PANDEF seeks power devolution, return to fiscal federalism

Ambassador Godknows Igali, National Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), has advocated for the restoration of genuine fiscal federalism in Nigeria. He argued that the country's centralized system has hindered productivity, security, and accountability. At the Concerned Citizens Assembly summit in Abuja, Igali proposed the creation of 15 regions as part of a restructuring framework.

He cited examples of successful regional development under the 1963 Constitution, such as free primary education in the Western Region, industries in the Eastern Region, and agricultural and educational institutions in the Northern Region. Igali criticized state governors for not translating regional cooperation into tangible economic growth and urged constitutional amendments to devolve powers, strengthen fiscal federalism, and guarantee local government autonomy.

He emphasized that restructuring should not lead to disintegration but should instead enhance national unity and effectiveness. The Concerned Citizens Assembly convener, Owolabi Oladejo, emphasized that restructuring was a national survival strategy, as Nigeria's centralized political structure had become ineffective in addressing the country's complex and diverse needs.

He stressed the necessity to review the fundamental governance architecture and called for a new federal compact based on consent, stronger regions, fiscal responsibility, and constitutional reform. The Rebirth Group's General Secretary, Ali Ocheni, echoed these sentiments, noting that consultations across six geopolitical zones revealed widespread concern over excessive centralization of power.

Ocheni proposed 15 regions, advocating for a return to a regional federal structure similar to the one established under the 1963 Constitution.