Nation-building and the Nigerian state: Problems and Prospect for National Development

Abstract

This paper examined nation building in Nigeria with particular attention given to the impediments of realizing a strong and prosperous nation (Nigeria). The paper made use of ex-post factor research design, documentary method of data collection, content analysis as its method of data analysis and adopted Elite theory as its framework of analysis. After rigorous analysis, the paper observed that in spite of the enormous natural resources Nigeria is blessed with, it remains poor and underdeveloped hence the ability to build the nation has always been the country's major setback. The paper noted among others that certain factors are militating against nation-building in Nigeria which include ethnic sentiment, leadership problem, religious sentiment, political instability etc. To this end, the paper recommends that Nigerian leaders should avoid the politics practiced with regard to subjective factors and primordial loyalty to one's place of birth, social connection and group affinity. The paper concludes that building a nation is a task that needs skills, industriousness, and creativity among leaders and the led.