78 78 The Challenges of National Integration in Nigeria Joshua O. Nweke Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki Vol. 5 Issue 1, 2007 Abstract This paper interrogates the challenges of national integration in Nigeria. Several policies and programmes of government like harmonized state structure, establishment of National Youths Service Corps Scheme, Federal Character Commission have not been able to achieve the goal of unifying the peoples of Nigeria. The question is, what are the factors responsible for lack of unity, tribalism, nepotism, electoral malpractices, anarchy and social disorganisation, which are the bane of the Nigerian soda-political structure today? This paper provides answers to this question. It exposes the intricacies of national integration and seeks to x-ray the factors which hinder the realization of the dream of national integration and their possible alternatives. The identified alternatives deal with how to achieve the objective of national integration in Nigeria. Introduction This pape r addre sses i ssues related to integration among groups in Nigeria. It lays emphasis on the needs, policies and programmes for national unity. The major highlights of the paper are: the need for national integration; policies and progr a mmes of national integration in Nigeria, and the major factors against the realization of an integrated Nigeria. The paper ends by discussing issues that will help to build a Nigerian bloc which will stand to survive the developmental challenges facing her as a nation. In this process, inter and intra tribal conf licts will give way to progress and development. Theoret i cal Review The need for a strong al t er native to the problems confronting a mul t i cultural nation like Nigeria has br ought to the fore the concept of multi-culturalism. It is an approach whi ch postulates mechanisms that could address problems posed by dive r se cul tures. It is concerned with policy initiatives and programmes that are geared toward a united polity. From this point, there i s need to acknowledge the existence of diverse cultures and ensure the protection of the fundamental rights and responsibilities of individuals. Multi culturalism as an approach provides that people in a multi-cultural area like Nigeria are prepared and positioned to retain their culture and enjoy full access to participation and adhere to constitutional principles and commonly shared values prevailing in the society. (Inglis 1995). In light of the above position, issues relating to national integration can best be understood from the standpoint of structural functionalism. This theory sees the society as being patterned like a living body, made up of complex inter-relationships within connecting parts. A society like Nigeria is compared to living DOI: 10.36108/NJSA/7002/50(0160)