Nigeria turns 57: challenges and solutions

Nigeria recently celebrated its 57th year of independence from Britain, marking a significant milestone in the country's history. In a recent interview with CNBC Africa, Ayo Obe, a partner at Ogunsola Shonibare, delved into the challenges facing Nigeria's unity and explored potential solutions to address these issues. Obe highlighted the lingering effects of the Nigerian Civil War, also known as the Biafran War, and how it continues to shape perspectives and narratives in the country. She discussed the need for restructuring to decentralize power and allow states more autonomy in decision-making. Obe emphasized the importance of revisiting the revenue allocation formula to ensure a fair distribution of resources. Let's delve deeper into the key points raised in the interview. The aftermath of the Nigerian Civil War has left a lasting impact on the country's unity. Obe drew parallels between the American Civil War and the Nigerian Civil War, pointing out that the unresolved issues from the conflict continue to influence current dynamics. She highlighted how policies such as the £20 policy and indigenization during and after the war created economic disparities and fuelled grievances. Obe stressed the importance of understanding different perspectives and narratives to move towards reconciliation and unity. The need for restructuring to decentralize power and promote effective governance. Obe argued that Nigeria should consider modifying the exclusive legislative list to distribute power more evenly between the federal government and states. By removing certain items from the exclusive list and transferring them to the concurrent legislative list, both federal and state authorities could address issues more effectively. Obe cited examples of legal battles between state and federal governments, emphasizing the need for greater state autonomy in decision-making. She called for a review of the revenue allocation formula to ensure a fair distribution of resources and empower states to meet the needs of their populations. The importance of resource control and revenue allocation in defining states' power dynamics. While discussing the implications of devolving power to states, Obe highlighted the complexity of resource ownership, particularly regarding mineral resources like petroleum. She noted that offshore resources, such as petroleum reserves, belong to the Federal Republic of Nigeria rather than individual states. Obe pointed out that revenue allocation plays a crucial role in determining the financial stability of states, as seen in the South-South region's choice of revenue allocation over resource control. In conclusion, Obe's insights shed light on the challenges and potential solutions for fostering unity and effective governance in Nigeria. By addressing the legacy of the civil war, pursuing restructuring, and reevaluating revenue allocation, Nigeria can navigate towards a more equitable and prosperous future.