Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has affirmed that the country’s has the potential to function effectively, provided there is patriotic commitment from citizens, leaders, and institutions alike.
Speaking on Tuesday at the 7th Annual Leadership Conference and Awards held at the State House Banquet Hall in Abuja, the Vice President—represented by the Special Adviser, General Duties to the President, Dr Aliyu Modibbo—stated that the country’s federal challenges were less about structural flaws and more about how resources are managed.
“The Nigerian challenge, when carefully considered, lies less in the structure of our federalism and more in the deficit of our collective fiscal responsibility,” he noted.
He stressed that a truly functional federal system requires accountability and responsibility at all levels of governance.
“To improve our federalism, we must not lose sight of the dysfunctions that have been allowed to fester under the current system. If we at the national level deliver on our promises, if our governors manage their allocations with prudence, if our local governments are truly autonomous and accountable, if every kobo is deployed with the people’s interest in mind, then the structure will serve us well,” the Vice President said.
He cautioned against the wholesale adoption of foreign federal systems, noting that Nigeria’s complex social, ethnic, and demographic makeup necessitates a home-grown solution.
“We must resist the temptation to romanticise foreign systems or prescribe imported solutions that fail to account for our distinct social, ethnic, and demographic complexities.
“What we seek, therefore, is not a photocopy of another country’s model, but a federal structure tailored to our aspirations. It must reflect our values, ensure accountability, and foster development at all levels. The only road to such a destination is through sincere dialogue,” he emphasised.
Shettima went on to highlight the current administration’s reform initiatives aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s federal structure. He underscored that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government is actively addressing the issues undermining federalism in the country.
“This administration, under the leadership of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is confronting this challenge directly. We have chosen the path of reform. It is bold, often difficult, but necessary,” he said.
He cited the pursuit of local government autonomy as a clear example, stressing the administration’s commitment to due legal process.
“One such step is our unflinching pursuit of local government autonomy—a vision we are realising through the sanctity of due legal process. The recent Supreme Court pronouncements in favour of autonomy underscore our commitment to building a federal structure that works for the grassroots. This is how we make the federation functional: by bringing governance closer to the people.”
The Vice President also referenced recent policy moves, such as the removal of fuel subsidies and the introduction of tax reforms, as part of efforts to build a fiscally responsible and inclusive federation.
“The policy choices pursued by this administration—from the removal of fuel subsidies to the introduction of tax reform bills—are aimed not only at guaranteeing a fiscally responsible federation but also at creating a system that offers each state both increased allocations and the opportunity to participate in debates and reforms for long-term fiscal stability,” he added.
Commending the Leadership Media Group for providing a platform for national dialogue and for recognising excellence, Shettima told award recipients that their recognition was also a reminder of the responsibilities they carry.
“In you, we see the embodiment of the values we aspire to institutionalise—integrity, innovation, and impact. The path to national renewal is long, but each of you has shown that it is walkable,” he stated.