Federalism – SS2 Government Lesson Note (Third Term)

Federalism is a system of government in which powers are shared between the central government and subordinate units such as states or regions and local governments. The constitution defines each level’s powers. Nigeria moved towards this system from 1914, and the 1954 Lyttleton constitution established a true federal state with central and regional governments.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

• explain what federalism means;
• trace the origin of Nigerian federalism from 1914 to 1954;
• state how powers were shared between the central and regional governments in 1954;
• list and explain the factors responsible for federalism in Nigeria.

How did federalism begin in Nigeria?

The 1914 amalgamation

Nigerian federalism can be traced back to 1914, when the Northern and Southern protectorates were amalgamated under a unitary form of administration. Since then, governmental powers in Nigeria were shared between the central government, headed by the governor-general, and the governments of the Northern and Southern protectorates, headed by lieutenant governors. With the Northern and Southern provinces partly autonomous, the administrative system of Nigeria took on something of the outlook of a federation.

The Richards and Macpherson constitutions

In 1946, the then Governor of Nigeria, Sir Arthur Richards, divided the country into three regions under the Richards constitutional arrangements. This gave more support to the emergence of a federal system of government. The 1951 Macpherson constitution gave further concrete support to the establishment of a federal system in Nigeria.

Apart from dividing Nigeria into three regions (Northern, Western and Eastern), the constitution appointed lieutenant governors to head these regions. It also granted legislative powers to the legislative and executive councils that were established.

The 1954 Lyttleton constitution

The 1954 Lyttleton constitution removed the final shades of a unitary state from Nigeria by establishing a true federal state. It took effect on 1 October 1954 and shared powers between the central and the regional governments. It also reorganised the judiciary to be in line with the federal structure of the country.

Federalism involves the sharing of powers between the central government and other subordinate units, for example local governments and states or regions. In 1954, Nigeria had two tiers of government, the central government and the regions. The constitution defined and shared their powers as follows:

• Exclusive legislative functions went to the central government.
• Concurrent legislative functions went to both the central and regional governments.
• Residual functions went to the regions.

What factors are responsible for Nigerian federalism?

1. Cultural diversity: differences in culture, religion, language, custom, tradition and so on among the ethnic groups make the operation of a federal system possible.
2. The fear of one ethnic group dominating others necessitated the establishment of federalism in Nigeria.
3. To protect the interests of minority groups.
4. The large population and wide geographical area of Nigeria make federalism necessary.
5. To ensure rapid and even development of all parts of Nigeria.
6. To bring the government near to the people of Nigeria.
7. To divide powers, which reduces the burden of governance, saves time, makes the work of government less tiring and makes government more effective.
8. To create more employment opportunities through the division of powers and the duplication of ministries and offices.
9. To make it possible to have different laws that suit the different communities in Nigeria.
10. To preserve the local independence or autonomy of every ethnic group in Nigeria.

Evaluation

1. What is federalism?
2. Describe how the 1914 amalgamation, the 1946 division into regions and the 1954 Lyttleton constitution each contributed to Nigerian federalism.
3. How were legislative powers shared between the central and regional governments in 1954?
4. State five factors responsible for federalism in Nigeria.

Assignment

Explain any five factors responsible for the adoption of federalism in Nigeria.