Is Nigeria Still Practicing True Federalism?

A Critical Analysis of Federalism in Nigeria Under President Buhari

Introduction:

Federalism is a system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units, such as states or provinces.

In Nigeria, the federal system was adopted at independence in 1960. The country has since experienced periods of military rule and democratic governance.

This article examines the current state of federalism in Nigeria under President Muhammadu Buhari, who was elected in 2015.

Historical Background:

The Nigerian federal system was established by the Constitution of 1960. The constitution divided the country into three regions: the Northern Region, the Eastern Region, and the Western Region.

Each region had its own government and legislature, and was responsible for certain matters, such as education and health.

The federal government was responsible for matters of national importance, such as defense, foreign affairs, and currency.

Constitutional Provisions:

The 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended) provides for a federal system of government. The constitution divides the country into 36 states and a Federal Capital Territory.

The states have their own governments and legislatures, and are responsible for certain matters, such as education, health, and agriculture.

The federal government is responsible for matters of national importance, such as defense, foreign affairs, and currency.

Challenges to Federalism in Nigeria:

The Nigerian federal system has faced a number of challenges over the years, including:

• Ethnic and religious divisions: Nigeria is a diverse country with over 250 ethnic groups and 500 languages. These divisions have often led to tensions and conflicts between different groups.
• Economic inequality: There is a significant gap between the rich and the poor in Nigeria. This inequality has led to social unrest and has made it difficult for the government to provide essential services to all citizens.
• Political instability: Nigeria has experienced periods of military rule and democratic governance. This instability has made it difficult for the country to develop a stable and effective federal system.

The Buhari Administration:

President Muhammadu Buhari was elected in 2015 on a platform of change. He promised to tackle corruption, improve security, and revive the economy.

Buhari has taken a number of steps to strengthen federalism in Nigeria, including:

• Increasing the autonomy of the states: Buhari has given states more control over their own affairs. This includes the power to collect taxes and spend money.
• Reducing the size of the federal government: Buhari has reduced the number of ministries and agencies in the federal government. This has made the government more efficient and less bureaucratic.
• Promoting inter-governmental cooperation: Buhari has encouraged states to work together to solve common problems. This includes creating joint commissions and task forces.

Conclusion:

The Nigerian federal system is a complex and evolving system. It has faced a number of challenges over the years, but it has also shown a remarkable degree of resilience.

The Buhari administration has taken a number of steps to strengthen federalism in Nigeria. These steps have helped to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the government, and have given states more control over their own affairs.

The future of federalism in Nigeria is uncertain. However, the Buhari administration's commitment to strengthening the system is a positive sign.