A Call for Fiscal Federalism: Reshaping Nigeria’s Future Amid Economic Challenges

Undoubtedly, we are navigating through one of the most challenging periods in Nigeria’s history. To put it into perspective, in the 1980s, I, like many others, queued for rice, sugar, and milk to sustain our families. This was a time of economic hardship, where the money to pay for goods and services was available, but the food items were scarce, hence rationing to ensure that everyone had a fair share. The scarcity was so severe that people had to tag food items as “essential commodities” or “essenco.” Yet, even in the face of such adversity, we persevered, demonstrating the resilience that is inherent in us as Nigerians.

While the current economic situation in Nigeria is indeed a cause for concern, it’s crucial to remember that we are not without hope. The escalating costs of goods and services, a challenge not unique to Nigeria, can be effectively addressed. The key is to explore and implement solutions that have the potential to bring about significant change. Let’s delve into these potential solutions and consider their feasibility and the positive impact they can have on our economy.

Our first step in tackling these challenges is to address the issue of funding for local governments. By enacting a law that directly remits these funds to the local governments, bypassing the state governors, we can significantly empower the local communities and drive development from the grassroots. This is not just a suggestion but a necessary action to counter the prevalent ‘way’ state elections, where the ruling party often sweeps every local government as if there were no opposition. This change will ensure a fair and transparent distribution of power and resources, potentially transforming the political landscape of our nation.

Suppose the legislature can pass a Law to revert to the old national anthem in hours. In that case, we can grant autonomy to the local governments in a week, with the threat of impeachment hanging over any state governor who stands in its way. This is the power of the people.

Secondly, all the states should be carved into regions or states within a geo-political zone called ‘federating units’ with a loose affiliation to the center. In this context, ‘federating units’ refers to semi-autonomous regions or states within a federal system, each with its government and powers. Each area or state could decide to have a typical police structure, but it must develop at its own pace by controlling its resources. It would, in turn, pay royalties and taxes to maintain our central security, customs, and immigration apparatus. Each state has its own Supreme Court in the United States, yet there is a Supreme Court at the center. Why can’t it be replicated in Nigeria? If some states cannot stand alone, they should dissolve into other viable states.

Thirdly, we must underscore the importance of a judiciary that is free from the influence of the executive branch. This is a pivotal step, as the judiciary’s current dependence on funding from the federal and/or state chief executives has compromised its impartiality. A nation without an impartial judiciary is bound to be limited by the constraints of its judicial process and structures. Therefore, we must strive for a truly independent judiciary that is free from external influences. This will ensure justice for all without bias or favoritism, providing a solid foundation for our future and potentially reshaping the way our legal system operates.

Lastly, the new system must prioritize qualitative education and healthcare systems to reduce education and health tourism leakages.

Tinubu’s actions as Lagos State governor demonstrated his commitment to some principles of transformation, making him a potential advocate for change if he became President. His role in at that time was not about personal gain or political influence but about advocating for the necessary adjustments for Nigeria’s progress.

As governor of Lagos State, Tinubu challenged the Obasanjo-led federal government by making the Lagos State House of Assembly pass a Bill to create an additional 37 Local Government Councils in 2024, which pitched him against OBJ. This, along with his activities in the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), seemingly marked a political career with an effort to empower local governments and promote fiscal federalism.

He also once said, in a statement widely circulated by ThisDay Newspaper on April 13, 1997, pg. 9, that he did not believe in one Nigeria. Now that he is President, can he muster the courage to rebrand the Nigeria he did not believe in and move the country towards fiscal federalism that we all yearn for, or will he also spend his years in office pursuing what he never believed in, as Buhari did with fuel subsidies? It seems that time will tell. Grace and peace!!!