Inter-ethnic Marriages, “Indigeneship,” Women’s Rights and National Integration in Nigeria Since 1979

Abstract

This paper investigates gender inequalities relating to indigene-ship in Nigeria. The growing population of mixed ethnic marriages in Nigeria has created challenges  relating to indigene-ship especially with regards to women who have married into ethnic groups other than theirs. The growing population of women who are not living in their states of origin due to inter-ethnic marriages encounter discrimination that is both gender and ethnic bound. These forms of discriminations are mostly  enshrined in customary laws which need to change in order to initiate a bottom up approach to dismantling the system. The study uses the federal character principle as a frame of reference for analysing the extent of discrimination against women beginning from the federal level to the local council levels. It argues that the principle should be interpreted as an instrument of affirmative action for women and a provision should be made for redefining the indigene-ship of women in inter-ethnic marriages. From federal statutory discrimination, the paper narrows its discourse to how this form of discrimination impacts on rural women especially those in inter-ethnic marriages. Land is central to indigene-ship, however most communal  societies in Nigeria uphold customary laws that do not encourage land ownership by women in inter-ethnic marriages and women in general. This will invariably affect both ethnic and economic integration of women who are the bulwark of food security. While utilising the historical methodology, the study also incorporates surveys  conducted by other researchers. A critical review of the federal character principle and gender biased customary laws is suggested. This recommendation is largely based on findings that point to the fact that although a good amount of advocacy regarding the gender component of the federal constitution has been on for some time, no concrete actions have been advanced by government to solve the problem.