By Akinsuroju Olubunmi
Proposal for Restructuring Nigeria: Division into Eight Geo-Political regions and new governance framework.
A draft bill proposing significant changes to the structure of governance in Nigeria is set to be unveiled by the President after a seven-day waiting period. The proposed changes include the division of the country into eight geo-political regions with interim boundaries, as put forward by the Coalition of Indigenous Ethnic Nationalities (CIEN).
According to the CIEN representative, the southern region is envisioned to consist of Akwa-Ibom, Bayelsa, and Cross Rivers States, with optional inclusions of other ethnic groups. Similarly, the South Eastern region would encompass Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo States, while the Western region would comprise Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, and Ekiti States, along with Yoruba-speaking communities in other areas.
The proposed governance framework entails a two-tier government, with federal and regional authorities. Each region would have the autonomy to manage its affairs, including the creation of sub-entities, based on agreed-upon stipulations embedded in their respective constitutions.
In addition, the CIEN suggested the retention of the present boundaries of the 36 States, which would be creatively downgraded to introduce a new regional government framework with executive and legislative functions. The present States would be converted to provinces, while the Local Government Areas would be transformed into divisions to operate as socio-economic development institutions.
The coalition also called for a new constitution to embody novelties such as freedom of the regions to create, merge, or re-configure their sub-political units, and the decentralization of federal power in favor of not more than 10 regions.
This proposed restructuring aims to address the need for a more efficient and sustainable governance framework, reflecting the diverse ethnic and cultural landscape of Nigeria.
Restructuring, Governance
Proposal for Restructuring Nigeria: Division into Eight Geo-Political regions and new governance framework