Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
A renewed debate over Nigeria’s system of governance has been sparked by comments from Gani Adams, who has called for an urgent return to what he describes as “true federalism,” warning that the country’s current structure is overly centralised and no longer reflects genuine federal principles.
Speaking during an interview on a current affairs programme aired by Eagle 102.5 FM in Ilese-Ijebu, Ogun State, Adams argued that Nigeria’s present system of governance has deviated significantly from the federal arrangement established at independence in 1960. According to him, the existing framework resembles a unitary system, with excessive concentration of authority at the federal level, limiting the autonomy of states and weakening their capacity to respond effectively to local challenges.
Adams traced the roots of the shift away from federalism to the 1966 Nigerian coup d'état, which he said marked a turning point in the country’s political evolution. He explained that military rule introduced a highly centralised administrative system that has persisted, even after Nigeria’s return to democratic governance in 1999. In his view, this centralisation has undermined the foundational principles of federalism, where federating units are expected to exercise significant control over their internal affairs.
He criticised the expansion of the exclusive legislative list, noting that the number of items under federal control has increased substantially over the years. According to Adams, this development has stripped states and local governments of essential powers, making it difficult for them to function effectively or implement policies tailored to their specific needs. He described the situation as one in which subnational governments are heavily dependent on directives and resources from the centre, thereby limiting innovation and responsiveness.
A key area of concern highlighted by Adams is security. He argued that the current arrangement has rendered state governors largely ineffective in their constitutionally designated role as chief security officers of their states. In practice, he said, control over key security agencies remains firmly in the hands of federal authorities, creating a disconnect between local leadership and operational command structures. This, he suggested, hampers swift and context-specific responses to security threats.
Adams advocated for the establishment of decentralised policing systems, including state and community policing, as a critical step toward addressing Nigeria’s complex security challenges. Drawing comparisons with United States, he noted that layered policing structures—comprising federal, state, and local agencies—enable more effective law enforcement in large and diverse societies. He argued that adopting a similar model in Nigeria would enhance accountability and improve security outcomes.
Addressing concerns that state-controlled police forces could be misused by political leaders, Adams dismissed such fears as overstated. He pointed out that even within the current centralised system, there have been allegations of security agencies being used for political purposes. According to him, the potential for abuse should not be a reason to resist reforms that could ultimately strengthen governance and public safety.
Beyond security, Adams linked Nigeria’s governance structure to broader economic challenges. He argued that the concentration of fiscal resources at the federal level has fostered a culture of dependency among states, many of which rely heavily on monthly allocations rather than developing sustainable internal revenue sources. This, he said, has stifled competition, innovation, and economic diversification across the country.
To illustrate his point, Adams referenced the achievements of prominent regional leaders in Nigeria’s early post-independence period, including Obafemi Awolowo and Samuel Ladoke Akintola. He noted that under the regional system, the Western Region recorded significant progress in areas such as education, industrial development, and infrastructure. Initiatives like free primary education and landmark projects, including the Cocoa House, were made possible by the level of autonomy enjoyed by regional governments at the time.
Adams lamented that such transformative developments have not been replicated in the current era, attributing this to the constraints imposed by centralisation. He argued that modern political leaders are often limited in their ability to pursue ambitious development agendas due to dependence on federal structures and resources.
The Yoruba leader also issued a cautionary note on the potential consequences of failing to address structural imbalances within the country. He warned that persistent dissatisfaction with the current system could fuel separatist sentiments in different parts of Nigeria. Drawing on global examples, he suggested that unresolved political and structural grievances have historically contributed to the fragmentation of nations.
His remarks come amid ongoing national conversations about constitutional reform and restructuring, with various stakeholders—including political leaders, civil society groups, and regional organisations—expressing differing views on the best path forward. While some advocate incremental reforms within the existing framework, others, like Adams, are calling for more fundamental changes to the distribution of power and resources.
Observers note that the issue of federalism has long been a recurring theme in Nigeria’s political discourse, reflecting the country’s complex diversity and the challenges of managing it effectively. The balance between unity and autonomy remains a central question, with implications for governance, development, and national cohesion.
Adams concluded by reiterating that restructuring is no longer optional but essential for Nigeria’s stability and progress. He emphasized that adopting true federalism would not only strengthen governance but also promote inclusivity, accountability, and sustainable development across all regions.
As discussions around Nigeria’s future continue, his comments are likely to add momentum to calls for reform, placing renewed pressure on policymakers to address longstanding concerns about the country’s political and administrative structure.
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