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Ethno-religious and political sentiments coupled with centrifugal forces of tribal entitlement known as the ‘son of the soil’ syndrome have made the process of nation-building so tasking in Nigeria. This barbaric entitlement mentality has continued to dominate Nigerians’ daily life experience of their coexistence through the dark lenses of parochialism and sectionalism. By so doing they demonstrate their allegiance first to their community at the expense of the primordial state. Hence, ethnicity has been weaponised and constitutes a major prerequisite for getting enlisted in school and, civil service and even recently became an alibi for voting people into elective positions with little or no regard for merit and competence. The implication is that this unbridled chauvinism negates the philosophy of 'one people great nation' and becomes an obstacle to the process of nomination-buildings study, therefore, adopts historical research methodology using both primary sources which comprise oral interviews with the relevant stakeholders across Nigeria and secondary sources such as books, journal articles, magazines, newspapers, and other unpublished works. Findings reveal that nation- building can only be achieved if certain beliefs and practices that give undue advantages and preferences to the so-called ‘Son of the Soil’ be abolished, as this will create equal opportunity for Nigerians irrespective of place of birth, ethnic affiliation, religion inclination, political leanings as well as promoting a sense of belonging and ensuring quality delivery at all levels of governance.

Ethnic Nationalism, Trajectory, Nation Building, Post-Independence, Nigeria,