Kingsley Moghalu: Nigeria’s Path to True Nationhood

Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, stands at a crossroads. Despite its vast human and natural resources, the country has yet to realize its immense potential. Economist and former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Kingsley Moghalu, argues that the root of Nigeria’s challenges lies not in corruption, as many assume, but in a more fundamental issue: Nigeria is not a nation. It is a territorial state, a country lacking the cohesive identity and shared vision that define true nationhood. This absence of nationhood fuels corruption, entrenches economic stagnation, and perpetuates a political culture focused on power and personal gain rather than governance and public welfare. For Nigeria to thrive, it must confront its historical divisions, heal the wounds of its past, and chart a bold path toward unity and prosperity.

At its core, Nigeria’s struggle stems from its formation as a colonial construct, an amalgamation of diverse ethnic groups with distinct cultures, languages, and worldviews. As Moghalu notes, Nigeria’s territorial state was created without a unifying national identity, leaving its people to compete for power within a fragmented system. This lack of cohesion has hindered the country’s ability to create a shared vision for progress. Instead of focusing on wealth creation for its 220 million citizens—most of whom live in poverty—Nigeria’s economy has become a battleground for economic rents, controlled by competing vested interests.

The absence of nationhood also manifests in the failure to address the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970), a conflict that exposed deep ethnic and regional fault lines. Moghalu criticizes Nigerian leaders for avoiding the difficult but necessary work of reconciliation and closure. By burying their heads in the sand, they have perpetuated mistrust and division, undermining the possibility of a unified national identity. Without confronting the causes and consequences of the war, Nigeria cannot move forward as a cohesive nation.

Journalist Osasu Obayiuwana echoes this sentiment, citing Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s famous assertion that “Nigeria is a mere geographical expression.” Sixty-five years after independence, Nigeria’s political elite have failed to define what it means to be Nigerian or what Nigeria stands for. This failure has left the country adrift, unable to harness its diversity as a strength.

Moghalu proposes two potential paths to nationhood, both requiring courage and visionary leadership. The first is the emergence of a transformative leader, akin to Turkey’s Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, who can transcend ethnic divisions and inspire confidence in the idea of Nigeria. Such a leader would need to articulate a compelling vision that unites Nigerians around shared values and aspirations, rather than tribal affiliations. As the late Mozambican President Samora Machel famously said, “For the nation to be born and to live, the tribe must die.” This does not mean erasing cultural identities but prioritizing a national identity that supersedes ethnic loyalties.

The second path is a constitutional framework that acknowledges Nigeria’s diversity and negotiates a shared understanding of what the country represents. This approach would require a commitment to true federalism, a system that grants greater autonomy to Nigeria’s regions while ensuring equitable representation and resource allocation. True federalism would address the grievances of ethnic nationalities that feel marginalized within the current centralized system, fostering a sense of inclusion and shared purpose.

Both paths demand bold leadership and a willingness to confront uncomfortable truths. Nigeria’s leaders must move beyond rhetoric about unity and take concrete steps to build a nation that guarantees justice, opportunity, and dignity for all its citizens.

Since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, only one leader has come close to embodying a pan-Nigerian vision: former President Olusegun Obasanjo. Despite his flaws, Obasanjo demonstrated an evolving understanding of nationhood, moving away from the rigid, exclusionary notion of an “indivisible Nigeria” espoused by some of his contemporaries. He recognized the need for inclusivity in leadership and governance, a quality sorely lacking in subsequent administrations. Moghalu laments the absence of a truly national leader since Obasanjo, noting that many politicians invoke the concept of nationhood without grasping its meaning or working to achieve it.

The failure to cultivate national leadership has perpetuated a cycle of division and dysfunction. Political elites have prioritized personal enrichment and power struggles over the collective good, leaving Nigeria’s potential untapped. To break this cycle, the country needs leaders who are willing to prioritize nation-building over short-term political gains.

Of the two paths Moghalu outlines, true federalism offers a practical and inclusive framework for Nigeria’s future. A federal system that decentralizes power and resources would empower regions to address their unique needs while fostering healthy competition and innovation. It would also reduce the zero-sum nature of Nigerian politics, where control of the central government is seen as the ultimate prize. By guaranteeing equitable representation and opportunities for all ethnic groups, true federalism could help bridge the trust deficit that has long plagued the country.

Implementing true federalism would require a comprehensive constitutional overhaul, a process that must be transparent, participatory, and inclusive. Nigerians from all walks of life—civil society, traditional leaders, youth, women, and marginalized groups—must have a voice in shaping the new framework. This process would not only address structural imbalances but also serve as a cathartic moment of national reckoning, allowing the country to confront its past and chart a shared future.

Nigeria’s journey to nationhood is not a task for leaders alone; it requires the active participation of all citizens. The youth, who make up the majority of Nigeria’s population, have a particularly critical role to play. Their energy, creativity, and demand for accountability can drive the push for transformative change. Civil society organizations, the media, and the private sector must also contribute by advocating for policies that promote unity, equity, and development.

The international community, including stakeholders with interests in Nigeria’s stability and prosperity, can support this process by encouraging dialogue, investing in grassroots initiatives, and promoting good governance. Nigeria’s success as a nation would not only benefit its people but also strengthen Africa’s position on the global stage.

Nigeria stands at a pivotal moment in its history. The absence of nationhood has held the country back for too long, perpetuating division, corruption, and economic stagnation. By embracing the courage to confront its past and the vision to build a united future, Nigeria can transform itself from a mere geographical expression into a true nation. Whether through the emergence of a transformative leader or the adoption of true federalism, the path to nationhood requires bold action, inclusive dialogue, and a shared commitment to the common good. For stakeholders, the message is clear: Nigeria’s potential is limitless, but realizing it demands a collective effort to forge a nation that all Nigerians can proudly call home.