Abstract The intricacies involved in nation building have developed various data on how best the Nigerian community should be governed to ensure its unity. To this extent, diverse measures and programmes have been put in place by government since 1999 to ensure that this is attained. However, studies have shown that there are differing opinions on what a ‘nation’ is, and what nation-building should entail. This article hopes to discuss some of these debates on nationalism by providing guidance in analyzing some of these perspectives as laid down by such scholars as Coleman, Sklar, among others. Next, it will explain the relevance of adopting a model or models in the journey to achieving a ‘true nation’ in a state like Nigeria and as well as to bring to bear the perspective that is best suited to the positive growth of Nigeria’s democracy and suggest strategies that could assist the state in the actualization of nationhood. Keywords: Democracy, Governance, Nation-Building, Nigeria, Politics.