AN ASSESSMENT OF REGIONALISM AND ITS SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACT ON NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT.

CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background to the Study The spatial dimension of development has become a central concern in contemporary political economy and development studies. Across nations, the uneven distribution of resources, infrastructure, and opportunities has given rise to regional imbalances, a phenomenon referred to as regionalism. Regionalism, in this context, refers to the socio-political and economic distinctions among subnational units within a country, which often manifest in unequal development outcomes, disparities in access to state resources, and divergent political representation (Boudreaux & Cowen, 2021). These disparities are not only byproducts of natural endowments but are often products of deliberate state policies, historical trajectories, and structural inequalities entrenched in governance systems. Globally, regionalism poses both developmental and governance challenges, particularly in multi-ethnic and federated states where regional identities intersect with economic grievances and political marginalization. The result is often a fragmented national space where loyalty to the central government competes with subnational allegiances, creating fertile ground for secessionist tendencies, political instability, and weakened national cohesion (Agnew, 2018; Keating, 2020). Effective national development, therefore, necessitates a balanced approach that integrates all regions equitably into the national policy framework, ensuring that no zone is systematically disadvantaged. In the African context, regionalism has assumed a peculiar character due to the continent’s colonial heritage, wherein artificial borders and administrative divisions laid the foundation for uneven state formation and development. Post-colonial African states inherited these fragmented systems, often exacerbating regional disparities through centralized governance, biased investment patterns, and politically motivated resource allocation (Mkandawire, 2019). This scenario is especially evident in federal systems where certain regions become economic hubs while others remain perennially marginalized, leading to what scholars describe as “asymmetric development.” Within Nigeria, the manifestations of regionalism are particularly profound and historically entrenched. As Africa’s most populous nation and a federation of 36 states grouped into six geopolitical zones, Nigeria’s political architecture is intricately tied to regional dynamics. Since independence in 1960, the country has grappled with balancing national unity and regional interests, an effort continually challenged by structural inequalities, ethno-religious divisions, and spatially skewed development outcomes (Osaghae, 2021). The creation of regions, later states, was initially intended to address fears of domination and ensure administrative inclusiveness. However, over time, this arrangement has failed to bridge developmental gaps, instead reinforcing regional cleavages (Akinrinade, 2023). The northern and southern dichotomy, for instance, highlights pronounced disparities in education, healthcare, employment, and infrastructure. States in the South-West and South-South tend to have higher literacy rates, more functional healthcare systems, and greater access to economic opportunities due to their urbanization levels and natural resource endowments. Conversely, the North-East and North-West zones, characterized by poverty, insecurity, and educational backwardness, remain significantly underdeveloped (Yusuf & Ajayi, 2023; Nnaji et al., 2022). These differences are not simply outcomes of geography but stem from policy neglect, politicized federal allocations, and the absence of targeted, region-specific development strategies. Undoubtedly, a nation’s political history significantly shapes its socio-economic landscape. Political centralization and rent-seeking behavior have limited the autonomy of subnational governments, constraining their capacity to pursue tailored development agendas. Federal allocations based on population, landmass, or oil derivation often ignore development need or performance, thereby perpetuating structural imbalances (Adelakun & Olofin, 2022). In addition, national development plans have historically lacked adequate regional disaggregation, failing to account for the diverse socio-economic realities across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones. This uniformity in planning often results in regionally inappropriate interventions, wasted resources, and policy ineffectiveness. The implications of regionalism for national development are multifaceted. At the socio-economic level, persistent regional inequality undermines poverty alleviation efforts, exacerbates social exclusion, and fuels internal migration. At the political level, regional grievances have translated into secessionist agitations, ethno-political militancy, and erosion of national identity. The Niger Delta militancy, Boko Haram insurgency, and Biafra revivalist movements can all be partially attributed to perceptions of regional neglect and exclusion from the benefits of the Nigerian state (Ojo & Ezeani, 2021). These conflicts divert resources from developmental priorities, disrupt economic activity, and weaken state legitimacy. Regionalism complicates the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Nigeria. Goals related to education, health, gender equality, and economic growth are undermined in marginalized regions due to insufficient investments, insecurity, and governance deficits. Without conscious efforts to reduce inter-regional disparities, national progress will remain segmented and unsustainable, thereby threatening the broader development aspirations of the country (Akinyemi, 2024). 1.2 Statement of Problem Over six decades of nationhood and successive development plans, Nigeria continues to grapple with stark regional disparities that undermine the very foundation of national development. The uneven distribution of socio-economic resources, infrastructural development, and political representation across the country’s six geopolitical zones has created a fragmented developmental landscape. In many instances, these disparities manifest in the concentration of economic activities and basic social amenities in the South-West and parts of the South-South, while the North-East and North-West regions face chronic poverty, weak institutions, low educational attainment, and limited access to quality healthcare and employment opportunities (Nnaji et al., 2022; Yusuf & Ajayi, 2023). This regional imbalance not only fuels social discontent and insecurity but also impedes inclusive national progress, as parts of the country are effectively locked out of mainstream development efforts. Works by Osaghae (2021), and Akinrinade (2023) have highlighted the role of centralized political control and politicized fiscal federalism in fostering regional inequality. Adelakun & Olofin (2022) have focused on ethno-religious cleavages and identity politics as underlying causes of regional disarticulation. While these studies have contributed to understanding the causes and manifestations of regional disparities, many of them take a macroeconomic or structuralist approach, with limited qualitative insight into how regionalism affects everyday social and economic life in various zones. Furthermore, empirical investigations into the intersection of regionalism and national development from a grounded, region-sensitive perspective remain scant. This gap establishes the need for a nuanced, qualitative exploration that interrogates the socio-economic impacts of regionalism within Nigeria’s national development context. Addressing regionalism in Nigeria is not merely a political imperative but a developmental necessity. The country must rethink its federal design, resource allocation mechanisms, and governance frameworks to promote spatial equity and inclusive growth. This requires policy reform, institutional restructuring, and active participation of all regions in national development planning. As such, this study seeks to critically investigate the dynamics of regionalism in Nigeria and its socio-economic implications for national development, with the goal of offering evidence-based recommendations for more balanced regional integration and equitable progress. 