(a) State two problems confronting Nigeria Federalism (b) Highlight three features of Nigeria Federalism

Answer Details

(a) Problems confronting Nigerian federalism

1. Ethnicity and tribalism: Strong ethnic loyalties and mutual suspicion among the many ethnic groups threaten national unity.
2. Revenue allocation and resource control disputes: Persistent quarrels over how national revenue, especially oil money, should be shared among the levels of government.

(Others include over-centralisation of power at the centre, agitation for the creation of more states, and religious differences.)

(b) Features of Nigerian federalism

1. Division of powers among three tiers of government (federal, state and local), with exclusive, concurrent and residual lists.
2. A supreme written constitution that shares powers and is binding on all levels of government.
3. An independent Supreme Court that interprets the constitution and settles disputes between the federal and state governments.