09/12/2025
Nigeria’s existing federal system has been characterized by a concentration of power and resources at the national level, with limited autonomy for state governments. Critics have argued that this centralized approach has stifled the ability of states to effectively address local needs and contribute to national development.
Proponents of devolution believe that by transferring more power and resources to state governments, Nigeria can create a more balanced and effective federal system. They argue that devolution would enable state governments to be “politically virile, legislatively strong, and financially resilient” as Peter Mbah, the governor of Enugu state, said.
Devolution can foster economic growth and development by empowering states to harness their resources, invest in infrastructure, and implement policies tailored to their unique needs and potentials. State governments would have greater control over revenue generation and allocation, allowing for more responsive and accountable governance.
Peter Mbah, the governor of Enugu State, has asserted that Nigeria’s highly-centralized federalism has not allowed it to be dynamic enough to move at an appreciable speed, remarking, “We run this federal system like a man with 36 children, but who overworked a few till they became too weak.”
Professor Emmanuel Ojo, a Professor of Political Economy at the University of Ilorin, in a webinar with the theme “Towards a True Federalism in Nigeria: Challenges and Prospects” in August 2023, argued that Nigeria’s federal system needs to be further restructured to “be non-centralized or unitary” as devolving more power and resources to the states would ensure that “they will be self-confident centres of power with which the citizenry will identify with and remain loyal.”
He further noted that the states would be able to generate sufficient internal revenue to sustain their affairs and that if state governments are made politically virile, legislatively strong, and financially resilient, they will be able to pull through economically.
Devolution of power can also promote healthy competition among states, incentivizing them to innovate and perform better to attract investments and provide quality services to their citizens. This approach can help drive efficiency, accountability, and economic development across the country.
In conclusion, devolving power from the national government to state governments in Nigeria is a crucial step towards building a more decentralized and effective governance structure. By allowing states to be politically virile, legislatively strong, and financially resilient, Nigeria can unlock its full potential for development and progress. HE Pressient Tinubu do this and Nigeria will write your name in Gold.