Draft Bill Proposing 8-Region Structure for Nigeria to be Sent to Tinubu

Akin Fapohunda, a prominent figure in the Yoruba socio-cultural group Afenifere, has announced the submission of a draft legislation titled “A Bill for an Act to substitute the annexure to Decree 24 of 1999 with New Governance Model for the Federal Republic of Nigeria” to President Bola Tinubu.

This proposed legislation advocates for a significant overhaul of Nigeria’s governance framework, reverting to a regional system of governance comprising eight regions.

Fapohunda emphasized that the draft legislation aims to rename existing laws under the title “The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria New Governance Model for Nigeria Act 2024” among other provisions. However, the House of Representatives has distanced itself from the draft, denying any involvement or inclusion of such legislation on its agenda.

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The proposed regions include:

• South Eastern Region: Comprising Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo States.
• Western Region: Inclusive of Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Ekiti, Kogi, and Kwara States (Yoruba-speaking Kogi and Igbomina communities).
• Eastern Middle Belt Region: Covering Northern Cross River, Southern Kaduna, Southern Borno, Adamawa, Benue, Kogi, Plateau, Nasarawa, and Taraba States.
• Mid-Western Region: Encompassing Edo and Delta States, potentially incorporating the Anioma people.
• North Eastern Region: Parts of Borno, Gombe, Bauchi, Jigawa, and Yobe States.
• Western Middle Belt Region: Southern Kebbi, parts of Kwara, and Niger States.
• North Western Region: Kaduna State with portions of Kebbi, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara States.

Under this proposed legislation, each region would have autonomy to manage its affairs, establish sub-entities, and craft its constitution. The coalition advocates for a two-tiered government structure comprising federal and regional levels. Regions would have the authority to create, merge, or reconfigure their sub-political units without external interference.

Additionally, the legislation proposes:

• Transitioning current states into provinces under regional governance.
• Instituting provincial councils with combined executive and legislative functions.
• Reducing administrative costs and streamlining public service operations.
• Implementing a unicameral federal legislature with representatives chosen by constituencies.

The coalition also advocates for a decentralized federal power structure, reducing the current 36 states to a maximum of 10 regions, emphasizing efficiency and cost-effectiveness in governance. They propose statutory rotation of regional leadership and a return to a parliamentary system of government.

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In conclusion, the proposed legislation aims to modernize Nigeria’s governance framework, promoting efficiency, autonomy, and equitable development across the regions. Fapohunda and the coalition anticipate public and governmental engagement following the submission of the draft, emphasizing the importance of national consensus and effective implementation for Nigeria’s future governance.