Nigeria is undoubtedly one of the most diverse societies if not the most diverse society in the world. It is home to more than 300 ethnic groups who majorly practice the religions of Christianity and Islam each with its own distinct culture, way of life and general world view. This heterogeneity prompted, even before the attainment of independence in 1960, the adoption and practice by the state of the principles of federalism as the only mechanism through which the nation can successfully manage its diversity. The fact that Nigeria must remain a federal state is one of the few cardinal principles upon which virtually all the different regions and segments of the society are agreed. However, significant and increasing differences exist as to the features which the nation’s federal structure should possess. These discourse has been framed in the media and the general public as the “restructuring” debate. While proponents of restructuring have campaigned for the devolution of some items contained in schedule 2 which contains the exclusive list of powers to the states, its opponents have argued that the status quo should remain while some have even gone further to advocate for an increment in the powers of the federal government to the detriment of the states.
I have read quite extensively, the comprehensive rationale for the positions of the differing schools of thought and have found myself agreeing with at least some of the views advanced by the differing camps. However, I align more with the position of those who argue for the devolution of more powers to the states. My position is based on the fact that I believe that some of the dysfunction the nation finds itself in at present can be attributed, at least partly to the improper allocation of powers to levels of government which are not best positioned to exercise those powers. This misallocation has in my opinion, contributed to the nation’s problems in the economic as well as security arena.
It has been posited by notable Nigerian egg-heads, and I agree, that the non-viability of most Nigerian States and the chronic dependence on allocation from the federation account is an offshoot of the disposal of the most productive sectors of the economy such as the control of natural resources and the bulk of the revenue derived from it within the exclusive legislative competence of the federal government and the failure of the central government to exploit these resources. Natural resources are the major revenue base of 3rd world countries such as Nigeria so it is to be expected that the economic fortunes of the states would be largely dependent on the central government’s management or mismanagement of this sector. The federal government’s track record denotes the former as it has clearly displayed an unwillingness or to put it plainly, a lack of capacity to explore and develop these mineral resources which are abundant throughout the various states and geopolitical zones of the federation. It has therefore failed to develop a solid base for the states upon which they can prosper and economically diversify thus making most states of the federation no matter the mineral endowment within its territory, precariously dependent on the monthly handouts given in Abuja. The allocation of other critical economic sectors and enablers such as corporate matters and electricity as well as the taxes derived from these areas to the exclusive list are also other constitutional provisions which have led to the states being economically beholden to a grossly incompetent central government resulting in their inability to chart their own economic destinies. The economic impotence of the states has in turn dampened the economic fortunes of the entire nation flowing from the elementary principle that the strength of the parts determines that of the whole. One of the benefits inherent in the practice of federalism is the ability of different states to progress at their own pace utilizing their advantages and resources. While some states will initially lag, some will move at an appreciable pace and serve as an inspiration which will eventually pull along those lagging behind. This can however only take place when the states are sufficiently empowered with the powers to determine to a reasonable extent, their own economic fortunes. Therefore, it is imperative that the control of critical economic sectors such as corporate matters, electricity, mineral resources and a number of other areas be devolved to the concurrent list with the state governments having the powers to grant mining licenses covering areas the federal government has not yet granted to other entities, regulate the provision of electricity even in areas already covered by the national grid as well as partly regulate the fiscal policies relating to companies such as the determination of state taxes payable by corporate firms.
The nation’s security crises is also another phenomenon which is at least, partly as a result of the federal structure currently being practised. The Nigerian constitution deposits the power to legislate, manage and control the Nigerian police force in the federal government. Even though it empowers the state governors to give orders to the commissioners of police deployed to their states, provided there is no counter order from the president, they are handicapped as regards dealing with items coming under the managerial sphere of the force. Such items include, the recruitment and training of officers, carrying out disciplinary measures and posting/reposting as well as the purchase of weapons for the police and other para military security agencies like the NSCDC. The glaring incompetence of the federal government in the handling of these affairs has created huge internal security challenges which would have been routinely handled had the police force had the necessary werewithal to do so. This situation has forced many a state government into the role of chief providers of the police commands domiciled in their states. Apart from the payment of salaries and the provision of arms and ammunitions, every other provision for the police force is made by the state governments. This includes the payment of allowances for undertaking routine security operations, the provision of operational vehicles as well as the provision of office spaces and accommodation for the officers and men of the force. In fact, it was widely reported few years ago that the governor of Ogun state, Ibikunle Amosun imported a large cache of weapons for the police command in his state. It would not be out of place to assume that more state governments have done the same for the units domiciled in their states. It is therefore only logical given the better handling of the police force by the state governments for police matters be devolved to the concurrent list giving the federal and sub-national units equal rights to establish and control their own police forces with the federal police restricted to specific matters such as dealing with terrorism and other cross border crimes, providing security for elections as well as performing elementary policing duties in states which do not have the capacity or desire to establish their own police force. It will definitely have some positive effects on the internal security situation of the country as law and order is a local problem best handled at the local level.
Given Nigeria’s long history of centralization arising from the over 29 years of military rule, efforts at decentralization must ideally be done gradually over a considerable period of time to avoid the shocks that come from instant fundamental disruptions. The effort must be guided by the knowledge that it is not an avenue to punish some states or regions but rather a means of energizing the states to become economic contributors to the Nigerian state rather than having them continually act as mere administrative centres.
It is pertinent to state that I am by no means claiming that the devolution of these powers to the states will eliminate the problems highlighted, neither am I under the illusion that the states are generally more competent than the federal government, given the state of affairs of matters within their constitutional powers, I am strongly of the opinion that granting the states more powers will give the nation a fighting chance of defeating its intractable ills. Out of the 36 states of the federation, at every dispensation, there exists some state governments headed by visionary and competent governors who know their onions and who can properly utilize more powers for the betterment of their states. The success achieved will surely spur other state governments lagging behind to step up and deliver results. These sub national successes will eventually compound and ensure at least, a more stable, secure and prosperous Nigeria.
Nnaemeka Emma Chikezie Esq. 08160378991
