The Structre and Workings of Nigerian Federalism | Jamb Government

The Structure and Workings of Nigerian Federalism

1. Nigeria operates a federal system of government where powers are shared between the central and sub-national units.
2. The 1999 Constitution (as amended) is the legal foundation for federalism in Nigeria.
3. Nigeria has three tiers of government: federal, state, and local.
4. The federal government oversees national defense, foreign policy, and currency control.
5. State governments have authority over areas like education, health, and agriculture.
6. Local governments are responsible for grassroots development and community services.
7. Nigeria’s federalism includes 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
8. The country is further divided into 774 local government areas (LGAs).
9. Each level of government has its own executive, legislature, and judiciary.
10. The constitution divides powers into exclusive, concurrent, and residual legislative lists.
11. The exclusive list contains areas only the federal government can legislate on.
12. The concurrent list allows both federal and state governments to legislate.
13. Residual powers are left to the states.
14. Federalism allows ethnic and regional diversity to coexist within one nation.
15. Nigeria’s federal structure aims to decentralize power and promote national unity.
    paragraph

Rationale for a Federal System in Nigeria

16. Nigeria is a multi-ethnic, multi-religious, and culturally diverse country, making federalism essential.
17. Federalism helps in managing diversity and promoting peaceful coexistence.
18. It allows for local autonomy and decision-making at the grassroots.
19. The system prevents the concentration of power in a central authority.
20. Federalism enables regional development by allowing states to pursue their priorities.
21. It encourages competition and innovation among states.
22. The federal structure was adopted to reflect Nigeria’s colonial history of regional governance.
23. It helps balance majority-minority ethnic interests.
24. Federalism provides a platform for power sharing and political participation across regions.
25. It serves as a conflict management tool in deeply divided societies like Nigeria.
    paragraph

**Tiers of Government and Their Relationship in Nigeria

26. The federal tier is the highest level, with nationwide authority.
27. State governments are semi-autonomous units within the federation.
28. Local governments function under the supervision of state governments.
29. The constitution outlines areas of responsibility for each tier.
30. States receive allocations from the federal government but have their own revenue sources.
31. Local governments depend largely on state and federal allocations.
32. Relationships among the tiers are defined by constitutional provisions and intergovernmental cooperation.
33. The Joint Allocation Committee coordinates fund distribution to LGAs.
34. Tensions sometimes arise due to overlapping functions and funding disputes.
35. Effective intergovernmental relations are essential for policy coherence and service delivery.
    paragraph

Creation of States in 1963

36. In 1963, the Mid-Western Region was carved out from the Western Region.
37. This was Nigeria’s first internal creation of a region after independence.
38. The demand was based on ethnic and political marginalization.
39. The new region gave the Edo-speaking people a political voice.
40. It marked the beginning of Nigeria’s journey toward a multi-state federal structure.
    paragraph

Creation of States in 1967

41. General Yakubu Gowon created 12 states to replace the 4 existing regions.
42. The move was partly to weaken secessionist tendencies, particularly from the Eastern Region.
43. This restructuring followed the escalation of ethnic tensions and political instability.
44. The new states aimed to ensure minority protection and equitable governance.
45. This was a key moment in Nigeria’s civil war history, aimed at national unity.
    paragraph

Creation of States in 1976

46. Under General Murtala Mohammed, Nigeria’s states increased from 12 to 19.
47. The restructuring was influenced by recommendations of the Irikefe Panel.
48. The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) was also created in 1976.
49. The aim was to promote balanced development and reduce regional dominance.
50. New states like Benue, Ogun, Imo, and Bauchi were established.
51. The reform emphasized the importance of grassroots participation.
52. It was part of a broader plan for transition to civil rule.
53. The reform introduced a new local government structure.
54. It increased representation for ethnic minorities.
55. The process set a precedent for subsequent state creation exercises.
    paragraph

