ETHNICITY AND PRIMORDIAL CLEAVAGES: A BANE TO SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA

Abstract

This study critically examines the persistence of ethnicity and primordial cleavages as major impediments to sustainable development in Nigeria. Despite its vast human and natural resource endowment, Nigeria continues to grapple with deep-seated ethnic, religious, and regional divisions that undermine national cohesion, democratic governance, and equitable development. Drawing on both theoretical and empirical insights, the research explores how colonial legacies, elite manipulation, constitutional gaps, and state failure have institutionalized ethnic cleavages in the Nigerian polity. The work adopts a multidisciplinary analytical framework grounded in primordialist, instrumentalist, and constructivist theories of ethnicity, complemented by Peter Ekeh’s “two publics” thesis. Through a comprehensive conceptual review and a series of well-documented case studies—including the Tiv–Jukun conflict, Jos crises, Boko Haram insurgency, herders–farmers clashes, IPOB and Yoruba Nation agitations, and the EndSARS protests—the study reveals that identity-based grievances are not only persistent but are becoming more radicalized and transnational in character. It further demonstrates the ripple effects of ethnic cleavages on sustainable development—ranging from political instability, regional inequality, educational disruption, environmental degradation, to weak human capital and the failure to meet Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In response, the study offers robust policy recommendations that emphasize federal restructuring, citizenship reform, civic reorientation, inclusive economic planning, justice system reform, and diaspora engagement. The study concludes that unless Nigeria urgently redefines its national architecture to move from ethnic patronage to inclusive citizenship, the vision of national unity and sustainable development will remain elusive. It calls for a bold, reform-driven agenda that turns diversity into a developmental asset rather than a source of conflict and disintegration.