Professor calls for Nigerian constitutional restructuring and devolution

Professor Bolaji Olumuyiwa Omitola of Osun State University has called for a fundamental review of Nigeria’s governance structure, advocating for constitutional restructuring and the devolution of powers to create a more effective federal system.

During his inaugural lecture titled “Governance in Nigeria: Between David and Goliath,” Omitola argued that Nigeria’s constitutional development has moved steadily toward centralization. He noted that while the 1960 and 1963 constitutions provided significant autonomy to regions, the 1979 and 1999 constitutions have progressively expanded federal control. Specifically, the Exclusive Legislative List grew from 45 items under the 1960 Independence Constitution to 68 items under the 1999 Constitution.

Omitola warned that this excessive concentration of political and administrative powers undermines governance and development. He stated that the current structure has reduced states to “second fiddle” to the Federal Government, weakening the capacity of states and local governments to address local needs in sectors such as education, healthcare, and local administration. He also identified policing as a critical area requiring urgent reform through stronger state government participation.