Creation of States in 1987

56. Akwa Ibom and Katsina States were created during General Babangida’s regime.
57. The number of states rose from 19 to 21.
58. The creation responded to long-standing demands for self-determination.
59. It reflected an ongoing trend toward decentralization.
60. It further solidified federalism as a political compromise tool.
    paragraph

Creation of States in 1991

61. General Ibrahim Babangida created 9 more states, raising the total to 30.
62. New states included Abia, Kebbi, Jigawa, Osun, and Enugu.
63. The exercise aimed to address ethnic marginalization.
64. The process was part of the transition to the Third Republic.
65. The reform encouraged grassroots governance and access to resources.
66. Some of the states were carved from previous creations (e.g., Enugu from Anambra).
67. Each state creation led to new local government areas.
68. The restructuring was welcomed but also intensified state creation demands.
69. The exercise attempted to achieve equity in federal appointments.
70. It shaped Nigeria’s current political and administrative geography.
    paragraph

Creation of States in 1996

71. Under General Sani Abacha, Nigeria’s state count increased to 36.
72. Six new states were created: Bayelsa, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Gombe, Nasarawa, and Zamfara.
73. This was the last major state creation in Nigeria to date.
74. It aimed to address minority grievances and decentralize power further.
75. The move was seen as politically strategic by Abacha’s regime.
76. It increased the number of senatorial districts and legislative seats.
77. It contributed to greater resource distribution and access.
78. It was welcomed by many marginalized groups.
79. However, it also raised issues of financial sustainability and duplication.
80. State creation requests have continued since then, but none have succeeded.
    paragraph

Problems of Nigerian Federalism (Census, Revenue Allocation, Conflicts, etc.)

81. Census controversies have led to political tensions and uneven representation.
82. Disputed population figures affect revenue allocation and constituency delineation.
83. Revenue allocation remains a contentious issue between federal, state, and local governments.
84. There is overdependence on oil revenues, leading to fiscal imbalance.
85. Ethno-regional conflicts weaken national integration.
86. States with more resources often feel exploited by federal control.
87. State boundary disputes sometimes lead to communal clashes.
88. The federal character principle is often manipulated for political gain.
89. The imbalance in state creation creates disparities in representation.
90. Resource control debates have fueled militancy in the Niger Delta.
91. There is widespread duplication of government functions, increasing costs.
92. Local governments are often politically and financially weak.
93. The federal system sometimes leads to policy conflicts between tiers.
94. Corruption and mismanagement weaken federal institutions.
95. The federal structure is perceived to favor certain regions over others.
96. Politicized census exercises reduce public trust.
97. Revenue sharing formulas often lack transparency and fairness.
98. Ethnic rivalries and zoning arrangements distort meritocracy.
99. Inadequate intergovernmental cooperation affects development.
100. The complexity of the federal system can lead to bureaucratic delays.
     paragraph

Solutions to the Problems of Nigerian Federalism

101. Conduct transparent and credible population censuses.
102. Adopt equitable revenue allocation based on both population and development needs.
103. Encourage true fiscal federalism, allowing states to control more of their resources.
104. Strengthen intergovernmental relations and cooperation.
105. Promote inclusive governance to reduce ethnic tensions.
106. Enhance the capacity of local governments through autonomy and funding.
107. Review and amend the constitution to address power imbalances.
108. Reduce the influence of ethnic politics through civic education.
109. Develop non-oil revenue sources at all tiers of government.
110. Resolve boundary disputes through mediation and legal channels.
111. Strengthen the Judicial system to arbitrate intergovernmental conflicts.
112. Promote regional integration and cooperation projects.
113. Enforce accountability and transparency in public administration.
114. Adopt zoning only where necessary, but prioritize competence.
115. Revise the federal character principle to reflect merit and equity.
116. Encourage dialogue and national conferences on restructuring.
117. Create performance-based incentives for state governments.
118. Engage citizens in budget processes and policy decisions.
119. Reduce cost of governance by streamlining government structures.
120. Prioritize patriotic leadership to unify the country under federal ideals.

I recommend you check my Post on the following: