ETHNICITY

THE QUAGMIRE OF NIGERIA’S DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

This paper logically examined the extent ethnicity has contributed to Nigeria’s developmental stupor. It defined ethnicity as the social classification that is based on an individual’s identification with/membership of an ethnic group, which is more of a behavioural quality (way of life) than a mark. Perennialism explained the existence of ethnic nationalities ever before colonization, the instrumentalist variety explained the reason for continued ethnic stratification, and the constructivist view helps to understand the political elites’ clinch on ethnic nationalism. Using deductive argument, it was established that the Government and political elite fuel ethnicity because of personal gains that includes corruption. From the forensic psychological stand point, ethnicity is outlawed in Nigeria hence Heads of Governments could be prosecuted for felony. The paper recommends that Nigeria should not deny her multi ethnic reality, but should harness its strong points by evoking the law of comparative advantage to plan sustainable developmental strategy(ies).