Nigerian Senators from both the Southern and Northern regions have expressed contrasting opinions on the growing agitation for a return to a regional system of government.
This debate unfolded during a two-day retreat on the amendments to the 1999 Constitution, organised by the Senate Committee on Constitution Review in collaboration with the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) in Kano.
While Southern senators welcomed the idea, citing potential improvements in the economy, security, and infrastructure, their Northern counterparts strongly opposed it.

The debate, however, did not feature in the ongoing constitutional review process, as confirmed by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele.
Speaking on the issue, Senator Abdul Ningi of Bauchi Central Senatorial District firmly rejected the idea of regionalism, arguing that his constituency did not benefit from the system during the defunct First Republic.
“I have heard discussions about regional government or federalism, but my people would never support it. When we experienced it during the First Republic, there was no development for us,” Ningi stated.
He further explained that while there is room for constitutional amendments, representatives must act on the mandate of their people.
Ningi questioned the legitimacy of those advocating for regional government and called for reforms within the current federal system instead.
“We need to focus on reforming the federal structure and fiscal federalism rather than returning to a regional system,” he added.
Similarly, Senator Sani Musa, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, advised Nigerians not to confuse the creation of zonal development commissions with a move toward regionalism.
He emphasised that the commissions were established solely for economic development within the geopolitical zones and not as a step toward restructuring the country.
“It is a misconception to think that these development commissions are aimed at reintroducing regionalism.
If anyone wants regionalism, they should present a bill and test its popularity in the National Assembly,” Musa said.
Former Senate Leader Ali Ndume also dismissed the idea of returning to regionalism, suggesting that it was no longer relevant in modern Africa.
Ndume advocated for stronger institutions to promote good governance, reduce corruption, and enhance security.
“We need to strengthen our institutions to ensure justice, equity, and fairness across all regions of the country. If these are in place, there won’t be a need for regionalism,” Ndume noted.
On the other hand, Senator Abdulfatai Buhari, representing Oyo North Senatorial District, defended the idea of regional government, highlighting the economic successes of Nigeria’s regions during the First Republic.
“In the First Republic, regions were able to harness their resources effectively. The North was known for its groundnut pyramids, and the South West for cocoa.
Decentralising power and making the centre less attractive will reduce corruption,” Buhari argued.
Buhari hinted that the South West region had a specific agenda for the ongoing constitutional review but declined to reveal details, stating that it would be presented at the appropriate time by the South West Forum’s chairman.
Despite these differing views, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele made it clear that regionalism was not part of the current constitutional review and could not be changed through legislative amendments alone.
He emphasised that such a significant restructuring would require political consensus and the approval of the Nigerian people.
“Changing the constitution to introduce regionalism goes beyond a simple bill or public hearing. It requires widespread political agreement and the buy-in of the entire nation,” Bamidele explained.
He also noted the complexity of amending the constitution, pointing out the extensive processes involved in even minor changes, let alone the introduction of a new governance structure.
As the debate continues, it is evident that while some senators see regionalism as a pathway to better governance, others believe that reforms within the existing federal structure are the way forward for Nigeria.
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