How Nigeria’s federalism can function optimally — Shettima

Vice-President Kashim Shettima says Nigeria needs patriots—including citizens, leaders, and institutions—ready to be counted in the effort to establish a federation that serves the people.

Shettima made this statement on Tuesday in Abuja during the 7th edition of the Annual Leadership Conference and Awards, held at the State House Banquet Hall.

He noted that the issues associated with the current federal system often arise from poor resource management rather than any inherent flaw in the country’s constitutional framework.

Represented by Dr Aliyu Modibbo, Special Adviser on General Duties to the President (Office of the Vice-President), Shettima stated, “The Nigerian challenge, when carefully considered, lies less in the structure of our federalism and more in the deficit of our collective fiscal responsibility. To improve our federalism, we must not lose sight of the dysfunctions that have been allowed to fester under the current system.

“If we at the national level deliver on our promises, if our governors manage their allocations with prudence if our local governments are truly autonomous and accountable, and if every kobo is deployed with the people’s interest in mind, then the structure will serve us well.”

The Vice-President argued that, rather than modelling Nigeria’s federal system after those in Canada or parts of Europe, efforts should focus on reforms tailored to the country’s unique realities.

Shettima urged, “We must resist the temptation to romanticise foreign systems or prescribe imported solutions that fail to account for our distinct social, ethnic, and demographic complexities.

“What we seek, therefore, is not a photocopy of another country’s model, but a federal structure tailored to our aspirations. It must reflect our values, ensure accountability, and foster development at all levels. The only road to such a destination is through sincere dialogue.”

Shettima highlighted current efforts by President Bola Tinubu’s administration to address challenges within the federal system, insisting that this was the only path to sustainable development.

“This administration, under the leadership of Tinubu, is confronting this challenge directly. We have chosen the path of reform. It is bold, often difficult, but necessary.

“One such step is our unflinching pursuit of local government autonomy—a vision we are realising through the sanctity of due legal process,” he said.

According to Shettima, recent Supreme Court rulings in favour of local government autonomy underscore Tinubu’s commitment to building a federal structure that works for the grassroots.

He added, “This is how we make the federation functional: by bringing governance closer to the people.

“The policy choices pursued by this administration—from the removal of fuel subsidies to the introduction of tax reform bills—are aimed at guaranteeing a fiscally responsible federation. They will also create a system that offers each state both increased allocations and the opportunity to participate in debates and reforms for long-term fiscal stability.”

Shettima commended the Leadership Media Group for creating a platform for dialogue and recognising excellence.

He called on the awardees to recognise that the honour was both a celebration and a call to duty.

“In you, we see the embodiment of the values we aspire to institutionalise—integrity, innovation, and impact. The path to national renewal is long, but each of you has shown that it is walkable,” he added.

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