Chapter 11 “Politics in Nigeria”
Why Study Nigeria? Large population Natural resources Centrality in Africa Success / failure of government
Similarities with African Nations.. Heritage Colonial rule Independence this century Political parties based on ethnicity Pattern of violence at unacceptable levels
People of Nigeria Want…. Stability Food, clothing, shelter Education Development of a transportation system Elimination of corruption
Nigeria is…. Referred to as “old society, new state” North is mainly Muslim, South is mainly Christian
Economic & Political Development is Hindered because…. Diversity in natural resources of the country Diversity of the people Lack of institutions to develop resources to benefit the country & its citizens Instability of political structures Military coups & violence National government hurts local governments b/c oil revenues are distributed without regard to local interests Problems with petroleum (development, distribution, corruption among foreign owned companies and Nigerian officials)
Articulation / Aggregation of Interests… Interest groups Unions Ethnic based organizations University students Civil rights groups Military
Politics… Participation is low, a little over 50% Parties tend to be based on ethnic identification
Final thought… In comparison with other countries of equivalent natural resources, skilled human resources and size, Nigeria has not done well!