important to us. When power is not centralized in a government, then there are fewer issues with individual corruption that can impact the entire nation. Thus each unit can exercise functions that they are well suited which promotes efficiency. In a federal system, power is shared by the national and state governments. What are the advantages of federalism in Nigeria? There are increased interstate conflicts due to federalism. 1. What is the advantage of federal state structure? ##### 483. Although there are challenges to face in any type of government, most people who live in a federalist system say that they wouldnt change the structure whatsoever. 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. Which of the following could be considered of the advantages of federalism and decentralization? Several positive and negative attributes of federalism have manifested themselves in the U.S. political system. Possessing taxation power under the 16. 1. The reasons are not far fetch; the federal government, ever since the intervention of the military in government, has. 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. This process is one of the primary reasons why democratic countries choose this form over the other governing options which are available. 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. Moreover, "What do we want from federalism?" asked the late Martin Diamond in a famous essay written thirty years ago. 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. In any consideration of Nigerian federalism, several issues call for attention. This was many times more the population of most African countries then. 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