As Nigeria grapples with numerous governance challenges, the call for a return to a regional system of government has gained significant momentum. This system, which Nigeria practiced before the 1966 military coup, was marked by substantial regional autonomy. It allowed the different regions to govern themselves effectively, leveraging their unique resources and cultural strengths to drive development. Revisiting this model today is not only rooted in historical precedent but is increasingly seen as a necessary step to address the current inefficiencies and challenges facing the nation.
During the pre-1966 period, Nigeria was divided into three main regions: the Western, Eastern, and Northern regions. Each of these regions experienced substantial economic growth driven by their respective agricultural resources. For instance, the Western Region, under the leadership of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, thrived on the production of cocoa, which funded significant investments in education and infrastructure. This period also saw the establishment of Africa’s first television station and the implementation of free primary education—an unprecedented achievement at the time.
Similarly, the Eastern Region, led by Dr. Michael Okpara, made remarkable progress through the cultivation of palm oil and cassava, while the Northern Region, under Sir Ahmadu Bello, capitalized on groundnut and cotton farming to fuel its development. These regions were not only self-sustaining but also contributed royalties to the federal government, demonstrating a successful model of fiscal federalism. This era is often cited as a time when Nigeria’s regions were competitive and progressive, contributing to national growth while maintaining a degree of autonomy that allowed for tailored economic and social policies.
The centralization of power following the 1966 coup disrupted this system, leading to the creation of smaller, less viable states and a concentration of power in the federal government. This shift has been accompanied by increased inefficiencies, corruption, and a general decline in the pace of development. Today, there is a growing consensus that a return to a regional system could address these issues by reducing the inefficiencies of the current federal structure, empowering local governments, and allowing for more region-specific governance.
A regional system would also mitigate the problem of incompetent state governors and the pilfering of local government funds. By consolidating governance at the regional level, it would ensure that only the most capable leaders, with a broader mandate, rise to power, thus reducing opportunities for corruption and mismanagement. Moreover, the return to regionalism could finally address the inefficiency of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which has often been criticized for its partiality and ineffectiveness. With regions having more control over their affairs, electoral processes could be localized, reducing the influence of a centralized electoral body and ensuring that elections are more reflective of the local populace’s will.
Abolishing Nigeria’s current bicameral legislature in favor of regional legislatures could significantly enhance governance by reducing costs, increasing legislative efficiency, and fostering better regional representation. The high expenses associated with maintaining two legislative chambers, coupled with the inefficiencies and delays in the lawmaking process, suggest that a streamlined, single-chamber system within regional governments could be more effective. This approach would also decentralize power, allowing regions to address their unique needs more directly, improving accountability and reducing the dominance of the central government. By aligning legislative power with regional interests, this shift could lead to a more responsive and balanced governance structure across the country.
Advocates argue that regional government could address many of Nigeria’s ongoing issues, including nepotism, ethnic tension, mismanagement, and the inefficiencies created by a bloated federal structure. A regional system promises enhanced economic autonomy and development, allowing regions to manage their resources and tailor economic policies to local needs. This could lead to faster development and a more equitable distribution of wealth, building on the successes observed in the early years of Nigeria’s independence when regional competition spurred infrastructure growth and innovation.
Additionally, by addressing ethnic and regional imbalances, a regional government could empower local communities to have greater control over their affairs, reducing the feeling of disenfranchisement among various ethnic groups and potentially easing ethnic tensions. Decentralization could lead to more accountable governance, with power devolved closer to the people, ensuring that local governments and leaders are more directly answerable to their constituents.
However, a shift to regional governance will not come without its challenges. Political resistance, particularly from northern regions, is significant, as there are fears that decentralization could lead to economic disadvantages and political marginalization. Ethnic tensions could also increase within newly formed regions, especially in areas with diverse populations. Additionally, the logistical hurdles of transitioning to a regional system would require careful planning, including drafting new constitutions, creating new administrative structures, and ensuring that the transition does not disrupt governance or public services.
Despite these challenges, the move towards regional government and decentralization in Nigeria is supported by many as a solution to the country’s numerous governance issues. The success of such a shift would depend on broad-based consensus, careful planning, and the ability to navigate the intricate ethnic and political landscape of the country.
Ultimately, returning to a regional system of government in Nigeria is not only a return to a proven model of governance but also a necessary step towards resolving many of the deep-seated issues that have hampered Nigeria’s progress for decades. It offers a path to more effective governance, economic self-sufficiency, and political stability, all of which are critical for Nigeria’s future. By learning from the successes of the pre-1966 regional governments, Nigeria can once again harness the full potential of its diverse regions, driving national growth and prosperity.
Hon. Chima Nnadi-Oforgu
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