In recent years, it has become increasingly evident that the current administration thrives on bravado and arrogance, often dismissing pressing matters that affect the lives of ordinary Nigerians. This offhand attitude suggests that critical issues will not receive genuine attention, neither now nor in the next four years if the administration maintains its grip on power.
This pattern is not surprising. The body language of our leadership often conveys a sense of superiority, as if they are speaking down to the very people they are meant to serve. One can only hope that this posture will shift when they seek the support of the electorate in 2026.
Economic retooling and reform will never achieve their full potential if we continue to grapple with deep-rooted structural schisms and dysfunctions. We must ask ourselves why there persists a national mindset that recognizes only one government in Nigeria—the Federal Government. The reality is that Nigeria is a federation of 36 states, a fact that seems lost on many, including those at the highest levels of power. While the President attempts to expand governance by including 774 local government areas, the fundamental issue remains: he retains control over the purse strings.
Each month, he distributes FAAC allocations to the 36 states while advocating for direct funding to local governments. Yet, the legal framework to facilitate this is still elusive. Palliative measures, such as distributing rice and cash transfers to the 130 million Nigerians living in multidimensional poverty, are merely band-aids on a much larger wound. The administration encourages citizens to seek solutions at the state and local government levels, which sounds logical on the surface, but it raises a critical question: what happened to the concept of devolution of powers?
The reliance on federal palliatives, such as cash transfers and food distributions, while well-intentioned, often amounts to temporary fixes that do not address the root causes of poverty and inequality. The distribution of rice and cash transfers to millions of Nigerians living in multidimensional poverty may provide immediate relief, but it does little to foster long-term economic empowerment or sustainability. Without a robust framework for local economic development, these measures can easily be seen as superficial solutions to a much larger, festering wound.
Moreover, the admonition from federal leaders for citizens to engage with their state and local governments, while logical in theory, often falls flat in practice. Citizens may be encouraged to seek solutions at the local level, but if those local governments are underfunded, overburdened, or lacking in capacity, the result is a disillusioned populace that feels abandoned by the very structures meant to serve them.
The need for constitutional reform is paramount. We cannot continue to apply temporary fixes to a rotting sore. The legacy of military rule has left us with an albatross—a governance structure that is ill-suited to address the complexities of our diverse nation.
It is time for us to advocate for a comprehensive review of our constitution—one that fosters decentralization and empowers states and local governments to take charge of their own development. A shift from a top-down approach to a more collaborative and participatory governance model is essential.
Engaging citizens in the decision-making process and ensuring that their voices are heard at all levels of government will lead to more effective and inclusive governance.
A Shift in Mindset
Ultimately, the challenges faced by Nigeria require a fundamental shift in mindset—from viewing governance as a top-down approach to embracing a more collaborative and participatory model. Engaging citizens in the decision-making process and ensuring that their voices are heard at all levels of government can lead to more effective and inclusive governance.
This shift is not only about structural changes but also about fostering a culture of accountability and transparency. Leaders must recognize that their authority derives from the consent of the governed and that they are accountable to the citizens they serve. This recognition can help bridge the gap between government and the people, fostering a sense of shared purpose and collective responsibility.
A decentralized governance structure would empower states and local governments to take charge of their development initiatives, fostering accountability and responsiveness to the specific needs of their communities. This shift would encourage innovation and allow for tailored solutions that reflect local realities, rather than imposing federal solutions that may not be suitable for all regions.
Devolution of powers can also enhance democratic governance by bringing decision-making closer to the people. When citizens feel that they have a stake in their local governance and that their voices matter, they are more likely to engage in the political process and hold their leaders accountable. This engagement is crucial for building a more resilient and responsive governance framework.
In this context, I commend the President for ensuring that the Supreme Court of Nigeria passed a judgment on financial autonomy. This highlights the urgent need for the National Assembly to pursue constitutional amendments that will grant local governments political autonomy as well.
Usman Okai Austin
Public Affairs Analyst
Writes From Abuja
