As Nigeria stands at a critical juncture in its national development, President Bola Tinubu’s administration has already made significant strides in addressing the country’s challenges and opportunities. Amidst calls for constitutional restructuring and regional autonomy, the proposal to revive the 1960s Constitution and form the United Region of Nigeria has emerged as a potential strategy for nation-building.
This ambitious vision aims to foster greater unity, cooperation, and development among Nigeria’s diverse regions, drawing inspiration from the country’s historical foundations. The Tinubu administration can play a pivotal role in bringing this strategy to fruition and shaping a more inclusive and prosperous future for the nation.
Reviving the 1960s Constitution is a bold and forward-thinking move. The Constitution of the 1960s promoted unity and diversity within the country and ensured the protection of all Nigerians’ rights and freedoms. By reviving this Constitution, Nigeria can build on the foundation of unity and inclusivity it provided and adapt it to meet modern challenges and opportunities.
Forming the United Region of Nigeria
One of the key proposals for reviving the 1960s Constitution is reorganising the country into the United Region of Nigeria. This would involve creating a more cohesive entity where different regions or states have more autonomy and decision-making power while remaining united under a common framework. This restructuring could address deep-rooted issues of marginalization, inequality, and ethnic tensions that have plagued the country for decades.
By forming the United Region of Nigeria, a more equitable and inclusive society can be created, where different regions and ethnic groups feel a sense of ownership and participation in the country’s development. This could help bridge the divide between regions and promote national unity and cohesion.
Delivering holistic dividends of democracy
Reviving the 1960s Constitution and forming the United Region of Nigeria could significantly impact delivering holistic dividends of democracy to all Nigerians. Decentralising power and decision-making ensures that all Nigerians’ voices and needs are heard and respected. This could lead to better governance, improved service delivery, and greater accountability from leaders at all levels.
The decentralisation of power would empower regional governments to tailor policies and programmes to their specific needs and contexts. This localised approach could lead to more effective and responsive governance, addressing the unique challenges and opportunities of each region. Additionally, it would foster a sense of ownership and participation among citizens, strengthening the democratic process and promoting civic engagement.
Economic well-being and value creation
Reviving the 1960s Constitution and forming the United Region of Nigeria presents a significant opportunity for economic well-being and value creation. Decentralising power and decision-making could create opportunities for economic growth and development at the regional level, benefiting the entire nation.
Promoting regional competitiveness and resource utilisation is a key way this proposal could enhance economic well-being. Each region in Nigeria has unique strengths and resources that could be harnessed for economic development. By giving regions more autonomy and control over their resources, they can leverage these assets to attract investment, create jobs, and stimulate growth.
Learning from global examples
Countries like Germany and South Korea have successfully implemented nation-building strategies that prioritise innovation, education, and sustainable development. Germany’s emphasis on advanced manufacturing and technology has propelled its economy to become one of the strongest in Europe. Similarly, South Korea’s focus on education and investment in technology has led to rapid economic growth and the emergence of global industry leaders. By analysing these nations’ data and lessons, Nigeria can tailor its national strategy to leverage its unique strengths and resources for the benefit of all citizens.
Germany’s federal system allows states to tailor policies to their specific needs and priorities, fostering innovation and economic development. This flexibility has contributed to Germany’s overall economic success, with different regions driving growth in various sectors based on their strengths and resources. Similarly, Switzerland’s system of direct democracy and federalism has led to economic prosperity, innovation, and social cohesion.
These examples demonstrate that decentralisation of power and decision-making processes can lead to economic growth, innovation, and benefits for all citizens. By empowering regions and local governments to make decisions that are best suited to their specific needs and resources, countries can create more inclusive and sustainable development strategies that reflect the diversity of their populations.
Steps for implementation
To bring this strategy to fruition, the Tinubu administration can take specific actions:
- Constitutional amendment: Initiate a constitutional review process to amend the current constitution to reflect the proposed changes. Engage with the National Assembly, state governments, and other relevant stakeholders to ensure broad support.
- Regional integration: Foster greater integration and cooperation among Nigeria’s regions through economic partnerships, cultural exchanges, and collaborative projects. This approach could enhance inter-regional trade and collaboration, creating a more dynamic and interconnected economy.
- Resource allocation: Revisit the current system of resource allocation to ensure fair distribution among regions, restructuring revenue-sharing arrangements and fiscal federalism. This approach could empower regional governments and promote local development.
- Infrastructure development: Prioritise infrastructure projects that enhance connectivity within the country, including investments in transportation, energy, and digital connectivity. Improved infrastructure can facilitate economic growth, enhance regional connectivity, and promote social development.
- Peacebuilding and reconciliation: Address historical grievances and promote reconciliation among different ethnic and regional groups through dialogue, understanding, and healing initiatives. This approach could foster national unity and social cohesion, creating a more inclusive and harmonious society.
