NATIONAL UNITY: THE KEY TO NIGERIA’S SURVIVAL AND GREATNESS BY SANI KUKASHEKA USMAN (rtd) mni fnipr
Nigeria, the largest Black nation in the world and Africa’s most populous country, proudly hailed as “the Giant of Africa,” stands at a crossroads. Its unity is under siege, and the cracks are not just threatening its identity but also obstructing its path to development, peace, security, and global stature. What’s most concerning is the pervasive indifference to these existential challenges, as if the gravity of the situation has yet to sink in. This looming crisis demands urgent attention, which is why I feel compelled to sound the alarm and draw focus to this critical issue before the consequences become irreversible.
Today, our society is deeply divided along tribal, religious, and regional lines, with these affiliations often taking precedence over national interests and identity. This trend is dangerous, as it undermines Nigeria’s potential for progress. Corruption, insecurity, and economic instability are all symptoms of a lack of national unity and collective will.
However, despite the importance of national unity, successive governments over the years were not able to achieve the deliberate and sustained efforts needed to transform Nigeria’s diversity into an advantage. Instead, Nigeria experiences noticeable progressive divisive tendencies, rhetorics, hate speech, and ethnic and religious profiling which have been allowed to flourish, often without consequence. These actions further deepen societal fractures and raise serious concerns about the nation’s future.
The absence of unity among Nigerians often leads to conflicting efforts and a lack of cohesion on critical national issues, significantly impeding the country’s progress and development. When citizens and stakeholders fail to align their goals and collaborate effectively, resources are wasted, growth opportunities are missed, and the nation struggles to address its challenges efficiently. Building a sense of shared purpose and fostering national unity are therefore essential to unlocking Nigeria’s full potential and ensuring sustainable advancement.
With over 250 ethnic groups and a complex religious landscape, Nigeria needs a strong foundation of national unity and cohesion to overcome its challenges and achieve its full potential as envisioned by its founding fathers.
The Dangers of Division
Nigeria today is a nation fractured along tribal and religious lines, plagued by mistrust, suspicion, and a constant undercurrent of conflict across its six geopolitical zones. Disunity fuels corruption by enabling the exploitation of divisions for personal gain. Trust is eroded, accountability diminishes, and those in power often operate with impunity, enriching themselves while the nation suffers.
This atmosphere of division also enables insecurity to thrive. Extremist ideologies and criminal enterprises exploit societal fractures, gaining footholds and undermining the fabric of society. The incessant ethnic and religious clashes create fertile ground for violence, extremism, and instability.
A divided nation is akin to a house with crumbling foundations. Nigeria cannot effectively tackle its challenges or harness its vast potential without a united front. National unity is not just a lofty ideal but a practical necessity for survival and development.
Disunity, whether driven by ethnicity, religion, or clan loyalties, often leads to violent conflicts, economic devastation, the displacement of entire populations and state failure. The collapse of Yugoslavia, the ongoing instability in Somalia, and the decades-long conflict in Sudan and South Sudan all demonstrate the devastating consequences of deep-seated divisions and lack of unity. These examples serve as stark reminders of the importance of national unity and the dangers of allowing divisions to fester and erupt into violence.
Activities and institutions play a vital role in uniting Nigerians by bridging ethnic, religious, and regional divides. Events such as the World Cup, African Cup of Nations, and other local and international sporting competitions ignite shared passion and collective pride as Nigerians rally behind their national team. Similarly, cultural festivals like the Calabar Carnival, Osun Osogbo Festival, and Argungu Fishing Festival celebrate Nigeria’s rich diversity and provide platforms for inter-ethnic and inter-religious interactions, fostering mutual understanding and appreciation. However, the irregular nature of these events calls for more consistent efforts to sustain their unifying impact.
Institutions like unity schools, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), and military service have also been instrumental in promoting national integration. By bringing together young Nigerians from diverse backgrounds, these institutions nurture lifelong relationships built on mutual respect and understanding, free of ethnic or religious bias. Such initiatives contribute to breaking down barriers, cultivating a spirit of inclusivity, and fostering a sense of shared identity and purpose among Nigerians.
Therefore, leaders can amplify these efforts by actively participating in these platforms and using them to promote national dialogue and foster inter-ethnic and inter-religious harmony. They should prioritise cross-cultural exchanges, expand interethnic activities in schools, and implement inclusive policies in sports, education, and service programs. Such strategic investments will deepen unity, enhance social cohesion, and reinforce a collective sense of belonging among all Nigerians.
The Power of Unity
Across the world, unity is the cornerstone of meaningful development. Nigeria fought a three-year civil war to preserve its unity. A united Nigeria can collectively combat corruption, one of the nation’s most persistent challenges. When citizens see themselves as part of a shared destiny, they are more likely to demand transparency, accountability, and good governance from those leading them.
Insecurity also thrives in a divided society. However, when Nigerians prioritise safety and peace over regional or religious differences, the forces of insecurity will undoubtedly face a formidable, unified opposition. Similarly, national unity can help address social vices such as criminality. A united populace can channel its diversity into innovation, entrepreneurship, and education, creating a robust and inclusive economy.