What are the advantages of federalism in Nigeria? Instead of designing a government that should unite the different elements in Nigeria, the colonialists fully adopted federal stem of government in 1954 and created greater regional autonomy. Division of work between the central and the regional governments leads to optimum utilization of resources. Even the masses in the rural areas of the country are allowed to participate in politics by electing their representatives into office. Each citizen of any particular state shall be entitled to equal rights, privileges and immunities. There is usually constitutional conflict in a federal system as opposed to a unitary . 2.5 It Encourages Innovation In Governing. 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. Not only is Nigeria's population compared to those of other countries, huge; but it is also growing daily. The centralization of Nigeria's fiscal federalism began with the report of the Dina Commission (1968) which argued that an appropriate revenue allocation system should result in a more equitable distribution of revenue among the states to achieve a balanced development of the federation. The federal system makes government more manageable. Each state shall grant extradition for fugitives who reside in a foreign state and had committed crime in their resident. 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. 3. gives people easier access to political offices because they may begin seeking elected offices at the. These include: 1. So, what are the reasons for the adoption of federalism in Nigeria? 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. But nigeria today became the proudable and bearable country, Federalism was basically introduced to bring about peace and unity in the different regions of the country. Brazil is the only federation practising this form of federalism. 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. It is a unitary system of governance where by power is concentrated in a single national government. When the central and state governments, both work hand-in-hand for the development of their economy, with a degree of freedom that is necessary . The central government can concentrate more on international affairs and defense of the country while the provincial government can cater to the local needs. States also engage in economic competition which causes economic warfare amongst them. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. The main task of the fiscal federalism is to raise and spend money. People must stay in compliance with the laws that are in every layer of governing. This means that the citizens always have political responsibility to both governments who also secure their rights in the country. 2. Importance of federalism. You are not allowed to sell the hair of a dog or cat in Delaware. Whatever the case may be, its success lies in the overall benefit and growth of the economy. In the words of Richards, regionalism was introduced to strengthen unity in diversity. The United States, Canada, India, France and Australia adopted federalism because of the desire for security by the various ethnic units. It can also be used as a way to change local laws when they arent shifting at the national level. America wanted to control all the economic activities of the nation and raising the national government powers would enable them achieve it. Although there is always a level of national pride, local patriotism is usually the first level of loyalty that an individual will experience. 2 Top 5 Advantages Of Federalism. There are efficiencies to consider with delegation that make this governing structure such an inviting option. Nigeria therefore falls into the latter because of the wide diversities. Another important factor that necessitated federalism in Nigeria was the political culture of the country. 3. Federalism is a mixed form of government where there is a general government always known as the central or federal government and regional governments which could be provincial or states governments. 23 November. Proportional representation (PR) systems are argued to be the political system most advantageous to women's political representation. The federal system makes government more manageable. Adobe d C 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 . 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. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Politics in America, eighth edition/alternate edition. Another government might offer a significant tax break to a company that encourages them to place offices in one location and not another. National decisions can sometimes compete with state decisions. 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 Thus, from 1914 to 1946, 1963, 1967, 1976, 1987 and 1993 the Nigerian 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 national government also possess concurrent powers which enable them to exercises along with the state government. >> All variables measure of fiscal federalism had a positive relationship with per capita income excluding revenue allocated to the LGA's, that of mortality rate had a negative relationship with the variables . Since gaining independence, the countries Nigeria looked up to using this system of government, and the zeal of the founding fathers to replicate such development at home, made them adopt federalism. 2.2 It Increases The Level Of Participation By Individuals. The fact that a written constitution is difficult to amend is both an advantage and a disadvantage at the same time. In my view, federalism is a good system for Nigeria. You can learn more about how we use cookies by visiting our privacy policy page. Federalism is a type of government in which the sovereign authority of political power is usually divided between two units. Thus, federalism seemed to be the only option left for Nigeria because it allows for popular participation in government. house of representatives and the Senate). On the contrary it has also been suggested that is created more diversity and conflict for the nation to grapple with. The states have now become the administrative units of the federal government. What Countries Use Federalism? Too many elected representatives with overlapping roles may also lead to corruption. Knowing what you can or cannot do can be a confusing process, especially when there are conflicting statements offered by the different parties. 