TRUE FEDERALISM AND NATION BUILDING IN NIGERIA: FACTORS TO ENDING AGITATIONS IN THE NIGER DELTA, 1958 TO 2015

Abstract

The paper in examining true federalism and nation building in Niger Delta argues that the Niger Delta region has been very backward due to the unattended responsibility of the Nigerian State. The federal government has vowed not to yield to the pressure of resource control. The government of the state is dependent on the exploitation and expropriation of the resources of the “powerless” minorities of the region in what may be termed as domestic imperialism. The effects of these are environmental degradation, pollution, lack of infrastructure, unemployment, militarization of the region, loss of lives and property among others. The study established that these factors are responsible for the various agitations witnessed in the region over the years. Among the recommendations, the paper proffers that for the country to experience lasting peace, there must be true federalism where the control of the resources be carried out by the indigenes of the region. There should also be total infrastructural and human capital development where all the youths will be gainfully employed for genuine peace to return to the Niger Delta.