THE FRAGILE FOUNDATION OF NIGERIAN UNITY: Oil Politics As The Binding Glue

Nigeria, a country of over 200 million people, is one of the most diverse nations in the world, with over 250 ethnic groups, numerous languages, and distinct cultural identities. Despite this richness in diversity, many Nigerians from various ethnic groups and geographical zones have consistently questioned the foundation of the nation's unity. For them, the concept of "one Nigeria" appears tenuous, propped up less by shared ideals and aspirations and more by the strategic and economic interests tied to oil politics.

Historical Context of Disunity

From its colonial inception, Nigeria's unity has been more a construct of British imperial interests than the organic will of its people. The 1914 amalgamation of the Northern and Southern Protectorates was primarily designed for administrative convenience and economic exploitation. It prioritized colonial resource extraction over fostering any meaningful integration among the disparate regions. This foundation of forced coexistence has continued to haunt the country, as the regions and ethnic groups often see themselves as rivals rather than partners in a national project.

Ethnic and Regional Rivalries

Post-independence Nigeria has been plagued by ethnic and regional tensions, amplified by the country's complex socio-political structure. The dominant ethnic groups—the Hausa-Fulani in the north, the Yoruba in the west, and the Igbo in the east—have often competed for political power, economic resources, and cultural supremacy. Other minority groups, particularly in the Niger Delta, feel marginalized, their voices drowned out by the larger blocs. These frictions have repeatedly led to violent clashes, secessionist agitations, and widespread mistrust among Nigerians.

Oil Politics: The Binding Thread

The discovery of oil in the 1950s fundamentally altered Nigeria's socio-economic and political landscape. Oil revenue accounts for over 80% of government earnings and 90% of export income. This dependence on oil has made it the central pivot around which Nigeria's unity revolves. Regions without significant oil deposits often view their inclusion in the federation as a means to share in the oil wealth. Conversely, oil-producing areas feel exploited, as the wealth extracted from their lands rarely translates into local development.

The centralization of oil revenue distribution through the federal government has heightened the stakes of political control. For many political elites, the fight for national unity is, in reality, a fight to secure access to oil rents. Without this economic glue, the federation's fragility would be exposed, as the incentive to maintain unity would dwindle.

The Cost of a Fragile Unity

Nigeria’s oil-centric unity comes at a cost. The overemphasis on oil has led to the neglect of other sectors, perpetuating economic imbalances and poverty. Moreover, this unity, rooted in material interests, fosters a transactional rather than a patriotic relationship among the constituent parts. Instead of building a nation where unity is driven by shared progress, equity, and justice, the country remains divided along ethnic and regional lines, with oil politics serving as a temporary adhesive.

The Path Forward

For Nigeria to transcend its fragile unity, it must confront the deep-seated inequalities and grievances that fuel division. A decentralized governance structure, with greater fiscal autonomy for states or regions, could ease tensions and foster a sense of ownership among all groups. Additionally, diversifying the economy away from oil dependence would reduce the unhealthy competition for control of federal resources.

In conclusion, Nigeria's unity, as it stands today, is more of a marriage of convenience dictated by oil politics than a bond forged by shared values and aspirations. For the country to achieve lasting cohesion, it must go beyond oil and invest in building a system that ensures fairness, equity, and inclusivity for all its people. Only then can Nigeria realize the true potential of its diversity and move from a fragile union to a united nation.