1. Chapter 11
“Politics in Nigeria”

2. Why Study Nigeria? Large population Natural resources
Centrality in Africa
Success / failure of government

3. Similarities with African Nations..
Heritage
Colonial rule
Independence this century
Political parties based on ethnicity
Pattern of violence at unacceptable levels

4. People of Nigeria Want….
Stability
Food, clothing, shelter
Education
Development of a transportation system
Elimination of corruption

5. Nigeria is…. Referred to as “old society, new state”
North is mainly Muslim, South is mainly Christian

6. 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)

7. Articulation / Aggregation of Interests…
Interest groups
Unions
Ethnic based organizations
University students
Civil rights groups
Military

8. Politics… Participation is low, a little over 50%
Parties tend to be based on ethnic identification

9. Final thought…
In comparison with other countries of equivalent natural resources, skilled human resources and size, Nigeria has not done well!