Professor Kamal Bello

Abstract

Nigeria, a product of the British colonial legacy, gained independence in 1960 and has since grappled with the challenge of forging an integrated and developed nation- state. Despite experimenting with various forms of governance, including parliamentary, presidential, and military systems, the country continues to face issues of national cohesion, economic disparity, and political instability. These persistent challenges have reignited calls for restructuring, perceived by many as a panacea for Nigeria's systemic problems. This paper critically interrogates the question: Should Nigeria be restructured or not? Employing documentary sources and content analysis, the study explores both the historical antecedents and contemporary debates on restructuring. It examines competing viewpoints—those advocating restructuring as a pathway to true federalism, resource control, and autonomy, and those arguing that structural changes without leadership reform, institutional accountability, and economic diversification may prove ineffective. The paper also analyses the rentier character of the Nigerian state, emphasising how elite interests and rent-seeking behaviour often shape the quest for restructuring. It concludes that restructuring alone is insufficient unless accompanied by constitutional reforms, political consensus, and improved governance. A dual strategy that integrates structural reform with systemic transformation is proposed as the most viable approach to sustainable development in Nigeria.

   

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Published: 2025

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