Restructuring, a hot-button issue in the Nigerian polity that does not look like it is going away any time soon, came back on the frontburner after the President of African Development Bank (AfDB), Akinwumi Adesina, proposed renaming the country from the Federal Republic of Nigeria (FRN) to the United States of Nigeria (USN).
Adesina made the suggestion in a lecture delivered as part of his acknowledgment of the 2024 Obafemi Awolowo Prize for Leadership on Wednesday, March 6.
Speaking under the theme “Making a New Nigeria: Welfarist Policies and People-Centred Development”, Adesina, while advocating for significant changes, suggested that renaming the country to the ‘United States of Nigeria’ would shift the dynamics between the states and Abuja. He proposed that under this framework, the states would assume a pivotal role while the central authority would offer support rather than exerting dominance.
“With good governance, better accountability systems, and zero tolerance for corruption, more economically stronger constituent states would emerge! We would unleash massive wealth across the states. A New Nigeria would arise!” he said.
While the nomenclature may be new, the idea behind it is what many political analysts have been echoing, that restructuring Nigeria was the only way to see a drastic improvement in the country.
What United States of Nigeria implies
The Nigerian system of government and the US system are similar but have some major differences. For instance, the US has an Electoral College system and practices state autonomy, where each state relates with the other as independent entities.
To adopt this system, Nigeria would need to grant more autonomy and powers to its states, similar to the degree of autonomy enjoyed by individual states in the United States. This could involve devolving certain responsibilities such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure to the states, allowing them greater control over their own affairs which in turn will lead to state development. It would give the governorship position in each Nigerian state more prominence and authority. States would interact with each other as sovereign entities, engaging in interstate cooperation, negotiations, and agreements on matters of mutual interest such as trade, security, and infrastructure development.
Nigeria would need to adopt principles of true fiscal federalism, whereby states have greater control over their finances and revenue generation. This could involve granting states more authority to collect taxes, manage their budgets, and allocate resources according to their own priorities.
States would need to draft and adopt their own law taking a cue from the country’s constitution. These laws would outline the structure of state government, the division of powers, and the rights of citizens within each state. They would operate alongside the federal constitution, providing additional layers of governance and legal framework at the state level.
Adopting the US system of state government would decentralize power, enhance local governance, and promote greater accountability and responsiveness to the needs of Nigerian citizens at the state level.
However, it would require significant institutional reforms, a rethink of the constitution and a shift in the political culture to effectively implement such changes.
Developing the resources of each state in Nigeria could have significant benefits if Nigeria were to adopt a system similar to the United States.
Some Nigerian states and their comparative advantage
Virtually every state in Nigeria is blessed with numerous natural and mineral resources which, if properly utilized, would place each on a higher pedestal of development for the overall betterment of the country and its citizens.
Lagos
With its strategic location, vibrant economy, and port facilities, Lagos State could focus on further developing its financial services, trade, and transportation sectors. This could create more job opportunities, attract investment, and improve infrastructure, leading to a higher standard of living for its residents. Also, with the Dangote Refinery, Lagos State will also be a beneficiary of the oil and gas industry.
Edo
Edo State, known for its cultural heritage, is rich in agricultural resources, such as oil palm. The state is also blessed with mineral deposits such as bitumen, clay dolomite, phosphate, glass-sand, gold, gypsium, iron-ore, lignite, limestone, marble, and oil and gas. The reforms of the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration in the last over seven years have taken the state to a new pedestal of development, but the state stands the chance of realising its full potential faster if it is allowed to harness these natural resources on its own and further open up for more investments.
Kano
Known for its agricultural potential, Kano State could prioritize modernizing its farming techniques, investing in agribusiness, and expanding its food processing industry. This could increase food security, reduce poverty, and stimulate economic growth, benefitting both rural and urban populations.
Rivers
Rich in natural resources, particularly oil and gas, Rivers State could invest in infrastructure for petroleum refining, petrochemicals, and other related industries. This could create employment opportunities, boost government revenue, and support the development of ancillary services, improving quality of life for its citizens.
