Nation Branding and the Citizenship Question in Nigeria : Matters Arising for Political Restucting

Abstract

After almost 60 years of independence, the idea of the Nigerian state remains a veiled illusion masking the fading hopes of the country’s founding fathers. In the first few decades of its existence, Nigeria inspired the confidence of an African continent that was on a steady developmental trajectory. As the country clocks 60, the Nigerian dream appears to be an elusive one. Amid this quagmire, calls for political and economic restructuring have resuscitated the age-old ambition to return to ‘true federalism’ and fiscal autonomy of the constituent states. In this study, the authors turn to a less considered argument on restructuring that focuses on the need for a rebranded national identity that Nigerians can subscribe to. The article argues that, while restructuring has invoked different inter pretations from many, an important precursor must be a deeper commitment to Nigeria beginning with the advancement of a new national identity for Nigeria and Nigerians. Restructuring implemented without the conviction of being a Nigerian is unlikely to produce any meaningful results in Nigeria’s quest for radical socio-economic transformation. In sum, a robust national branding will initiate stronger belief in a truly national identity and inspire collective response to a federalised Nigeria.