Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan highlighted the persistent challenge of national unity in Nigeria, despite over a century since the country's amalgamation.

Jonathan expressed concern that Nigerians continue to prioritize ethnic loyalties over a collective national identity, which he believes is a significant barrier to progress.

Jonathan remarked, "We must begin to take the whole country as our people if we are to get out of this quagmire." He emphasized that while Nigeria is not unique in its diversity, it remains a nation where citizens have yet to fully embrace a shared sense of belonging.

"As long as this persists, genuine development will remain elusive," he warned.

The former president pointed out that the forces pulling Nigerians apart along ethnic and regional lines are strong, urging a shift towards weakening these divisions.

"Currently, the forces pulling us apart are too strong. We must weaken the divisions along ethnic and regional lines and embrace the idea of a united nation," Jonathan stated.