MANAGING DIVERSITY OR MANUFACTURING CONFLICT? FEDERAL CHARACTER VIOLATIONS AND THE ETHNIC CONCENTRATION OF POWER IN NIGERIA’S FRAGILE STATE

Nigeria’s federal character policy was designed to manage ethnic diversity and prevent domination by any single group in public institutions. Yet, persistent violations and elite manipulation have contributed to the ethnic concentration of power, fueling perceptions of marginalization and conflict. This paper examines whether the federal character principle genuinely manages diversity or inadvertently manufactures ethnic conflict. Using a qualitative methodology that combines documentary analysis with interviews, the study situates its findings within social identity, consociationalism, and horizontal inequality theories. The analysis reveals that systemic implementation weaknesses, patronage politics, and ethnic quota abuses have undermined equitable representation, deepened grievances, and eroded state legitimacy. The paper concludes with policy recommendations to strengthen legal enforcement, reinforce meritocracy, and ensure inclusive governance to prevent further destabilization in Nigeria’s fragile state.