RE-EXAMINING TRUE FEDERALISM CONUNDRUM IN NIGERIA

Abstract

This article examined the debate on true federalism in Nigeria. Nigeria is a multi-ethnic nation with a versed population of about 200 million people. It was as result of the diversities in Nigeria that the British colonial masters instituted federalism in the country. Federalism in every country has its recipe akin to the provisions of the Constitution. The Nigerian version has Exclusive Legislative List which the federal government alone can legislate or act upon, and the Concurrent Legislative List which the States
and the Federal government can legislate upon. The Residual List (leftovers) is legislated upon by the states alone, and a sharing formula of revenue favourable to the federal government. Nigerian federalism have been criticized on the ground that the Constitution yielded to so much power to the central government, thereby positing that there is no true federalism in Nigeria. There is no gainsaying the fact that there are some challenges confronting federalism in Nigeria. This article concluded that there is true federalism in Nigeria despite its shortcomings. It is suggested that the Constitution should further be altered and more powers should be devolved to the component units so as to promote socio- economic growth at the grassroot.