Promoting economic competitiveness and innovation
The decentralisation of power and formation of the United Region of Nigeria can promote economic competitiveness and innovation. By empowering regions to develop their unique strengths and resources, Nigeria can create a more diverse and resilient economy.
For example, regions with rich agricultural resources can focus on developing sustainable farming practices and agro-industries, while regions with abundant natural resources can invest in responsible mining and energy production. Regions with a strong industrial base can focus on advanced manufacturing and technology-driven industries.
This localised approach to economic development can attract investment, create jobs, and stimulate growth. By leveraging regional strengths and fostering innovation, Nigeria can enhance its global competitiveness and create value for all citizens.
Enhancing governance and accountability
Decentralising power and decision-making can enhance governance and accountability at all levels. By giving regional governments more autonomy and control over their affairs, Nigeria can create a more responsive and transparent governance system.
Regional governments can tailor policies and programmes to their specific needs and contexts, leading to more effective and efficient service delivery. This localised approach can also promote accountability, as regional leaders are more directly accountable to their constituents.
Furthermore, decentralisation can promote civic engagement and participation, as citizens have greater opportunities to influence decisions that affect their lives. By fostering a culture of accountability and transparency, Nigeria can build trust in government institutions and strengthen the democratic process.
Addressing social and environmental challenges
The formation of the United Region of Nigeria can also address social and environmental challenges facing the country. By empowering regions to develop their own solutions, Nigeria can create more sustainable and inclusive development strategies.
For example, regions can develop targeted programs to address issues such as poverty, inequality, and social exclusion. By tailoring interventions to the specific needs of different communities, Nigeria can promote social cohesion and inclusive growth.
Similarly, regions can develop localised strategies to address environmental challenges, such as climate change, deforestation, and pollution. By promoting sustainable development practices, Nigeria can protect its natural resources and create a more resilient and sustainable future.
Strengthening national unity and identity
Reviving the 1960s Constitution and forming the United Region of Nigeria can strengthen national unity and identity. By promoting regional autonomy and integration, Nigeria can create a more cohesive and united nation.
This approach can foster a sense of ownership and participation among citizens, strengthening the bonds between different regions and ethnic groups. By promoting dialogue, understanding, and reconciliation, Nigeria can address historical grievances and build a more inclusive and harmonious society.
Furthermore, the formation of the United Region of Nigeria can promote a shared sense of national identity and purpose. By celebrating the country’s diversity and promoting unity, Nigeria can create a more resilient and prosperous nation.
The role of education and skills development
Education and skills development are critical components of nation-building and economic development. By investing in education and training programs, Nigeria can create a skilled and capable workforce that can drive innovation and growth.
The formation of the United Region of Nigeria can enhance the delivery of education and skills development programmes. By tailoring interventions to the specific needs of different regions, Nigeria can promote inclusive and equitable access to education and training.
This approach can also promote lifelong learning and skills development, ensuring that citizens have the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in a rapidly changing global economy. By investing in education and skills development, Nigeria can create a more resilient and competitive workforce.
Collaboration and partnerships
The successful implementation of the proposed strategy requires collaboration and partnerships between various stakeholders. The Tinubu administration can engage with industry stakeholders, civil society, and the public to develop and implement policies that address the diverse needs of the population.
Collaboration with international partners can also enhance Nigeria’s capacity to implement the proposed strategy. By leveraging global expertise and resources, Nigeria can develop innovative solutions to its challenges and create new opportunities for growth and development.
Furthermore, partnerships with regional and local governments can enhance the effectiveness of the proposed strategy. By working together, different levels of government can create a more cohesive and integrated approach to nation-building and economic development.
Reviving the 1960s Constitution and forming the United Region of Nigeria represents a bold and transformative vision for the country’s future. The Tinubu administration’s strategic implementation of this strategy requires constitutional reform, regional integration, resource allocation, infrastructure development, and peacebuilding. By fostering dialogue, building consensus, and demonstrating strong leadership, Nigeria can pave the way for a more united, prosperous, and harmonious future.
Inclusive governance, social cohesion, and sustainable development are crucial in shaping a brighter future for all Nigerians. The proposal to revive the 1960s Constitution offers a pathway to achieving these goals, driving economic growth, enhancing regional competitiveness, and creating opportunities for all citizens.
By embracing the principles of unity, diversity, and decentralisation, Nigeria can create a more cohesive and progressive nation that works for the benefit of all its citizens. The Tinubu administration has the opportunity to lead this transformative vision, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and inclusive growth. Through collaboration and partnerships, Nigeria can build a resilient and prosperous future, ensuring that the aspirations of all Nigerians are realised.
culled from; Africabriefing
