Ethnic Identity and Socioeconomic Development in Delta State

Abstract

Socioeconomic development in a multi-ethnic Federal System of Government such as Nigeria’s is
driven by a form of political ethnocentrism—where ethnic groups promote their own socio-
economic development at the expense of national prosperity. This study investigates the dynamics
between ethnic identity, politicking, and socioeconomic development in Delta State, Nigeria.
Employing a cross-sectional research design with a sample size of 373 respondents, the study
utilized multistage sampling and questionnaire-based data collection. Analysis revealed a
statistically significant positive correlation (r=0.011, p=0.011) between ethnic politicking and
socioeconomic development, indicating that as ethnic politicking levels rise, there is a slight
tendency for socioeconomic development to increase as well. Additionally, a significant difference
was found between ethnic identity and poverty in Delta State (F=0.925, p<0.001), highlighting the
distinctness of ethnic identity from poverty levels. The discussion delves into the implications of
these findings, aligning with existing literature that emphasizes the impact of ethnic identity on
political behavior, resource allocation, and development outcomes. Recommendations emphasize
leveraging ethnic identity for inclusive development discourse and poverty alleviation initiatives,
advocating for credible leadership and targeted policies to address regional disparities. This study
contributes to understanding the role of ethnic identity in shaping development trajectories, urging
policymakers to harness ethnic diversity as a catalyst for socioeconomic progress and equitable
resource distribution.