FEDERALISM AND NATIONAL COHESION: JUXTAPOSING THE NIGERIA AND USA’S EXPERIENCES

Abstract

Federalism plays a pivotal role in shaping national cohesion, governance stability, and socio-political integration. This study examines the differing experiences of Nigeria and the United States, highlighting the structural, historical, and functional disparities in their federal systems. While both nations operate multi-tiered governance frameworks, the effectiveness of their intergovernmental relations, political inclusivity, and institutional resilience differs substantially. The analysis reveals that Nigeria’s federalism has been plagued by ethnic marginalization, resource allocation conflicts, centralized authority control, and persistent political instability, weakening national unity. Conversely, the United States has maintained cooperative federalism, where intergovernmental collaboration fosters stability, inclusivity, and effective policy implementation. The study attributes Nigeria’s challenges to military interventions, weak institutional frameworks, and politicized ethnic divisions, while the U.S. has benefited from centuries of democratic governance, well-defined state autonomy, and structured conflict resolution mechanisms. Findings underscore the urgent need for constitutional reforms, strengthened democratic values, and intergovernmental collaboration in Nigeria to enhance national cohesion. Policy recommendations include decentralized governance structures, improved electoral credibility, and stronger enforcement of democratic principles to ensure sustainable federalism.