Many Nigerians believe that a regional system of government offers a solution to some of the country’s problems. Discussions about Nigeria returning to a regional system of government have resurfaced, gaining legitimacy. Two weeks ago, a draft bill proposing the re-adoption of regionalism went viral on social media, prompting the House of Representatives to deny its existence. The bill, authored by Akin Fapohunda, a retired director in the federal civil service, seeks to introduce a new legal framework called “The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria New Governance Model for Nigeria Act 2024.”
Fapohunda plans to forward the document to President Bola Tinubu, who may present it to the National Assembly as an executive bill. This proposed model aligns with Nigerians’ calls for restructuring, evident in the positive reactions on social media. Although the call for regionalism is often politically motivated, many Nigerians see it as a potential solution to some of the country’s challenges.
### What is a Regional System of Government?
A regional system of government allows each region to control the resources within its territory and pay royalties to the central government. This contrasts with the current system, where economic power is centralized, and the federal government shares revenues with state and local governments. Nigeria is not unfamiliar with regionalism; in the 1950s, it operated under a model with a central government and three regional governments (Western, Eastern, and Northern), later adding a Mid-Western region in 1963.
This model lasted until 1966 when Nigeria’s first military Head of State, General Aguiyi Ironsi, introduced a unitary system of government aimed at fostering unity and national cohesion. Despite its tribalism, regionalism encouraged healthy competition and significant developments in the regions, driven by agrarian economies.
### The Government Structure
Between 1960 and 1963, Nigeria practiced a hybrid of regional and parliamentary systems, with Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe as the ceremonial president and Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa as the Prime Minister, the head of government. This system vested real power in the prime minister and allowed members of the executive to be part of the parliament.
### Reverting to a Regional System
If Nigeria re-adopts regionalism, the current federal structure would change to accommodate a prime minister and regional premiers. The National Assembly might be retained or modified to fit the new model, potentially supporting calls for a unicameral legislative body. Currently, Nigeria is divided into six regions: South West, South East, South South, North West, North East, and North Central. Under regionalism, these regions would control their resources and pay royalties to the federal government, which would no longer interfere in regional affairs.
### Key Issues Addressed by Regionalism
1. **Resource Control**: Each region would control its resources, such as oil in the South-South and minerals in other regions.
2. **Security**: Regions could tackle security challenges independently, establishing regional security outfits without federal intervention.
3. **Energy**: The recent electricity bill signed by President Tinubu allows state governments to generate, transmit, and distribute energy, solving a major problem for regional governance.
### Will Tinubu Return Nigeria to Regionalism?
It is too early to say, but President Tinubu appears to be laying the groundwork for a potential return to regionalism. His assent to the electricity bill and the revival of the old national anthem, a relic of the regional system, suggest a possible move towards true federalism, which he promised during his campaign.
Many Nigerians believe that a regional system of government offers a solution to some of the country’s problems. Discussions about Nigeria returning to a regional system of government have resurfaced, gaining legitimacy. Two weeks ago, a draft bill proposing the re-adoption of regionalism went viral on social media, prompting the House of Representatives to deny its existence. The bill, authored by Akin Fapohunda, a retired director in the federal civil service, seeks to introduce a new legal framework called “The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria New Governance Model for Nigeria Act 2024.”
Fapohunda plans to forward the document to President Bola Tinubu, who may present it to the National Assembly as an executive bill. This proposed model aligns with Nigerians’ calls for restructuring, evident in the positive reactions on social media. Although the call for regionalism is often politically motivated, many Nigerians see it as a potential solution to some of the country’s challenges.
### What is a Regional System of Government?
A regional system of government allows each region to control the resources within its territory and pay royalties to the central government. This contrasts with the current system, where economic power is centralized, and the federal government shares revenues with state and local governments. Nigeria is not unfamiliar with regionalism; in the 1950s, it operated under a model with a central government and three regional governments (Western, Eastern, and Northern), later adding a Mid-Western region in 1963.
This model lasted until 1966 when Nigeria’s first military Head of State, General Aguiyi Ironsi, introduced a unitary system of government aimed at fostering unity and national cohesion. Despite its tribalism, regionalism encouraged healthy competition and significant developments in the regions, driven by agrarian economies.
### The Government Structure
Between 1960 and 1963, Nigeria practiced a hybrid of regional and parliamentary systems, with Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe as the ceremonial president and Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa as the Prime Minister, the head of government. This system vested real power in the prime minister and allowed members of the executive to be part of the parliament.
### Reverting to a Regional System
If Nigeria re-adopts regionalism, the current federal structure would change to accommodate a prime minister and regional premiers. The National Assembly might be retained or modified to fit the new model, potentially supporting calls for a unicameral legislative body. Currently, Nigeria is divided into six regions: South West, South East, South South, North West, North East, and North Central. Under regionalism, these regions would control their resources and pay royalties to the federal government, which would no longer interfere in regional affairs.
### Key Issues Addressed by Regionalism
1. **Resource Control**: Each region would control its resources, such as oil in the South-South and minerals in other regions.
2. **Security**: Regions could tackle security challenges independently, establishing regional security outfits without federal intervention.
3. **Energy**: The recent electricity bill signed by President Tinubu allows state governments to generate, transmit, and distribute energy, solving a major problem for regional governance.
### Will Tinubu Return Nigeria to Regionalism?
It is too early to say, but President Tinubu appears to be laying the groundwork for a potential return to regionalism. His assent to the electricity bill and the revival of the old national anthem, a relic of the regional system, suggest a possible move towards true federalism, which he promised during his campaign.