Resource Control and Secessionist Movements in Nigeria: Implications for National Unity and Development

Abstract

The geographical entity called Nigeria came into existence on January 1, 1914, when the then Northern and Southern protectorates were merged. Since then, successive governments in the country have been trying to unite the diverse elements that make up the country, all to no avail. From the North and South, there have been called for the dismemberment of the country due to the failure of successive administrations to address the national questions. It is against this backdrop that this paper examines the issues confronting Nigeria’s unity and suggests a way forward. The paper is anchored on elite and frustration-aggression theories and relies on secondary sources of data. The paper contended that injustice, high-handedness, and marginalization of certain sections or regions of the country in the governance of the country accounted for resource control and secessionist movements in the country. The paper suggests justice and inclusiveness of all sections of the country in the affairs of the state, among others.