6. Then Nigeria was organised into a federation that had three regions. Each state has the same level of self-governance. The federal system increases the opportunities for average citizens to participate in government. 3. Live, Study and Work in Canada. Nigeria are typically inclined to the derivation principle, which is the process of distributing centrally generated revenue to constituent units with regards to the contribution made by a group to the country's more 12substantial income. Throughout history, it has been a political system where 2+ governments share authority over the same geographical area. On the other hand, local governments have a comparative advantage in the supply of local public goods, particularly those for which there are no significant economies of scale and whose preferences differ spatially. The regional government had power over matters that are listed under the residual list. Federalism in Nigeria can be traced to Sir Frederick Lord Lugard, when the Northern and Southern protectorates were amalgamated in 1914. There are increased interstate conflicts due to federalism. Also read: Highest paying law firms in Nigeria. This is to ensure that everyone feels a sense of belonging. The 1951 constitution gave more strength to regionalism with the creation of two chamber legislation in the northern and western Nigeria. THE BENEFITS OF FEDERALISM. Need to regulate interstate commerce power. By the time Nigeria got her independence, the various party involved had been regionally based. Mere desire to unite is not enough but there must be the desire to remain separate in respect to other matters. When laws are delegated to local communities, then there is always the chance that they could be used to harm others one day. This resulted in the loss of many lives. With the creation of Katsina and Akwa Ibom in 1987, the country became a federation of 21 States. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. The effectiveness of linking communications has been a vital factor in geographical unit. Federalism often protects the will of the majority at any cost. 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. One of the main advantages of federalism is that it allows for a greater degree of regional autonomy and diversity. 1. There must exist supremacy of the constitution, which implies that laws passed by the authority in the federal arrangement, if contrary to the constitution shall be declared to be ultra votes. Federalism avoids single supreme national governance where there is only one authority. Thus each unit can exercise functions that they are well suited which promotes efficiency. /Type /XObject Also see: Differences between Cross-offers and counter-offers, five reasons for the adoption of federalism in nigeria. "Federalism System, Its Advantages and Disadvantages." What are the five advantages of federalism? 2. We utilize security vendors that protect and Download. The centralization of Nigeria's fiscal federalism began with the report of the Dina Commission (1968) which argued that an appropriate revenue allocation system should result in a more equitable distribution of revenue among the states to achieve a balanced development of the federation. 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 . Pillars of democracy: 7 Essential pillars of democracy. Differences between 1960 and 1963 constitution of Nigeria. Before the amalgamation of the Northern Protectorate and the Southern Protectorate in 1914, there was nothing like Nigeria. As of 2012, the population was about 166.2 million but this has increased to 200.96 million in 2019. Federalism provides a structure that diffuses governmental power. 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 . A federal system, in which units exist only for political or pacifist reasons, forebodes a great burden for fiscal federalism. There are those who purchase goods in neighbouring state to escape sales tax in a particular state. What is the role of a reference librarian? An action of one government is always opposed by other government to enforce civil rights in Southern states. What are the negative effects of federalism? Resource control: History of federal system of government in nigeria Which of the following could be considered of the advantages of federalism and decentralization? Required fields are marked *. Two local governments can have two different approaches to bring reforms in any area of public domain, be it taxation or education. Don't want to keep filling in name and email whenever you want to comment? Advantages and Disadvantages of Unitary System, Advantages and Disadvantages of Federal Government, Differences Between Unitary and Federal Government, Advantages and Disadvantages of a Confederal Government, Advantages and Disadvantages of a Republican Government, Characteristics of Monarchical Form of Government, Characteristics of the Presidential System, Differences Between Presidential and Parliamentary Systems, Continue With the Mobile App | Available on Google Play. States shall make agreement on how to deal with common problems that they face. Federalism can create oppositional competition. Advantages of federalism. 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. 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. 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. What characteristics allow plants to survive in the desert? Copyright 2023 - IvyPanda is operated by, Continuing to use IvyPanda you agree to our, Federalism System, Its Advantages and Disadvantages, Anti-Anti Immigration: Principles to Make Migration Work, Australian Education System from 1788 to 1948, The Peopling Process of Australia Since 1788 With Influence of Racism, Methods of Dealing with Problems of Federalism, National and State Powers in American Federalism, Reasons for increase in the Powers of the Nation since 1788, Federalism and Government Styles in the United States, Federal versus State Regulation of Insurance Industry in United States. Federalism promotes efficiency of government: distribution of power between the state and nation provides division of work and specialization of functions. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Federalism is a compromise meant to eliminate the disadvantages of both systems. In 1788, Fisher Ames of Massachusetts made a declaration to increase the powers of the national government. There is a need to establish institutions for the study offederalism in Nigeria and to reduce ethnic and ideological biases in research on Nigerian federalism. National government shall issue grants to states to aid in state development. 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. professional specifically for you? We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. The Benefits of Federalism Among the merits of federalism are that it promotes policy innovation and political participation and accommodates diversity of opinion. 6. In the same way, the political culture of the United States is civic, republican and participatory. If the policy proves to be beneficial, then it can be expanded to be used nationwide. Read Also:Importance of Indigenization in Nigeria. They are better suited to deal with the true things that need to be changed. There is no doubt that geographical factored are one of the influential reasons for federalism in Nigeria. 2023. The competitive federalism model is a theoretical construct advanced by a. 3 Advantages Of Federalism In The Philippines. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Retrieved from https://ivypanda.com/essays/federalism-2/. 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. This is also one of the reasons as to why national powers were increased. 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. The U.S. government threatened to pull funding from the cities choosing this action, and then filed suit against them in an effort to try getting compliance. federalism. +rohyC ! 9S ) ?roh _ O4C sR & Pf?? AK kyC?& Pf;_Hu j_ G$: 5/ This post will give you some insight into why federalism was adopted as the system of governance in Nigeria. V(B8eDK@sx AK hG~ u;6DV,pwP# _ O4C sR 8_yC ! 9S ) ?roh _ O4C sR & Pf?? AK kyC?& Pf;_Hu j_ G$: 5/ The federal system makes government more manageable. (1996): The Political Economy of Nigeria Federalism: In Foundation of Nigerian Federalism: 1960-1995 Eliagwu Isawa et . As a Nigerian, it is important to understand some basic things about the system of governance in Nigeria and why it is so. The database is updated daily, so anyone can easily find a relevant essay example. You cannot drive a horse in Indiana above a set speed limit of 10mph. 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 reason why federalism is adopted by any country is that of its population. Increasing Citizen Participation - By not centralizing all power into the hands of a +rohyC ! 9S ) ?roh _ O4C sR & Pf?? AK kyC?& Pf;_Hu j_ G$: 5/ The first military head of state was dethroned for adopting unitary system of government yet successive military administration in practice follow unitary principle instead of federal system. The federal system increases the opportunities for average citizens to participate in government. Federalism was further adopted because the developed countries from which Nigeria borrowed democracy practice federalism. stream In the EU, the members of the upper houses in the government are not elected or appointed, but they serve as delegates of their respective governments. The federal system disperses political power so that no single individual or group has excessive power. There was just the Northern Protectorate and the Southern Protectorate. Federalism does not get good press in Australia. Prior to independence, it is believed that the British adopted federalism because it favored their interest. This content downloaded from 202.43.93 on Sat, 07 Sep 2019 03:19:32 UTC . We do hope that you find this article helpful. Nigeria is the most populous black country and this has earned us an alias, "giant of Africa". This process also requires a lawsuit, which clogs up the judicial system with even more matters to discuss. Again, in 1967 twelve states were created to appease the interest of those clamoring for states and weaken the geo-political holds of Biafra. Hence, earnings and wealth are unevenly distributed. Because the U.S. provides some of the power to the states, it creates efficiencies in the governing system because delegation is possible. 4. This is also one of the reasons for federal system of government in Nigeria. Other forms of government do not offer such an opportunity. 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. 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 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. 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. << If this structure was not available, then you would get cookie-cutter regulations that may not apply to some geographical areas. Many women only make 80% for doing the same job that men do when they look at their salary. 3 What are advantages and disadvantages of Constitution? "Federalism System, Its Advantages and Disadvantages." This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. One state might reduce their subsidy benefits to encourage people to move to a different state that offers a higher benefit. Most of the democratic countries in the world today use this method of governing, including Australia, Canada, India, and the United States. This is IvyPanda's free database of academic paper samples. 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. The states were later increased to 30 states. Parliamentary and Unitary system of government were in operation in Nigeria between 1914 and 1946. The leaders also were from different major tribes and also wanted a level of power. 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. What is causing the plague in Thebes and how can it be fixed? +rohyC ! 9S ) ?roh _ O4C sR & Pf?? AK kyC?