Ogun
With Ogun State’s fertile land and its proximity to Lagos, the state could focus on industrialization, manufacturing, and technology-based industries. Developing these sectors could attract investors, create jobs, and promote innovation, ultimately raising the living standards of its residents.
Cross River
Blessed with diverse ecosystems, Cross River State could invest in ecotourism, agriculture, and renewable energy projects. This could stimulate economic growth, preserve biodiversity, and empower local communities through sustainable development initiatives.
Akwa Ibom
Akwa Ibom State is known for its oil and gas reserves. As such, the state could invest in refining capacity, petrochemicals, and alternative energy sources such as solar and wind power. This diversification could create employment opportunities, boost revenue generation, and promote sustainable development in the state.
Oyo
With its fertile land and favourable climate, Oyo State could focus on agriculture, agro-processing, and food manufacturing. By modernizing farming practices, improving infrastructure, and supporting small-scale farmers, Oyo State could enhance food security, increase income levels, and stimulate rural development.
Enugu
Rich in coal deposits and other mineral resources, Enugu State could prioritize the development of its mining sector, as well as invest in manufacturing and industrialization. This could create employment opportunities, attract investment, and drive economic growth, particularly in rural areas.
Delta
Another oil-rich state, Delta State could leverage its natural resources to develop downstream industries such as petroleum refining, petrochemicals, and fertilizer production. This could create value-added products, generate revenue, and foster economic diversification, reducing the state’s reliance on oil revenue.
Kaduna
With its strategic location and solid infrastructure, Kaduna State could become a hub for manufacturing, logistics, and transportation. By attracting investment in these sectors, Kaduna State could create employment opportunities, stimulate economic growth, and improve connectivity within the region.
Bayelsa
Bayelsa, another oil-producing state, is also rich in marine resources. The state could focus on leveraging these marine resources for fishing, aquaculture, and marine tourism. This could create livelihood opportunities for coastal communities, diversify the economy, and promote sustainable use of natural resources.
Imo
With its educated workforce and potential for technology and innovation, Imo State could prioritize investments in information technology, software development, and digital services. This could attract tech companies, create high-paying jobs, and position Imo State as a technology hub in Nigeria.
Kwara
Known for its agricultural potential and central location, Kwara State could invest in agribusiness, food processing, and agricultural logistics. By improving access to markets and enhancing value chains, Kwara State could increase agricultural productivity, create employment opportunities, and boost rural development.
Sokoto
Sokoto State is rich in agricultural resources, including cotton, millet, sorghum, and livestock. It also has mineral deposits such as gold and limestone. Investing in irrigation schemes and modern farming techniques would increase agricultural productivity and food security. Promoting value-added processing industries and improving access to markets would create employment and boost incomes, improving the well-being of the Sokoto people.
Katsina
Katsina State is one of the leading agricultural producers in Nigeria, with crops such as millet, sorghum, maize, and cowpeas. It also has mineral deposits, including kaolin and gypsum. Investing in agricultural infrastructure, such as irrigation systems and storage facilities, would increase productivity and reduce post-harvest losses. Supporting agro-processing industries and providing access to credit and markets would create jobs and improve livelihoods for the people of Katsina State.
Niger
Niger State is endowed with agricultural resources, including millet, sorghum, rice, and livestock, as well as mineral deposits such as gold, limestone, and gypsum. Developing irrigation schemes and modernizing agriculture would boost productivity and food security. Expanding mining operations and supporting value-added processing industries would create employment opportunities and stimulate economic growth, benefitting the people of Niger State.
Osun
With abundant mineral resources and a strong cultural heritage, Osun State could focus on mining, tourism, and cultural industries. This could stimulate economic growth, preserve historical sites, and create jobs in sectors such as hospitality, arts, and crafts.
Ekiti
With its fertile soil and suitable climate, Ekiti State could prioritize agricultural development, particularly in high-value crops such as cocoa, cashew, and vegetables. By supporting smallholder farmers, promoting agricultural research, and improving market access, Ekiti State could enhance food security, increase rural incomes, and reduce poverty.
Final word
Developing these sectors as a comparative advantage in each of these states could unlock their full economic potential, lead to infrastructural development, create employment opportunities, and improve the quality of life for their residents as well as attract investors.
