Skip to main content

Oil, Ethnicism and Sustainable National Integration in Contemporary Nigeria

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Book cover Africa Now!

Abstract

This chapter examines the nexus between oil, ethnic nationalism and the quest for national integration and political stability in Nigeria. This chapter argues that the competition for the control of oil resources has been a major causal factor in the rise of ethnic nationalism, which is further heightened by the state’s coercive conflict management strategies and poses grave implications for Nigeria’s quest for national integration. In conclusion, the fundamentalist religious movements or ethnic nationalists may be likely draw on a mix of cultural symbols as well as those of economic inequality to express their deep-seated frustration and desire, often demonstrated forcefully, for equity, fairness and good governance that can usher in the much-anticipated dividends of democracy for the marginalised masses.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 99.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 129.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 179.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Abdullahi, A. A., & Saka, L. (2007). Ethno-religious and political conflicts: Threat to Nigeria nascent democracy. Journal of Sustainable Development in Africa, 9(3), 21–36.

    Google Scholar 

  • Abiodun, F. (2012). Democracy and national identities: The travails of national national security in Nigeria. British Journal of Arts and Social Sciences, 9(II), 126–140.

    Google Scholar 

  • Adejumobi, S. (1996). Citizenship, rights, and the problem of conflicts and civil wars in Africa. Human Rights Quarterly, 23, 148–170.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Afolayan, A. (2002). Political concepts and ideologies: Nationalism and the nation state. Ibadan: Hope Publications.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ake, C. (1978). Revolutionary pressures in Africa. London: Zed Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ake, C. (2000). The feasibility of democracy in Africa. Dakar Senegal: Codesria.

    Google Scholar 

  • Akinwumi, O. (2004). Crises and conflicts in Nigeria: A political history since 1960s. Germany: Die Deutsche Bibliothek (e) LITVERLAG Munster.

    Google Scholar 

  • Aluko, M. A. O., & Ajani, O. A. (2009). Ethnic nationalism and the Nigerian democratic experience in the fourth republic. Afrian Research Review, 3(1), 483–499.

    Google Scholar 

  • Attoh, F., & Soyombo, O. (2011). The politics of ethnic balancing in Nigeria. International Journal of Sociology and Anthropology, 3(2), 40–44.

    Google Scholar 

  • Babatunde, A. O. (2010). Managing environmental conflict in the oil-producing areas of the Niger Delta, Nigeria. In I. O. Albert & I. O. Oloyede (Eds.), Dynamics of peace processes (pp. 487–500). Ilorin: Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria.

    Google Scholar 

  • Babawale, T. (1999). Military governance as crisis of legitimation of the Nigerian state. In A. Ninalowo (Ed.), Crises of legitimation (pp. 99–123). Lagos: Obaroh and Ogbinaka Publishers Ltd.

    Google Scholar 

  • Babawale, T. (2006). Nigerian in the crises of governance and development: A retrospective and prospective analysis of selected issues and events. Lagos: Political and Administrative Resources Center (PARC).

    Google Scholar 

  • Burr, V. (2003). Social constructionism (p. 6). New York: Routledge.

    Google Scholar 

  • Coleman, J. S. (1958). Nigeria background to nationalism. Berkeley and Los Angeles: University of California press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Constitutional Rights Project. (1999). Land, oil and human rights in Nigeria’s Delta region. Lagos: CRP.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cosmas, E. (2005, August 2). Senate, U.S Military Chief Discuss Intelligence Report. Daily Champion.

    Google Scholar 

  • Duruji, M. M. (2010, March). Democracy and the challenge of ethno-nationalism in Nigeria’s fourth republic: Interrogating institutional mechanics. Journal of Peace, Conflict and Development, (15), 92–108.

    Google Scholar 

  • Egwaikhide, F. O., & Aregbeyen, O. (1999). Oil production externalities in the Niger Delta: Is fiscal solution feasible? In fiscal federalism and Nigeria’s economic development. Selected papers presented at the Annual Conference. The Nigeria Economic Society, Department of Economics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ekanola, A. B. (2006, Fall). National integration and the survival of Nigeria in the 21st century. The Journal of Social, Political and Economic Studies, 31(3), 279–293.

    Google Scholar 

  • Eteng, I. (2004). Ethnicity and ethno class relationship: Crisis of Nigeria’s enduring national question. In D. Oni et al. (Eds.), Essay on Nigeria and globalization (p. 46). Lagos: CBAAC.

    Google Scholar 

  • Geertz, C. (1994). Primordial and civic ties. In Hutchinson & Smith (Eds.), Nationalism (p. 31). London: OUPress.

    Google Scholar 

  • Guyer, J. (1994). Representation without taxation: An essay on Democracy in rural Nigeria: 1952–1990. CASS Occasional Monograph No. 3, CASS, Port-Harcourt.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hansen, E. (1987). Africa: Perspectives on the peace and development (pp. 57–58). London: Zed Books.

    Google Scholar 

  • Human Rights Watch. (2007, October). Criminal politics: Violence, “godfathers” and corruption in Nigeria. (Vol. 19, No. 16(A)). New York: HRW.

    Google Scholar 

  • Human Rights Watch. (2008, March). Politics as war: The human rights impact and causes of post-election violence in rivers state, Nigeria. (Vol. 20, No. 3(A)). New York: HRW.

