Former Dean of the Faculty of Administration, Prof. Oladipo Adamolekun’s verdict on Nigeria is clear: “Devolve or die.”
This was part of his speech at the presentation of his book, “Reflections on Governance and Development in Nigeria”.
In the 239-page book, renowned columnist Niyi Akinnaso said Professor Adamolekun delved into issues such as electoral legitimacy, rule of law, civil liberties (to which human rights are central), accountability and transparency (including anti-corruption measures, administrative competence, and development-oriented leadership).
Prof. Adamolekun, who served for two decades at the World Bank, warned of the consequences of not having a devolved federation in the country, saying, “The verdict is clear and unambiguous; the quality of governance in Nigeria is poor.”
In 2024, Adamolekun adopted “Devolve or Die” as his political credo for Nigeria. He has not relented in his push for the six geo-political zones to become federating units, rather than the current 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
He said: “Only devolution can unleash the forces for consolidating democracy and achieving accelerated socioeconomic progress in Nigeria. The alternative to devolution will likely be the death of the federation.
“A devolved federation is a necessity, not a choice. The devolved federation that Nigeria needs will have [these] characteristics… six federating units (the existing six geo-political zones) instead of the existing 36 states of which only about six are viable; assignment of functions between the central government and the federating units based on the principle of subsidiarity, as contained in the 1963 Constitution; with the imperative of fiscal federalism and the proposed increased functions for subnational governments.
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“Adopting and faithfully implementing a devolved federation is critical to keeping Nigeria one; it is a fundamental condition for making our multi-ethnic country work.
“In particular, a devolved federal system is likely to enhance the ability of central and subnational governments to work effectively to deliver goods and services to citizens.
“In my opinion, the reality that the pace of socio-economic development would vary among the federating units is a better outcome than the poor development performance recorded nationwide under the prevailing overcentralisation and uniformity.”
Adamolekun, a professor of Public Administration, criticised the establishment of several Development Commissions and the creation of the Ministry of Regional Development, saying it was antithetical to devolution.
He said: “Without question, consciously or unconsciously, the promoters and supporters of these institutions are entrenching over-centralisation and delaying devolution. I would confidently assert that delaying devolution in Nigeria is dangerous.”
“Are these institutions reconcilable with the ‘true’ federalism as contained in the manifesto of the All Progressives Congress (APC) that has been ruling Nigeria since 2015?
“I would unhesitatingly answer in the negative. Are these institutions reconcilable with the promises in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s presidential election manifesto, which increased the functions and resources for Nigeria’s federating units pari passu with reduced functions and resources for the central government?
“Again, I would answer in the negative. Can Nigeria’s regions/states be meaningfully developed from Abuja, where most powers and resources are concentrated? The obvious honest answer is no.”
He said none of the 25 federations globally has attained development through the concentration of powers and resources at the centre. He added that the Indian experience is the opposite of the Nigerian case.
Prof. Adamolekun provided insights on how the country can move forward. He advised President Tinubu to apply the method he used to change the National Anthem to ensure the reallocation of functions and resources between the central and subnational governments.
He specifically recommended a 35:65 ratio for the sharing of resources between the central and subnational governments, respectively.
He added: “However, to ensure a peaceful and well-performing Nigerian federal system, the share of subnational governments must be significantly higher than that of the central government for both powers and resources. The driver coordinates and gives some direction, but development comes from below.
“Now everybody wants to go to just one party. Whoever controls the central, that’s where they want to go.”
Discussants at the event were of divergent views. Some held that devolution was not about weakening the country but making governance more responsive and efficient.
They praised Adamolekun for documenting the governance structure and pushing for the devolution of powers.
Some discussants said power was already being devolved and hoped to see things like rail lines moving from the exclusive to the concurrent list.
