As the National Assembly reviews public memoranda for the ongoing constitutional amendment process, a significant number of Nigerians have expressed support for a return to the regional system of government. Of the 56 memoranda submitted, key topics include regional governance, unicameral legislature, local government autonomy, state police, and gender equality.
The push for regional government, particularly from southern Nigeria, gained traction following a draft proposal by Dr. Akin Fapohunda, advocating for a “New Governance Model for Nigeria” to replace the 1999 Constitution. Various groups, including the Kwara South Consultative Forum, All Middle Belt Youth Forum, and Okun Development Association, are among those calling for a restructuring of the current federal system to empower regions with more autonomy over resources and governance.
Despite growing support, lawmakers remain divided on the issue. Some senators, like Opeyemi Bamidele, stressed that such a significant change would require broad political consensus. Others, like Senator Abdul Ningi, oppose the move, arguing that regionalism did not benefit their constituencies in the past.
The debate reflects ongoing tensions over the future of Nigeria’s governance structure, with advocates calling for reforms to address issues of resource management and accountability.
