Federalism in Nigeria

Federalism shares power between a central government and regional units.

The Federal Structure

Nigeria has a federal government, 36 state governments and 774 local government areas. Each level has defined powers.

Division of Powers

• Exclusive list — only the federal government may legislate: defence, currency, foreign affairs.
• Concurrent list — both federal and state governments may legislate: education, health, agriculture.
• Residual list — matters left to the states.

Challenges

Revenue sharing disputes, over-dependence on federal allocations, weak local governments and ethnic tension are recurring issues.

Practice

1. Define federalism.
2. Name one item on the exclusive list and one on the concurrent list.
3. State two challenges of Nigerian federalism.

Recap

Federalism divides power among federal, state and local governments. Revenue and jurisdiction are ongoing challenges.