Vice President Kashim Shettima has highlighted that for Nigeria to truly embrace federalism, the country requires more than just policy reforms; it needs dedicated patriots—citizens, leaders, and institutions—that are ready to contribute to building a federation that works for the people. Shettima made the statement during his speech at the 7th edition of the annual Leadership Conference & Awards held on Tuesday at the State House Banquet Hall in Abuja.
Represented by Dr. Aliyu Modibbo, the Special Adviser on General Duties to the President, Shettima addressed an audience of political leaders, business figures, and academics, where he discussed the current challenges in Nigeria’s federal system and how they could be addressed for the country’s sustainable development.
Shettima made it clear that the solution to Nigeria’s federalism issues is not solely about constitutional reforms or copying foreign models. He argued that the root cause of the problems facing the nation’s federal structure often lies in the poor management of resources rather than an inherent flaw in the system itself.
“The problems we face in our federalism stem not from the structure of the system but from our inability to manage resources effectively,” the Vice President said. He stressed that Nigeria’s federal system could work well if the structures in place, such as national, state, and local government levels, operated with transparency and accountability.
According to Shettima, achieving a functional federal system requires more than just structural changes; it calls for a collective sense of fiscal responsibility and leadership at all levels of governance. This, he argued, would lead to more effective use of resources for the benefit of Nigerians.
During his address, Shettima underscored the importance of local government autonomy, an area that has been a priority for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. He noted that empowering local governments to manage their affairs independently is crucial for strengthening the federal system and ensuring that governance is closer to the people.
One of the key steps the current administration has taken, according to Shettima, is pursuing legal reforms to secure local government autonomy. He highlighted the recent Supreme Court ruling, which reaffirmed the autonomy of local governments, as a significant victory in Nigeria’s ongoing quest for a functional federal system.
“Local government autonomy is essential in making our federal system work. The Supreme Court’s recent decision in favor of autonomy shows that we are on the right path,” Shettima stated. He emphasized that a decentralized system where local governments can make decisions based on the needs of their communities would lead to more responsive governance and ultimately foster national unity and development.
Shettima also pointed to the importance of fiscal responsibility at all levels of government. He mentioned the government’s ongoing efforts to improve tax collection and remove subsidies, policies designed to ensure the long-term financial stability of Nigeria’s federal system.
“The current administration’s reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies and the introduction of tax reforms, are designed to ensure that the federation is fiscally responsible. These policies will not only guarantee better fiscal management but also ensure that each state receives more resources to serve its people,” Shettima said.
Shettima’s speech also addressed the temptation to imitate foreign systems of governance. He warned against adopting federal models from countries like Canada or those in Europe without considering Nigeria’s unique social, ethnic, and demographic realities.
“We cannot afford to romanticize foreign systems or import solutions that do not take into account our complexities,” Shettima explained. He emphasized that Nigeria’s federal structure should be homegrown, reflecting the country’s values, addressing its challenges, and fostering development at every level of governance.
The Vice President called for a sincere dialogue among all stakeholders to build a federal system that is not only effective but also one that Nigerians can trust to meet their aspirations. According to Shettima, a Nigerian version of federalism would be one that ensures accountability, promotes the welfare of citizens, and encourages the growth and development of local communities.
He further stated that efforts to reform the system must focus on meeting the specific needs of Nigeria, particularly in areas like resource management, governance, and regional development. Shettima stressed that it is only through such tailored reforms that Nigeria can establish a federation that truly serves the people.
Shettima also spoke about the Tinubu administration’s commitment to addressing the challenges of Nigeria’s federalism. He acknowledged that reforming the country’s federal system would be difficult but emphasized that it is a necessary path toward achieving long-term national development.
“We have chosen the path of reform, even though it is often difficult, because we believe it is the only way forward for Nigeria,” he said. The Vice President reiterated the administration’s dedication to improving the functioning of the federation through policy changes that enhance fiscal responsibility, local governance, and resource allocation.
In addition to legal reforms, Shettima pointed out that Nigeria’s federal structure needed better management of resources, particularly at the state and local government levels. He mentioned the government’s ongoing efforts to improve the accountability of state governments and ensure that federal allocations are used effectively to benefit the citizens.
Shettima also took the opportunity to commend the LEADERSHIP Media Group for organizing the annual conference and awards, which he said provided a platform for discussing critical issues and recognizing excellence in various fields.
He urged the awardees to recognize that the honor they received is both a celebration of their achievements and a call to duty. Shettima emphasized that the path to national renewal is a long one, but he expressed hope that the awardees would continue to embody the values of integrity, innovation, and impact.
“In you, we see the embodiment of the values we aspire to institutionalize—integrity, innovation, and impact. The path to national renewal is long, but each of you has shown that it is walkable,” Shettima said.