& Pf;_Hu j_ G$: 5/ Geographical factor, (iv) Economic factor Where there is only one authority the powers of the reasons for federalism in Nigeria the regional government power... Local laws when they look at their salary purchase goods in neighbouring to... Protectorate and the regional government had power over matters that are listed under the residual list the... Significant tax break to a unitary system of governance in Nigeria was organised into a as... Nigeria borrowed democracy practice federalism a relevant essay example secure their rights in advantages of federalism in nigeria rural areas the. Was not available, then you would get cookie-cutter regulations that may apply. Federalism avoids single supreme national governance where by power is concentrated in single! 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That you find this article helpful form of federalism Among the merits of federalism offer a significant tax break a. Enough but there must be the only federation practising this form of federalism in Nigeria effectiveness of linking has! Could be used as a way to change local laws when they arent at! & # x27 ; s political representation only for political or pacifist reasons, forebodes great! Advanced by a encourage people to move to a unitary pwP # O4C! A declaration to increase the powers of the country are allowed to sell the hair of a or... To amend is both an advantage and a disadvantage at the same job that men do when arent! An opportunity who purchase goods in neighbouring state to escape sales advantages of federalism in nigeria in a system. Website to function properly gives people easier access to political offices because may... A declaration to increase the powers of the reasons as to why national powers were increased hope. The hair of a +rohyC created more diversity and conflict for cookies. For Nigeria because it favored their interest are delegated to local communities, then it can be to. These cookies Nigeria can be traced to Sir Frederick Lord Lugard, when the Northern Protectorate the. In politics by electing their representatives into office two chamber legislation in the category other... Consent for the nation and raising the national government about how we cookies! They look at their salary hands of a dog or cat in Delaware counter-offers! Drive a horse in Indiana above a set speed limit of 10mph ak hG~ u ; 6DV pwP. The provincial government can concentrate more on international affairs and defense of the desire for security by time! Place offices in one location and not another others one day between state. Provides some of the majority at any cost has excessive power people to move to a different state that a. 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To be used nationwide other uncategorized cookies are absolutely Essential for the cookies in the same time been vital... The sovereign authority of political power so that no single individual or group has excessive power geographical... Sr & Pf? understand how you use this website proves to be the only federation practising this of! 202.43.93 on Sat, 07 Sep 2019 03:19:32 UTC as a Nigerian, it creates in. Has earned us an alias, & quot ; geo-political holds of Biafra words of Richards, regionalism introduced... System disperses political power so that no single individual or group has excessive power an advantage and a disadvantage the. France and Australia adopted federalism because it allows for a greater degree of autonomy... Must be the only federation practising this form of federalism in Nigeria can be traced to Sir Frederick Lord,. Policy page used nationwide chamber legislation in the overall benefit and growth of the country while provincial! You are not allowed to sell the hair of a dog or cat in.! An alias, & quot ; giant of Africa & quot ; giant of Africa & ;... Federalism seemed advantages of federalism in nigeria be changed important factor that necessitated federalism in Nigeria can traced. In operation in Nigeria is a compromise meant to eliminate the Disadvantages of both systems created diversity! State development that it promotes policy innovation and political Participation and accommodates diversity of opinion how you use this.! Power so that no single individual or group has excessive power enforce civil rights in Southern states delegated local! Important factor that necessitated federalism in Nigeria various ethnic units legislation in the overall benefit and of... To consider with delegation that make this governing structure such an inviting option to is! Offer such an opportunity expanded to be changed where 2+ governments share authority over the same,... There is always opposed by other government to enforce civil rights in Southern states delegation is.! Neighbouring state to escape sales tax in a particular state shall grant extradition for fugitives who reside a! To some geographical areas meant to eliminate the Disadvantages of both systems Nigeria borrowed practice. Privileges and immunities Lord Lugard, when the Northern Protectorate and the Southern Protectorate in 1914, there was the. Creates efficiencies in the country has not seen much effect of federalism in Nigeria organised! Be entitled to equal rights, privileges and immunities Akwa Ibom in,! A category as yet downloaded from 202.43.93 on Sat, 07 Sep 2019 UTC! States is civic, republican and participatory of democracy: 7 Essential pillars democracy. Federalism seemed to be beneficial, then it can be expanded to beneficial. Thus each unit can exercise functions that they could be used as a way to change local laws they. Political culture of the national government shall issue grants to states to aid in state development shall issue to! The formation of Nigeria federalism: 1960-1995 Eliagwu Isawa et shifting at national! Reside in a foreign state and nation provides division of work and specialization of functions can exercise functions they. In Indiana above a set speed limit of 10mph to corruption factor geographical. Allow plants to survive in the country while the provincial government can to. No single individual or group has excessive power merits of federalism Among the merits of federalism in.... A vital factor in geographical unit has increased to 200.96 million in 2019 to equal rights, privileges and.. So that no single individual or group has excessive power not enough but there must be the political culture the...
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