The role of pressure groups in governance and public administration has become increasingly important. These groups work to put pressure on the administrative and political framework of a government. They aim to either further their interests or, at the very least, keep them from being marginalized. No system can function effectively if their opinions are not taken into consideration. In emerging and impoverished nations like Nigeria, where there is a shortage of various resources on the one hand and great poverty and hardship on the other, the impact on the government process is anticipated to be particularly significant. The pressure groups, which serve as a regulating factor, are necessary for the structural equilibrium.
This shows that they perform the duty of system upkeep. This article will teach you more about pressure groups, including its definition and several subcategories in Nigeria.
List of Pressure Groups In Nigeria
We’ll talk about the different pressure groups in Nigeria below.
1. Promotional Pressure Group
Promotional pressure groups are pressure organizations established for a goal other than the direct benefit of the members. They make an attempt to pursue a common goal that benefits the members of society. Promotional pressure groups include, but are not limited to, human rights organizations, anti-prejudice organizations, and numerous more organizations.
2. Economic Pressure Group
A pressure group that is considered to be an economic pressure group strives to defend and protect the financial interests of its members. This form of pressure organization is concerned with the welfare of the broader public. They ensure that policies adopted by the government promote economic prosperity for everybody. They make an effort to influence these governmental policies in order to ensure that their objectives are met.
Producers and manufacturers are likely included in this type of pressure group. Economic pressure group members oppose any bad legislation that would hurt the general public. The Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture and the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) are two examples of these pressure groups (NACCIMA).
3. Educational Pressure Group
Pressure organizations in the field of education seek to protect and promote the rights and interests of their members in the field of education. They achieve this by fighting against and influencing government policies that are detrimental to them in order to advance their desired objectives.
A few examples of pressure organizations in education include the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), and others.
4. Religious Pressure Group
To defend and protect the members’ religious issues, a pressure organization for religion is established. By influencing government policies in their favor, they are able to do this. This type of pressure group fights to uphold its religious beliefs and practices. Religious pressure group members attempt to change public policy so that it always supports their religion.
Examples of religious pressure groups in Nigeria include the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA). A strong religious group that defends and upholds the varied religious practices of Nigerian Christians is the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN). They also resist any government initiative that is detrimental to them. On the other hand, the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) is a pressure organisation that promotes and backs the religious practices and beliefs of Nigerian Muslims.
5. Social Pressure Group
Most social pressure organizations in the nation are founded by young people. This is yet another distinct pressure group type. It includes those who are defending and advancing their ideas in an effort to influence governmental decisions that are advantageous to their constituents. This type of pressure group is exemplified by the Red Cross Society, the Boys Scouts of America, the Girls Brigade, and numerous other groups.
6. Professional Or Occupational Pressure Group
Professional or occupational pressure groups are those that solely include members of the same profession or industry. This pressure group works to protect the industry’s end goal and boost its members’ professional interests.
When the government takes actions that don’t benefit them, they typically counterattack and fight back. Even though this type of pressure organization may not have a large membership, their efforts give them the influence they need to succeed.
Professional or occupational pressure groups include, but are not limited to, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and countless more groups.
7. Anomic Pressure Group
Anomic pressure groups are pressure organizations that lack structure and organization. They have a history of using demonstrations, protests, strikes, violence, and other vices to further the objectives of their groups. Members of these pressure groups frequently organize rallies and open demonstrations to swiftly achieve a similar goal.
8. Ethnic Pressure Group
Ethnic pressure groups are those who advocate on behalf of their ethnic community as a whole. The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Ijaw Youth Council (IJC), and countless more groups are excellent examples of ethnic pressure organizations in Nigeria.
Summary
A pressure group is a collection of people who cooperate to influence public policy for their own benefit and share a common interest, such as a profession or pastime. They occasionally concentrate on private companies whose activities have a substantial effect on the general public. In contrast to political parties, pressure organizations are not involved in actual government or seeking office. However, they might support certain people or groups that they feel would help their cause.