MARGINALIZATION AND DISCRIMINATION IN NIGERIA: A LEGAL POINTER TO THE DICTATES OF THE 1999 CONSTITUTION OF NIGERIA

Abstract

Marginalization and discrimination are twin factors that grossly undermine the socio-economic
development of Nigeria. The geographical entity called Nigeria has over 250 ethnic groups with cultural,
linguistic and religious distinctions, brought together by British colonists, without their consent. This
development made marginalization and discrimination against certain persons or groups on the basis of
age, sex, ethnicity, religion, political opinions and other social considerations to grow unabated. Our
extant Constitution, in section 42 (1), prohibits discrimination based on the above-mentioned
considerations. This journal article examined the causes and various dimensions of marginalization and
discrimination in our society vis-à-vis the various provisions and gaps in the 1999 Constitution of the
Federal Republic of Nigeria in stemming the tide of the monster called marginalization and
discrimination. The researchers deployed doctrinal methodology with analytical, descriptive and
prescriptive approaches in recommending equal treatment between women and male counterparts,
amendment of the provision of the extant Constitution on citizenship that discriminate against women,
having a national dialogue that will solve national integration problems, and strengthening of the
Federal Character Commission for effective enforcement of Federal Character Principle.