A coalition of prominent public affairs analysts, legal luminaries, and diplomats has issued a fresh and urgent call for the “fundamental restructuring” of Nigeria’s governance architecture as the only viable solution to the nation’s worsening security and socio-economic challenges. Speaking at a national symposium organized by the National Association of Public Affairs Analysts (NAPAA) at the University of Ibadan on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, the former Nigerian Ambassador to the Philippines, Dr. Yemi Farounbi, and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Chief Niyi Akintola, argued that the current centralized system is “critically overstressed” and incapable of responding to the diverse needs of the 36 states.
Dr. Yemi Farounbi, who served as the Chairman of the occasion, described Nigeria as a “nation of paradox,” where abundant human and natural resources have failed to translate into development due to “structural deficiencies and weak institutions.” He asserted that the most critical issue insecurity cannot be solved through military force alone but requires a “decentralization of power” that empowers sub-national governments to manage their own resources and security coordination. Supporting context from the symposium, themed “Nigeria’s Current Challenges and the Way Out,” highlights a consensus among the participants that the “unwillingness of the political elite” to relinquish central control is the primary obstacle to national progress.
Stakeholder reactions to the calls for restructuring have reflected the deep-seated divisions within the country. While many regional groups from the South and the Middle Belt have echoed the demands for “state police” and “fiscal federalism,” some voices from the North have cautioned that restructuring should not be a “euphemism for disintegration.” Chief Niyi Akintola, SAN, countered this by arguing that insecurity is the “greatest impediment to national development,” disrupting agriculture, weakening education, and draining public resources in every region. He maintained that a restructured Nigeria would be a “more united and stable” entity, as it would reduce the “do-or-die” competition for control of the center in Abuja.
Political and developmental analysts suggest that the “Farounbi-Akintola declaration” is part of a growing pre-2027 electoral discourse. Experts observe that as the next election cycle approaches, the “Restructuring Question” is once again taking center stage as a key campaign issue. They suggest that the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu himself a long-time advocate of true federalism is under increasing pressure to deliver on the “Constitutional Reforms” promised during his campaign. Analysts maintain that without addressing the foundational flaws of the 1999 Constitution, any attempt at economic or security reform will remain a “palliative measure” that does not tackle the root causes of the national malaise.
The broader implications of these calls point toward an impending “constitutional showdown” in the National Assembly. The advocates for restructuring are pushing for a “people-centered” document that reflects the realities of 21st-century Nigeria. By bringing together scholars, legal practitioners, and political actors, the National Association of Public Affairs Analysts is attempting to build a “national consensus” that transcends ethnic and religious lines. As the 2027 elections draw closer, the focus remains on whether the “restructuring movement” can move from “symposium resolutions” to “legislative action.” For the average Nigerian, the debate represents a hope for a government that is closer to the people and more effective in protecting lives and property.
