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A senior lawyer and Principal of Chinenye Chambers, Amobi Nzelu, has called for a fundamental restructuring of Nigeria’s federal system, arguing that the concentration of powers and resources in the Federal Government has constrained development and weakened the capacity of states and regions to address their peculiar challenges.
Nzelu made the call in an Independence Day interview as Nigeria marked its 66th anniversary, expressing concern over the country’s development trajectory, leadership priorities, rising debt burden and the economic hardship confronting citizens. Blueprint reports
The lawyer argued that Nigeria would achieve meaningful development if it returned to a system that gave federating units greater autonomy, control over their resources and responsibility for addressing local needs.
He maintained that the country’s current federal arrangement places excessive authority in Abuja, leaving states with limited room to independently pursue development strategies suited to their economic potential and circumstances.
According to him, a review of the country’s political and economic structure, accompanied by accountable leadership and responsible management of public resources, would provide a stronger foundation for national development.
Calls for review of federal structure
Nzelu said Nigeria needed to reconsider the distribution of constitutional powers between the Federal Government and the federating units, arguing that excessive centralisation had contributed to inefficiencies in governance.
He pointed to the country’s political history, noting that Nigeria gained independence in 1960 under a federal parliamentary system comprising the Northern, Western and Eastern regions, which exercised substantial autonomy over their internal affairs.
The regions had considerable responsibilities for their development priorities and benefited from arrangements that allowed them to pursue policies reflecting their respective economic strengths.
Nzelu argued that revisiting the principles of devolution of powers and resource control would enable states to take greater responsibility for their development rather than depend heavily on allocations from the Federation Account.
He maintained that a more decentralised system could encourage innovation, improve accountability and allow subnational governments to respond more effectively to the needs of their populations.
However, he stressed the need for a genuine restructuring process that would address the allocation of responsibilities and resources within the federation.
The lawyer’s position adds to the longstanding national debate over fiscal federalism, resource control and the extent of authority that should reside with the Federal Government.
Raises concerns over borrowing and debt management
Nzelu also expressed concern over Nigeria’s debt burden, questioning why a country endowed with substantial natural and human resources continued to rely heavily on borrowing to finance government expenditure.
He argued that borrowing proposals should be subjected to rigorous scrutiny, with clear explanations of their objectives, expected benefits, repayment obligations and implications for future generations.
According to him, Nigerians deserve to know the specific projects and programmes for which borrowed funds are intended and whether such expenditure would generate sufficient economic and social returns to justify the liabilities incurred.
He called for greater transparency in public borrowing, insisting that debt decisions should be guided by national interest and measurable development outcomes.
Nigeria’s borrowing policy has remained a subject of public debate amid competing demands for infrastructure, social services, economic growth and debt sustainability.
The Debt Management Office has maintained that the country’s borrowing strategy is intended to meet financing requirements while managing borrowing costs and associated risks.
Nzelu’s position, however, was that the availability of natural resources should compel policymakers to pay closer attention to revenue generation, prudent spending and the effective use of public assets.
He argued that borrowing should not become a substitute for sound economic management and accountability in the deployment of public funds.
Urges Tinubu to prioritise citizens’ welfare
The senior lawyer also called on President Bola Tinubu to review his administration’s approach to governance and national challenges, urging the Federal Government to place the welfare of Nigerians at the centre of policy decisions.
He said leadership should be measured by its impact on citizens’ lives, particularly in addressing the economic difficulties confronting households and businesses.
Nzelu advocated a leadership style with a “human face”, arguing that government policies should reflect the realities of ordinary Nigerians rather than focus primarily on political calculations or considerations of personal interest.
He urged the administration to pay greater attention to the effects of economic policies on living standards and ensure that national decisions translate into tangible improvements in citizens’ welfare.
The lawyer’s appeal comes amid continuing public discussions about the cost of living, employment, purchasing power and the capacity of households to cope with economic pressures.
He maintained that restoring public confidence would require leaders to demonstrate accountability, communicate the objectives of their policies clearly and ensure that the benefits of governance reach ordinary citizens.
For Nzelu, effective leadership requires more than the exercise of constitutional authority; it also demands a commitment to public service and the willingness to make decisions that advance the collective interest.
Accountability, patriotism key to national progress
Despite his concerns about Nigeria’s development challenges, Nzelu expressed optimism that the country could overcome its difficulties if leaders and citizens recommitted themselves to accountability, patriotism and national development.
He emphasised the importance of responsible leadership, prudent management of public resources and a political system that encourages public officials to answer for their decisions.
He also called for a renewed sense of national purpose, arguing that the country’s progress would depend on the willingness of political leaders and citizens to prioritise the common good.
According to him, Nigeria’s natural and human resources provide opportunities for development, but these advantages must be supported by effective institutions, sound policies and responsible governance.
He maintained that meaningful progress would require coordinated efforts to strengthen accountability, improve the management of public finances and create an environment in which states and other subnational authorities could pursue development more effectively.
As Nigeria reflects on its 66 years of independence, Nzelu’s message centres on restructuring, fiscal responsibility and people-focused leadership as essential elements of a renewed national development agenda.
He argued that the country’s future would depend not merely on its resource endowment but on how effectively its leaders manage those resources, distribute responsibilities and respond to the needs of citizens.
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