    Google Scholar 

  • Human Rights Watch. (2012, October). Spiraling violence: Boko Haram attacks and security force abuses in Nigeria. New York: Human Rights Watch.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ihonvbere, J. (2001). Dismantling the Leviathian: Constitutionalism and the national question in Nigeria. A Paper delivered at the 12th Convocation Lecture of the Lagos State University.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ihonvbore, J. O. (1994). The state and environmental degradation in Nigeria: A study of the 1988 toxic dump in Koko. Journal of Environmental Systems, 23, 3.

    Google Scholar 

  • Iwayemi, A. (2006). Nigeria’s oil wealth: The challenges of sustainable development in a non-renewable natural resources dependent economy. The Postgraduate School University of Ibadan, 31st Interdisciplinary research discourse.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jega, A. (2003). Democracy, economic crisis and conflicts: The Nigerian experience. Keynote Address, 22nd Nigeria Political Science Association (NPSA) National Conference, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, January 13–15.

    Google Scholar 

  • Joireman, S. F. (2003). Nationalism and political identity (p. 12). New York: Continuum Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Joseph, R. (1991). Democracy and prebendal politics in Nigeria: The rise and fall of the second republic. Ibadan: Spectrum Books.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mahmudat, M. O. (2010). Intra-class struggle in Nigeria. Journal of Public Administration and Policy Research, 2(7), 88–95.

    Google Scholar 

  • Maier, K. (2000). This house has fallen: Nigeria in crisis. London: Penguin Books.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mustapha, A. R. (2003). Ethnic minority groups in Nigeria: Current situation and major problems. United Nations Commission on Human Rights. Working Group on Minorities, Ninth session, 12–16 May.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nnoli, O. (Ed.). (1998). Ethnic conflicts in Africa. Dakar Senegal: Codesria Book Series.

    Google Scholar 

  • Obi, C. (1998). The impact of oil on Nigeria’s revenue allocation system problems and prospects for national reconstruction. In K. Amuwo, A. A. B. Adigun, R. T. Suberu, & G. Herault (Eds.), Federalism and political restructuring in Nigeria. Ibadan: Spectrum Books.

    Google Scholar 

  • Obi, C. (2002). Oil and the minority question. In M. Abubakah (Ed.), The national question in Nigeria: Comparative perspectives. Aldershot: Ashagate.

    Google Scholar 

  • Okonta, I., & Douglas, O. (2001). Where cultures feasts: Forty years of shell in the Niger Delta. Benin: ERA/FOEN.

    Google Scholar 

  • Olukoju, A. (1997). Nigeria: A historical review. In F. U. Okafor (Ed.), New strategies for curbing ethnic and religious conflicts in Nigeria (pp. 12–13). Enugu: Fourth Dimension.

    Google Scholar 

  • Olurode, L. (Ed.). (1999). Nigeria: People and culture. Lagos: Rebonik Publications.

    Google Scholar 

  • Onimode, B. (2001). Fiscal federalism in Nigeria: Options for the 21st century (Vol. 1). Research Report. Ibadan.

    Google Scholar 

  • Onosode, G. (2003). Environmental issues and the challenges of the Niger Delta: Perspectives from the Niger Delta. Environmental Survey Process, Yaba. Lagos: The CIBN Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Onuoha, B. (1999). Political power blocs and legitimation crisis. In A. Ninalowo (Ed.), Crisis of legitimation (pp. 35–59). Lagos: Obaroh and Ogbinaka Publishers Ltd.

    Google Scholar 

  • Osaghae, E. E. (1995). Structural adjustment and ethnicity in Nigeria. Upsalla: Nordiska Afrikan Institute.

    Google Scholar 

  • Osaghae, E. E., Ikelegbe, A., Olarinmoye, O. O., & Okhomina, S. I. (2011). Youth militias, self determination and resource control struggles in the Niger-delta region of Nigeria. Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa (CODESRIA). Avenue Dakar, Senegal. Retrieved from www.codesria.org

  • Osaghae, E. E., & Suberu, R. T. (2005). A history of identities, violence and stability in Nigeria. CRISE. Working Paper. University of Oxford.

    Google Scholar 

  • Paden, J. (2008). Faith and politics in Nigeria: Nigeria as pivotal state in the muslim world. Washington, DC: United State Institute of Peace Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Salamone, F. A. (1997). Ethnicity and Nigeria since the end of the civil war. Netherlands: Kluwer Academic Publishers.

    Google Scholar 

  • Soremekun, K. (1995). Oil and the democratic imperative in Nigeria. In D. Olowu (Ed.), Governance and democratization in Nigeria. Ibadan: Spectrum Books.

    Google Scholar 

  • Soremekun, K., & Obi, C. (1993). Oil and the national question. In NES (Ed.), The national question and economic development in Nigeria (pp. 209–231). Nigerian Economic Society Annual Conference.

    Google Scholar 

  • Soyombo, O., & Attoh, F. (2009). Trend of political crime and violence in Nigeria. In R. I. Salawu, A. Akiade, & S. O. Adetona (Eds.), Curbing political violence in Nigeria: The role of security profession. Lagos: Institute of Security Nigeria.

    Google Scholar 

  • Suberu, R. T. (2001). Federalism and ethnic conflict in Nigeria. Washington, DC: United States Institute of Peace Press.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2018 The Author(s)

About this chapter

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this chapter

Babatunde, A.O. (2018). Oil, Ethnicism and Sustainable National Integration in Contemporary Nigeria. In: Adeniran, A., Ikuteyijo, L. (eds) Africa Now! . Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-62443-3_3

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-62443-3_3

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-62442-6

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-62443-3

  • eBook Packages: Social SciencesSocial Sciences (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics