The current federal structure emerged following Nigeria’s amalgamation in 1914. However, challenges such as a highly centralized system, unequal resource distribution, and a lack of true autonomy for the constituent states have plagued Nigeria’s practice of federalism.
Nigeria’s South-South geopolitical zone has been at the forefront of calls for restructuring and a return to the true principles of federalism. This region has experienced the brunt of the defective federal structure, with the effects of non-adherence to federalism being the most pronounced.
And the absence of true federalism has weakened other regions’ productivity, input, and economic potential.
The concentration of resources and decision-making in Abuja, resulting from the centralization of power at the federal level, is evident in the Nigerian security apparatus’s operations. For example, when bandits kill farmers in Warri, the Inspector General of Police in Abuja must issue an order before the police in that community can take action to defend the citizens. This undemocratic practice has fuelled agitations for self-determination and even the threat of secession in some parts of the country. If the police inspector general belongs to the same ethnic group as the alleged bandit, this is unlikely to happen.
In order to correct this abnormal structure, the Nigerian state has had several constitutions and constitutional conferences pre- and post-independence, aimed at addressing the country’s federal structural challenges.
The first and subsequent constitutions came into effect after the amalgamation in 1914.
- The Clifford Constitution of 1922 was Nigeria’s first constitution, introduced by Governor Hugh Clifford. It established the principle of separate representation for the northern and southern regions.
- The 1946 Richards Constitution introduced regionalism and allowed for the creation of three regions in Nigeria: the Northern, Western, and Eastern regions. This restructuring was enabled to bring governance to the people.
- The 1951 Macpherson Constitution expanded the legislative councils and increased regional autonomy. It also introduced the concept of regional ministerial government.
- The 1954 Lyttleton Constitution granted Nigeria internal self-government and introduced a federal system with three regions and a central government.
- The 1960 Independence Constitution granted Nigeria full independence from British colonial rule and established a federal system with three regions and a central government.
- The Republican Constitution of 1963: This constitution established Nigeria as a republic with a president as head of state. It also replaced the Queen of England with a ceremonial president.
- In 1979, the military handed over power to civilian rule, resulting in the introduction of the Second Republic with a president as head of state and a bicameral legislature.
- After years of rule, the military introduced the 1999 Constitution, which currently governs Nigeria. It established the Fourth Republic, with a president as head of state and a bicameral legislature made up of the Senate and the House of Representatives. It also ushered in a divided judicial system. These include the common law system, inherited from British colonial rule, and the Islamic Sharia law operating in some northern states. The duality of the judicial system has sometimes led to conflicts and tension between the two systems, particularly in relation to issues such as women’s rights, child marriage, and freedom of religion.
However, despite these numerous constitutional reforms, the practice of true federalism has remained elusive in Nigeria. This inept approach has led to the underdevelopment of the constituent states, thereby raising one or two strong men, weaker institutions, and poorer citizenry.
In Switzerland, Germany, and other federal states, there is a clear demarcation of power between the federal and state governments, with the states enjoying a high degree of autonomy.
However, in Nigeria, the central government holds disproportionate power and control over 52% of national resources, leaving the 35 states with limited autonomy in managing their own affairs and shared resources, including the various security apparatuses such as the police and army. When there is true federalism, each state can protect themselves, leaving the territorial defense to the federal.
If Nigeria is to overcome its current challenges and achieve sustainable development, there is a need for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to return Nigeria to the principles of true federalism, where the constituent states will have full autonomy.
This will entail a significant devolution of power and resources from the federal government to the states, allowing them to have more control over their affairs and resources while developing at their own pace.
