Interrogating coloniality in the citizenship discourse The Nigerian experience

Abstract

The notion of ‘indigenous’ as it is used in Nigeria is a deeply problematic colonial construction. Using social behaviourism theory, this paper argues that the vertical and horizontal divisions among people and groups, although endemic in most societies, have been further enhanced by the legacies of colonialism in Nigeria, leading to a negative culture and awareness of ‘self’ and the ‘other’ within the same political geography. This ‘othering’ produced dual identities, with individuals defining themselves concurrently as a citizen of a modern state and as a communal native. This produces exclusionary practices, with economic and political opportunities being allocated based on affiliation with communal groups, which breeds discriminatory tendencies. This study concluded that policy geared at the reorientation of ‘hearts and minds’ is necessary to develop the values needed for nation-building in a culturally pluralistic society.