FEDERAL/UNITARY SYSTEMS OF GOVERNMENT IN WEST AFRICA

A federal system divides power between a central government and smaller regional governments, like Nigeria's 36 states and federal government. Each level has its own responsibilities—the federal government handles defence and foreign affairs, while states manage education and health. A unitary system concentrates power in one central authority, as seen in Ghana.

West African nations adopted these systems based on colonial history, ethnic diversity, and geography. Nigeria became federal because of its large population and numerous ethnic groups requiring shared governance. The federal structure includes three tiers: federal, state, and local governments, creating checks and balances.

Problems arise when resources are poorly distributed between levels, or when states feel their interests are ignored. Conflicts over revenue allocation frequently trouble Nigeria's system.

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