Understanding Nigeria's Unity and Development

The unity, social ties, and stability of Nigeria are key for economic growth and development. Before Nigeria can make any real progress, it must be a united nation. Right now, Nigeria feels like a mix of small ethnic groups that often prioritize their local interests over the national interest. Many Nigerians see themselves more as members of their smaller ethnic groups than as citizens of Nigeria.

Some say that Nigeria's diversity, worsened by colonial rule, is why we struggle with unity. They believe Nigeria is made up of cultures that do not mix well, leading to disunity. But this idea that Nigeria is a collection of incompatible cultures is wrong. There is no real historical support for this view, and it goes against common sense.

Diversity looks at the racial mix in a place, not just the ethnic differences within one race. So, a country like Nigeria, which is mostly Black, does not fit the definition of a diverse nation based on ethnic differences. Unlike racially diverse nations like the United States and South Africa, Nigeria shares more similarities with less diverse countries like China and the old United Kingdom.

China also has many ethnic groups, numbering between 55 and 95, all under the broad Mongoloid category. These include the Uygur, Hui, Zhuang, and the majority Han Chinese. The Mandarin language, mainly spoken by Han Chinese, came from languages used by different ethnic groups in China. Just like that, Nigeria's many ethnic identities come from a shared background, as seen in the cultural, linguistic, and historical connections among its various groups across the country.

The Kwararafa confederacy's collapse centuries ago led to migrations from the old Kanem Borno Empire into the Benue valley. The Kwararafa was made up of groups known as "Banza bokwoi," sharing a common heritage with the original Hausa states. One of these groups was the Igala, who moved south and settled by the River Niger, in a place called Idah.

From Idah, some Igala crossed the River Niger and joined a group from the Benin Empire, which is a part of the larger Yoruba ethnicity. This led to a mix of cultures and people, creating Igbo-speaking communities in places like Isele Uku, Agbor, Ogwashi Uku, Asaba, Onitsha, Obosi, Ogbaru, and Ugwuta. This merging served as a link among the diverse people of Nigeria before colonial times.

Just like the British, who are also made up of various smaller ethnic groups, Nigerians fit into different categories within the larger Black identity. Former British leaders like Benjamin Disraeli and Winston Churchill identified as Jewish and Huguenot, respectively. Queen Elizabeth II has German roots, while her successors are of Greek descent.

The difference is that in Britain and China, people focus on their racial similarities and shared citizenship. In Nigeria, we often let our local identities overshadow our national identity. While people like Ahmadu Bello, Nnamdi Azikiwe, and Obafemi Awolowo are all Black and Nigerian, we need to place Nigerian citizenship above local identities. This can lead to a national agreement that will help us use economic models that work for everyone.

To change the focus from localism to nationalism, Nigeria's leaders must encourage citizens to connect their economic needs with their political choices. For example, shoemakers and tailors in Aba, Sokoto, and Ilesa should vote for candidates whose policies promise to boost their productivity and prosperity, rather than voting based on ethnicity or religion.

Farmers in Jega, Agatu, Onitsha Ugbo, and Owo should also support candidates who have plans to increase agricultural yields and profits. If this approach is applied across Nigeria, it could create a united front against divisive tactics from the elite.

Aligning individual business interests with political choices can bring politics and the economy together. This can lead to a new political landscape where economic ideas take precedence over ethnic and religious struggles. A focus on economic principles will help build a governance structure elected by diverse people united by shared economic goals.

Under this broad Nigerian framework, local units will shift from being small ethnic groups seeking to share Nigeria's oil wealth to becoming inclusive economic zones that create wealth for all. Nigerians born in specific regions can pursue their economic interests based on their talents and passions, no matter where they go. For instance, an Igbo person from Onitsha might prefer cattle breeding and could move to Sokoto to follow that path.

If Nigerians from different backgrounds integrate into these economic zones successfully, it will lead to a natural restructuring of Nigeria. Cities like Aba and Onitsha will no longer be seen as just Igbo trading hubs but as centers for all Nigerian entrepreneurs. Cattle breeding will become a Nigerian activity, and the Niger Delta will not be exclusively for the Ijaw. The benefits of oil resources will be recognized as shared advantages for all Nigerians, not just for one group. Similarly, Kano's local government areas will be viewed as beneficial for all Nigerians, not just the Hausa/Fulani.