Three Reforms Nigeria Needs for a More Functional Federal System
Nigeria’s federal system remains heavily centralised despite the country’s ethnic, cultural and economic diversity. A more workable federation may require a renewed national agreement in which citizens and ethnic groups place a shared Nigerian interest above fears of domination or exclusion. Such an agreement should protect the rights of communities while strengthening loyalty to the country. The argument is that Nigeria needs an inclusive, credible platform for discussing its constitutional future and rebuilding trust among its different groups. States must also become more financially independent. Rather than relying mainly on monthly federal allocations, they should improve local revenue generation, develop competitive industries and take greater responsibility for public services. State policing is another major issue. If states are expected to manage local security and enforce their laws, they need properly regulated police structures that reflect local realities while operating within clear constitutional safeguards and national standards.
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