NIGERIAN STATE SYSTEM: A FAILURE THAT MUST BE DISCONTINUED

By Bolarinwa Ayoola

Nigeria began its journey as a modern state in 1914 following the amalgamation of the Northern and Southern Protectorates by the British colonial administration under Lord Frederick Lugard. One of the most significant milestones in the country’s history was the creation of regional governments, which were established based on the historical and cultural identities of the constituent peoples.

The three initial regions created were the Western, Northern, and Eastern Regions.

This era of regionalism endured until 1966, when Nigeria’s first democratically elected government was violently overthrown in a bloody coup d'état led by Major Kaduna Nzeogwu on February 15, 1966.

Following the coup, General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi's military government promulgated the infamous Decree No. 34, which abolished the regional structure and introduced a unitary system of government. This singular act, over the years, has had far-reaching and largely negative consequences for Nigeria’s political, economic, and social development.

Between 1954 and 1966 under the regional system, Nigeria experienced unprecedented growth across the three regions. This period is often referred to as the golden era of Nigerian development.

It featured visionary leadership, economic self-reliance, and progressive policies. Notable regional leaders of this period include Chief Obafemi Awolowo (Western Region), Sir Ahmadu Bello (Northern Region), and Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe (Eastern Region).

Western Region under Chief Obafemi Awolowo

As Premier of the Western Region from 1954 to 1959, Chief Obafemi Awolowo implemented groundbreaking policies that transformed the region socially, economically, and politically. One of his most remarkable achievements was the introduction of free and compulsory primary education in 1955 which was the first of its kind in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa.

This led to a dramatic increase in literacy and school enrolment. He also established free health services for children under 18, built modern hospitals, and prioritized rural healthcare.

Awolowo laid the foundation for higher education by initiating the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) and pioneered media development by launching Western Nigeria Television (WNTV) in 1959 Africa’s first television station.

His administration promoted cocoa farming through farm settlements and used revenue from cocoa exports to fund social programs. The Western Nigeria Development Corporation (WNDC) was established to drive industrialization, resulting in investments in infrastructure, electricity, and water supply.

Awolowo's administration was known for its financial prudence, maintaining a debt-free and self-sustaining regional economy, and advocating for federalism and cultural preservation.

Northern Region under Sir Ahmadu Bello

Sir Ahmadu Bello, as Premier of the Northern Region, focused on uniting the diverse ethnic groups while promoting development and preserving traditional Islamic values. Understanding the importance of education, he expanded access to both Qur’anic and Western education, leading to the establishment of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria in 1962.

This institution became a leading centre of learning in Nigeria.

His administration emphasized agricultural development by modernizing farming techniques and promoting cash crops such as groundnuts and cotton, which were vital to the Northern economy. Infrastructure development, rural electrification, and integration of traditional governance structures such as the emirate system further enhanced the region’s social cohesion and progress.

Eastern Region under Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe

Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Premier of the Eastern Region from 1954 to 1959, championed education and economic modernization. He established numerous secondary schools, teacher training colleges, and laid the groundwork for the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, which became a beacon of intellectual advancement.

Through the Eastern Nigeria Development Corporation (ENDC), his administration promoted industrialization and invested in agriculture, manufacturing, and commerce. Cities like Enugu and Onitsha witnessed significant infrastructural improvements, including urban planning and housing developments, which helped elevate living standards and economic prosperity.

Post-1966 Decline and Structural Deficiencies

In over a century of Nigerian history, the 1947–1966 period stands out as an era of true social, economic, and political development. In contrast, the post-regional period has been marked by political instability, infrastructural decay, widespread corruption, and de-industrialization.

On May 27, 1967, Nigeria was reorganized into twelve states.

This number has since expanded to thirty-six, with the creation of six additional states by General Sani Abacha in 1996. However, the current structure has revealed several flaws that have stifled national development.

These flaws include:

Mismanagement and wastage of scarce resources.

Financial irresponsibility at all levels of government.

Insecurity and declining patriotism.

Infrastructure collapse and regression in agricultural and industrial productivity.

Since the return to democratic rule in 1999, Nigeria has struggled to achieve meaningful development. The agricultural backbone of the nation once symbolized by cocoa, rubber, oil palm plantations, and groundnut pyramids has diminished in importance.

Many states are economically unviable and rely heavily on federal allocations, raising questions about the necessity of their creation and the duplication of administrative structures.

Each state maintains an elaborate bureaucracy, including governors, state assemblies, local government officials, and numerous advisers, which significantly drains resources. These bloated administrations divert funding from essential sectors such as education, health, and infrastructure.

Corruption remains rampant in the Fourth Republic. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is currently investigating and prosecuting numerous cases involving politicians and senior civil servants accused of looting public funds. This has eroded public trust in the government, leading to widespread disillusionment and loss of national pride.

Many young Nigerians, disconnected from the country's current structure, have turned to illicit activities such as militancy, cybercrime, and insurgency due to lack of opportunities. Cultural and identity crises now plague parts of the North and the entire South-East, further weakening national unity.

The Need for Structural Reforms

The state system, as currently structured, has not been able to drive genuine industrial or agricultural development. The gains made during the regional era have been reversed, and the nation now relies heavily on imports for basic consumer goods. In addition, inefficient state governments are rarely held accountable, as citizens tend to blame the federal government for failures at the state level.

Inter-state cooperation is often hindered by bureaucratic inefficiencies and political rivalries. For example:

Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (co-owned by Oyo and Osun states) suffered repeated disruptions due to unpaid wages and lack of funding cooperation.

Residents along the Isheri River in Lagos and Ogun states endure perennial flooding due to lack of coordinated efforts between the two governments.

This pattern can be observed across many states and different sectors in Nigeria. Nigeria’s post-1966 structural transition from regions to states has produced mixed results, with the drawbacks now far outweighing the benefits. A return to true federalism built on regional autonomy and economic self-reliance promises a viable path to sustainable development and national cohesion. It is imperative for policymakers and citizens alike to critically assess Nigeria’s structural foundations and push for reforms that reflect the country’s historical realities and future aspirations.

Here is the comparative analysis of development in Nigeria during the Regional Government (1954–1966) and the Presidential System (1999–2023)

Development Indicator

Regional Government (1954–1966)

Presidential System (1999–2023)

Political Structure

Federal parliamentary system with strong regional autonomy; regions had constitutions and premiers.

Centralized presidential system with federal control; state dependence on federal revenue.

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