A Failing State and Society Relations in Nigeria

Abstract

Nigeria’s post-independence optimism has steadily eroded under the weight of political instability, institutional fragility, and socio-economic disparity. Despite having abundant resources and democratic openings, the state has failed to fulfill its basic responsibilities, resulting in widespread distrust and adversarial relations between the state and society. This study examines the persistent governance failures and proposes a tripartite typology of societies, categorized as Cultural, Rule-Based, and Survival-Based, to analyze the dissonance between Nigeria’s formal institutions and the everyday survival strategies adopted by citizens. Drawing on empirical indicators and theoretical insights, the paper argues that Nigeria’s developmental crisis is rooted not only in weak institutions but also in a hybrid societal logic that combines communal norms, dysfunctional modernity, and survivalist practices. This heuristic offers a nuanced perspective on understanding the complex dynamics that undermine state legitimacy and social cohesion. Ultimately, the study provides an analytical basis for rethinking governance reforms that align institutional structures with the socio-cultural realities of Nigerian society.