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Has Nigeria Been Restructured Without Calling It Restructuring?
For more than two decades, “restructuring” has been one of Nigeria’s most debated political slogans. It has featured prominently in election campaigns, constitutional conferences, policy papers, and television debates. Yet, despite the passionate rhetoric, practical progress often appeared slow.
Recent developments, however, suggest that Nigeria may be witnessing something different not a dramatic constitutional overhaul, but a gradual transfer of powers and responsibilities from the Federal Government to states and local governments.
The latest milestone is the reported passage of constitutional amendments by the National Assembly to enable the creation of State Police, subject to ratification by at least twenty-four State Houses of Assembly. If the required number of states approve the amendment, Nigeria would move significantly closer to one of the most requested constitutional reforms since 1999.
The significance of the Senate proceedings extends beyond the vote itself. The presence of Governors Uba Sani of Kaduna, Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo, the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, and several State Attorneys-General indicates that many state governments are actively participating in the constitutional process. Their involvement could increase the likelihood of obtaining the required support from state legislatures.
More Than Just State Police
State policing is only one piece of a broader governance puzzle. In recent years, Nigeria has introduced several reforms that collectively shift authority away from the centre.
Among them are:
* The establishment of Regional Development Commissions for the six geopolitical zones with statutory federal funding.
* Direct allocation of Federation Account revenues to Local Governments, aimed at strengthening local government autonomy.
* Expanded powers for states in sectors such as electricity generation and distribution, railway development, road infrastructure, and correctional services.
* Fiscal reforms that have increased the financial responsibilities of states, including subsidy removal, exchange rate liberalisation, tax reforms, and broader discussions around resource control.
Viewed individually, each reform may appear incremental. Viewed collectively, they represent one of the most significant redistributions of governmental authority since Nigeria returned to democratic rule in 1999.
Is This Truly Restructuring?
That depends on how one defines the term.
Supporters argue that restructuring is fundamentally about devolving powers, responsibilities, and resources from the Federal Government to sub-national governments. By that definition, Nigeria is already implementing many of the reforms long demanded by constitutional advocates.
Critics, however, contend that genuine restructuring requires much more. They point to unresolved issues such as constitutional fiscal federalism, comprehensive state resource ownership, constitutional amendments affecting state creation, judicial reforms, electoral reforms, and a broader review of the Exclusive Legislative List. From this perspective, the journey remains incomplete.
Both arguments have merit.
What is becoming increasingly difficult to deny, however, is that Nigeria’s governance architecture is changing.
Competition Rather Than Dependence
A more devolved federation could encourage healthy competition among states. States with effective leadership may become more attractive to investors, develop stronger internal revenue systems, improve security through locally accountable policing, and deliver better public services.
Conversely, states that fail to build institutions or diversify their economies may struggle in a more competitive federal environment. This shift places greater responsibility on governors and state legislatures. Greater autonomy must be matched with greater accountability.
The Road Ahead
The constitutional journey is not yet complete.
For State Police to become a constitutional reality, at least twenty-four State Houses of Assembly must approve the amendment. Until then, the proposal remains unfinished.
Nevertheless, the direction of travel is becoming clearer.
Whether one applauds or criticises the current administration, the conversation should move beyond political slogans to measurable institutional reforms. The more relevant question may no longer be whether Nigeria needs restructuring, but rather whether the reforms already underway are sufficient to meet the country’s governance and development challenges.
History may ultimately record that Nigeria’s restructuring did not arrive through a single constitutional convention or one grand political announcement. It may instead be remembered as a series of deliberate, incremental reforms that quietly transformed the federation one constitutional amendment at a time.
The debate continues, but the constitutional landscape is undoubtedly evolving.
Signed
Otunba (Dr) Abdulfalil Abayomi Odunowo
SpeakUp Collective Nigeria.
27th June, 2026.
SB E-news.
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