Nigeria, as a multi-ethnic and multi-religious nation, faces persistent challenges in its pursuit of cohesive national development. Ethnicity and religion, rather than serving as cultural assets, have become tools of division, often manipulated for political gain. The politicisation of ethnic and religious identities has led to exclusionary governance, electoral violence, mistrust among groups, and uneven development across regions. These divisions are further deepened by the struggle for power and resources, which fuels identity-based competition rather than national unity.

This paper critically examines how ethnicity, religion, and politics intersect to shape Nigeria's developmental trajectory. It explores historical patterns of colonial-era identity management, the post-independence struggle for federal balance, and the modern implications of ethno-religious cleavages on national policy and economic planning. Through a qualitative analysis of political events, constitutional structures, and development outcomes, the paper highlights the institutional weaknesses and socio-political dynamics that hinder inclusive growth.

While the Nigerian state has made efforts—such as federal character principles and zoning arrangements—to manage diversity, these mechanisms have often reinforced identity politics rather than reduced them. The paper argues that unless ethnicity and religion are decoupled from political patronage systems, national development will remain uneven, fragile, and conflict-prone.