POLITICAL RESTRUCTURING AND THE SEARCH FOR STABILITY IN NIGERIA’S FEDERAL SYSTEM

Political restructuring remains a central issue in Nigeria’s federal system, with debates and failed reforms significantly affecting national stability. This study examined the nature of restructuring debates and assessed the impact of non-implementation on governance and cohesion. The objectives were to examine the debates and demands for political restructuring in Nigeria and evaluate how failed restructuring affects national stability. Anchored on Federalism Theory, the study adopted a qualitative research design using content analysis. Data were drawn from constitutional provisions, national conference reports, judicial pronouncements, scholarly works, and credible media sources to reflect the historical and contemporary discourse on restructuring. Findings revealed that debates focus on devolution of powers, fiscal federalism, security sector reforms, and inclusiveness/national integration. Non-implementation of restructuring recommendations has perpetuated over-centralization, ethno-regional grievances, overstretched security systems, and weakened national cohesion. The study recommends genuine devolution of powers, fiscal reforms, establishment of state and community policing, promotion of inclusive governance, and strong political commitment backed by monitoring frameworks. These measures are critical for enhancing governance efficiency, equity, security responsiveness, and national stability in Nigeria’s federal system.

0 19 Dec, 2025

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JBMIC PORTAL SYSTEM

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