IDENTITY CRISIS AND THE EROSION OF NATIONAL UNITY IN NIGERIA:

ISSUES, CHALLENGES AND POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS

Abstract

This study investigates the pervasive identity crisis in Nigeria and
its implications for national unity, driven by growing concerns
over ethnic, religious, and regional affiliations that increasingly
shape interpersonal and institutional relationships. The study is
situated in Social Identity Theory, the study explains how groupbased identities fuel discrimination, sectionalism, and the
undermining of nationhood. Adopting a qualitative research
design, secondary data were sourced. The findings revealed that
identity markers such as tribe, religion, and region dominate
recruitment, governance, and public interactions, thereby
weakening national cohesion. The state's failure to promote equity
and inclusiveness, especially through biased political
appointments and uneven resource distribution, further
aggravates identity-based divisions. The study concludes that
unless Nigeria institutionalizes a truly inclusive and merit-based
system, the risk of social fragmentation and national instability
will persist. It recommends deliberate reforms in governance
structures, civic education, and the depoliticization of ethnicity
and religion in public affairs. Promoting a unified national
consciousness built on justice, equity, and shared values is vital to
reversing the current trajectory and fostering sustainable peace
and development.