Nigeria’s federal system has long been a subject of debate, with many attributing the nation’s challenges to its structure. However, Vice President Kashim Shettima recently offered a fresh perspective, arguing that the system itself is not the core issue.
Speaking at the 7th Leadership Conference and Awards in Abuja, he emphasized that poor resource management and a lack of accountability are the true hurdles to effective federalism. His remarks shed light on the administration’s approach to reforming Nigeria’s governance framework.
Shettima asserted, “The problems attributed to the current federal system often stem from the poor management of resources rather than from any inherent flaw in the country’s constitutional architecture.” He highlighted that the challenge lies not in the design of federalism but in its execution. According to him, Nigeria requires a collective commitment to fiscal responsibility across all levels of government to unlock its potential. “The real challenge, when carefully considered, lies less in the structure of our federalism and more in the deficit of our collective fiscal responsibility,” he added.
Rejecting the idea of adopting foreign models wholesale, Shettima cautioned against romanticizing systems like those in Canada or Europe. “We must resist the temptation to romanticise foreign systems or prescribe imported solutions that fail to account for our distinct social, ethnic, and demographic complexities,” he said. Instead, he advocated for a tailored federal structure that reflects Nigeria’s unique values and aspirations, achievable only through “sincere dialogue.”
The Vice President outlined ongoing efforts by President Bola Tinubu’s administration to address these issues. Key reforms include the removal of fuel subsidies and the introduction of tax reform bills, aimed at ensuring fiscal responsibility and empowering states with increased allocations. Shettima also pointed to the push for local government autonomy, recently reinforced by Supreme Court rulings, as a step toward bringing governance closer to the people. “This administration, under the leadership of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is confronting this challenge directly. We have chosen the path of reform. It is bold, often difficult, but necessary,” he stated.
Shettima’s vision extends beyond policy tweaks, calling for a cultural shift in leadership and resource management. He urged citizens, leaders, and institutions to embrace patriotism and accountability to build a federation that serves all Nigerians. “What we seek, therefore, is not a photocopy of another country’s model, but a federal structure tailored to our aspirations,” he concluded.
