Bayelsa Governor Diri calls for true federalism to stabilize Nigeria

Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has identified injustice, inequity, and unfairness as the primary causes of Nigeria’s struggling democracy. Speaking at the 2026 Goodluck Jonathan Foundation Democracy Dialogue in Bauchi, Diri argued that the nation must adopt true federalism and fiscal federalism to address structural imbalances.

Diri highlighted the disparity in resource exploitation and revenue distribution, specifically noting that oil-bearing areas in the Niger Delta, such as Oloibiri, have seen minimal infrastructural development despite being the site of Nigeria’s first commercial oil discoveries. He criticized the current system where revenue from resources in states with few local government areas is shared in a manner that does not reflect local needs or contributions.

Furthermore, the Governor linked resource exploitation to national insecurity, citing examples of increased instability following gold mining in northern states. He advocated for greater resource control, allowing states and regions to retain and utilize a fairer share of the wealth generated within their territories to ensure equitable national development.