RESTRUCTURING NIGERIAN FEDERALISM FOR NATIONAL UNITY: BENEFITS AND CHALLENGES

Abstract

The calls for independence of Biafra in the South East, the struggle and restiveness for resource control in the South-South, the movement for Oduduwa republic in the South-West, the continuous killing by the Fulani herdsmen and Boko Haram militancy for Islamation of Nigeria in the North, and the agitation by the Middle Belt for true federalism are all indications of the weakness of Nigerian federalism and its failure to address the interest of various ethnic nationalities and geopolitical zones. There seems no justification to proceed further as a federation hence the need for restructuring. This study is aimed to show the benefits and challenges of restructuring Nigerian federalism. Using secondary sources of data, the paper employs qualitative method of data analysis and utilizes theory of federalism as espoused by K.C. Wheare as its explanatory tool. The paper establishes that restructuring Nigerian federalism will usher in the opportunity of peaceful co-existence, national unity, power devolution and regional autonomy, economic development and good governance. The paper equally reveals that unwillingness of both the executive and legislative arms of government, ignorance of what restructuring entails as well as primordial interest are the major challenges thrilling restructuring in Nigerian federalism.The paper recommends urgent restructuring of Nigerian federalism to address the interests and aspirations of all the various ethnic nationalities and geopolitical zones in Nigeria for national unity.