Federalism Structural Imbalance and the Politics of Restructuring in Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated the nexus between federalism, structural imbalance, and the politics of restructuring in Nigeria. We established that the disjointed
federalism and structural imbalance in Nigeria is a consequence of the British
asymmetrical arrangement of the federal system. This arrangement has continued to distort the economic progress of Nigeria. We relied on the documentary method of data collection and content analysis for our data analysis, while our theoretical framework was predicated on structural-functional analysis. We found out that the inability of the dominant north to understand that restructuring does not necessarily mean secession, balkanization, or confederation is responsible for jettisoning any attempt to restructure the country. Thus they continue to handle it with a pinch of salt. The study recommended among others that the north especially should see restructuring as a welcome development that will further diversify our economic base and reduce unnecessary and rent-like dependence on oil as the mainstay of the economy.