Can Nigeria Afford True Federalism?

Federalism is widely regarded as suitable for diverse societies because it allows national and regional governments to pursue shared goals while retaining defined areas of independence. With more than 250 ethnic groups, a large population and vast territory, Nigeria appears well suited to a genuinely federal structure. However, Nigeria’s practice is often criticised as overly centralised. States have limited control over resources, policing and several key public institutions, while the Federal Government retains major decision-making powers. This has kept issues such as revenue allocation, resource control and state police at the centre of the country’s long-running national debate. The real cost of federalism is the willingness to follow its principles. Nigeria would need clearer constitutional divisions of power, stronger and more independent states, and a workable balance between self-rule and shared rule. A more faithful federal arrangement could help the country manage its diversity and improve development across all regions.

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