The concept of super-diversity and trans-statism

I am going to use this article to describe two important concepts and explain how I will apply them to the current situation in the country. I will focus on a few key questions: Where are we now, and how did we get here? What do super-diversity and trans-statism mean? And finally, I will provide some closing remarks on the implications and profound impact on economic development.

Studying Nigerian development highlights the evolving nature of diversity post-independence. Over 63 years, historical trends shaped perceptions of multicultural groups, fueling debates rooted in ethnocentrism. Two choices emerge: allow misleading sentiments to persist with negative consequences or confront and appreciate contemporary diversity for transformative opportunities.

Beyond the initial considerations, super-diversity and trans-statism contribute to the cosmopolitan nature of modern entities.

We should decisively opt for the second choice, as Nigeria is now distinctly characterised by ‘super-diversity’ and ‘trans-statism’—two unique constructs that underscore the rich and complex nature of the country’s structure.

To begin with, what do super-diversity and trans-statism mean? By many measures, both concepts seek to underscore how society is characterised by an unprecedented level of diversity, encompassing various dimensions such as ethnicity, religion, language, and culture.

Super-diversity is a term used to describe a high degree of diversity within a given society, community or population. It acknowledges that unlike traditional notions of diversity that often focus on a binary understanding of majority and minority groups, the essence of super-diversity emphasises the presence of numerous and intersecting social categories. These categories can include differences in ethnicity, culture, language, religion, gender, socioeconomic status, and more.

Trans-statism, on the other hand, explains when businesses, people, and industries move around within a country, ignoring the usual state borders. This happens because they’re looking for better economic chances, more industry growth, and the appeal or allure of resources. It’s a way of saying that traditional ideas about how each state operates on its own are changing. Trans-statism helps us understand how economic activities can spread across different parts of a country instead of staying within specific state lines.

Why are these two concepts important?

Since the 1970s, accelerated urbanisation fuelled by Nigeria’s oil boom has given rise to a surge in trans-statism. This trend has spawned waves of migration from diverse locations, propelled by a range of motives, including occupational, social, and, notably, economic factors. From the 1980s to the present day, this movement has distinctly reshaped Nigeria’s landscape, with Lagos state, in particular, undergoing a transformative shift marked by what I term as ‘super-diversity’.

There are compelling reasons why the concepts of super-diversity and trans-statism stand out. First and foremost, it is inadequate to view them solely through the narrow lens of ethnicity or state of origin. An illustration helps here: imagine a state where the convergence and influence of people from various locations have resulted in notable economic success, characterised by low unemployment rates and increased commerce. In such a scenario, the credit for the achievements would rightly be attributed to the state as a whole. This exemplifies the dynamic interplay of super-diversity and trans-statism in action and emphasises the need to view them through a multi-dimensional lens.

Beyond the initial considerations, super-diversity and trans-statism contribute to the cosmopolitan nature of modern entities. Despite their strengths, these aspects are frequently overlooked and viewed with suspicion. For example, in elections, there’s a pervasive distrust of individuals from diverse backgrounds, as the essence of super-diversity suggests that people with multifaceted identities might shape outcomes in alignment with their principles.

Critics who resist the influence of super-diversity and trans-statism often resort to fostering bias, discord, and the infamous spectre of ethnic prejudice. Such tactics may yield short-term victories, but the underlying reasons for such group animosities and fears endure, echoing patterns seen in Western societies’ sentiments against immigrants.

That is not the path to take, and such an assumption is false but needs to be contested and corrected. The focus should be on whether and how rapidly the value of super-diversity and trans-statism can lead to more social cohesion and integration, such that they are not only recognised as relevant but also to what degree – a point I will come to in a moment.

I propose a forward-looking perspective for the nation on how super-diversity and trans-statism can significantly influence economic performance. The key to an improved growth trajectory lies in whether policymakers will leverage the profound strengths of super-diversity and trans-statism or opt to use policy as a retaliatory tool to enforce perceived political sanctions. While it is premature to make definitive conclusions, it seems reasonable to assert that economic growth cannot be achieved by isolated actors. Instead, growth can be attained through interconnected networks of super-diversity and trans-statism that frame the economic synergies necessary for societies to flourish.

King Omeihe is the President of the Academy for African Studies and serves as a Senior Economic Advisor at Marcel. He holds the position of Associate Professor at the University of the West of Scotland.