1.3 Research Objectives The study aims to assess regionalism and its socio-economic impact on national development in Nigeria. Specific objectives are to: i. Examine the concept and historical evolution of regionalism in Nigeria. ii. Explore the socio-economic impacts of regional disparities on development indicators. iii. Investigate the relationship between regional inequality and political stability. iv. Analyze the root causes and dimensions of regional disparities in Nigeria. v. Propose evidence-based recommendations for policy reforms to address regional imbalances. 1.4 Research Questions i. What is the nature and historical basis of regionalism in Nigeria? ii. How do regional disparities affect socio-economic development across the country? iii. What are the implications of regionalism for Nigeria’s political stability? iv. What are the drivers of regional inequality in Nigeria? v. What policy approaches can promote regional equity and national integration? 1.5 Significance of the Study This study holds significant academic value as it contributes to the growing body of literature on regional development and national integration, particularly within the Nigerian context. While numerous studies have explored issues of regional inequality, federalism, and socio-economic disparity in Nigeria, few have examined these themes through a qualitative lens that captures the perspectives, experiences, and lived realities of individuals within different regions. By adopting an interpretive approach, this research offers an in-depth understanding of how regional disparities are perceived and experienced across geopolitical zones, thus providing fresh empirical insights into the socio-political consequences of regional imbalance. The study will advance scholarly discourse by bridging the gap between macro-level policy frameworks and micro-level social experiences, particularly in the areas of governance, political representation, and social cohesion. Practically, the findings of this study will serve as a valuable tool for policymakers, development planners, and institutional stakeholders working towards inclusive national development in Nigeria. The nuanced evidence emerging from this research can inform more equitable regional planning, resource allocation, and developmental interventions that address the structural causes of inequality. It can also support the formulation of region-sensitive policies aimed at enhancing political stability, reducing socio-economic marginalization, and promoting national unity. Moreover, the study may serve as a foundation for future comparative research in other multi-ethnic or regionally diverse African states grappling with similar developmental challenges. 1.6 Scope of the Study This study is delimited to a qualitative exploration of regionalism and its socio-economic impact on national development. Geographically, the focus will focus on the six geopeolicaical in Nigeria within a national context characterized by visible regional disparities and identity politics. Thematically, the study will focus on four core dimensions: (i) the conceptual foundations of regionalism, (ii) socio-economic impacts, (iii) political implications including stability and cohesion, and (iv)regional inequalities. 1.7 Methodology This study adopts a qualitative research design to explore the socio-economic impacts of regionalism on national development in Nigeria. Qualitative research is particularly appropriate for this inquiry because it allows for a nuanced understanding of social phenomena through the interpretation of non-numerical data, focusing on meanings, perceptions, and lived experiences (Creswell & Poth, 2018). This design facilitates an in-depth examination of how regional disparities influence the dynamics of development, political stability, and social equity across Nigeria’s diverse geopolitical zones. The study will rely on policy documents, development plans, governmental and non-governmental reports, and scholarly literature published between 2018 and 2025, ensuring relevance to recent socio-political developments and national economic strategies. Sources will include peer-reviewed journals, national development blueprints, regional economic reports, and civil society publications. These documents will be purposively selected based on their relevance to the themes of regionalism, inequality, political stability, and socio-economic transformation in Nigeria. For data analysis, the study will employ thematic analysis, a widely used method in qualitative research that facilitates the identification, analysis, and interpretation of recurring patterns and themes within textual data (Braun & Clarke, 2006). Through an inductive approach, the analysis will remain grounded in the data, allowing key themes to emerge organically while being informed by the study’s objectives. Thematic categories will include regional inequality, infrastructural imbalances, political instability factored by social exclusion cum perceived marginalization and it socio-economic impact in the regions. This method ensures analytical depth while preserving the complexity of the Nigerian regional experience in the context of national development. 1.8 Definition of Key Terms Regionalism: A political and economic ideology or practice emphasizing the interests, development, and identity of specific geographical or cultural regions within a nation-state. National Development: The overall socio-economic progress of a country, typically measured in terms of economic growth, infrastructure, education, health, and standard of living. Socio-economic Impact: The effects that social and economic factors have on individuals, groups, or communities, particularly in terms of development outcomes. Regional Disparities: Differences in economic performance, living standards, and access to public services across various regions within a country. Political Stability: A condition in which a country’s political institutions, governance structures, and social order function effectively without significant conflict or upheaval. 1.9 Outline of the Study This study is structured into five chapters for clarity and coherence. Chapter One introduces the study by presenting the background, problem statement, research questions, objectives, significance, scope, methodology, and definitions of key terms. Chapter Two offers a comprehensive literature review, focusing on conceptual frameworks, theoretical perspectives, and empirical studies related to regionalism and national development. Chapter Three outlines the research methodology, including the qualitative design, data collection procedures, sampling techniques, methods of data analysis, and ethical considerations. Chapter Four presents and analyzes the research findings, drawing on data from interviews, focus group discussions, and relevant documents. Finally, Chapter Five discusses the implications of the findings in relation to the study’s objectives, concludes the research, and offers evidence-based recommendations for policy and future research.