Regional Government: A Risky Experiment for Northern Nigeria
The other day, I had a short, animated discussion with the Chairman of Arewa Economic Forum (AEF) on a regional government as an option for the northern Nigeria. He pointed that in recent times, the call for regional governments in Nigeria has gained traction, particularly from well-meaning individuals advocating for regional economic integration. Prominent among them is a movement pushing for Northern Nigeria to adopt a masterplan centered on mining, agriculture, and power (MAP), said to be coordinated by the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) and supported by youth-driven platforms like the Northern Economic Agenda (NEA). While the intention to reform and economically empower the region is commendable, the regional government is not the right vehicle to drive this transformation.
As someone who has previously argued against the breakup of Nigeria, I must emphasize that regional government poses similar threats to our collective stability. For the North, in particular, this approach is fraught with risks—historically, economically, politically, and socially.
History provides us with valuable lessons. Prior to the unification of Nigeria under a strong federal system, the regional government structure fostered deep divisions, ethnic tension, and ultimately national instability. The Northern Region, once the largest and most politically influential, could not bridge the vast disparities within its own borders. The system concentrated power in the hands of regional elites and failed to achieve inclusive growth or national cohesion. The regional experiment of the 1950s and early 1960s collapsed under the weight of ethnic rivalry, unequal development, and political mistrust—setting the stage for a civil war. A return to that system, even under the guise of economic integration, risks repeating these same mistakes. In addition, there is the potential of the current federal elites to, on the one hand encourage regionalism, and on the other hand, undermine its successful operation in the north. In fact, Southwest elites may encourage the creation of the Middle Belt as an independent buffer region from the north.
Northern Nigeria’s economy remains largely dependent on federal allocations. Most states in the region generate very little internal revenue. Industrialization is minimal, access to global markets is limited, and basic infrastructure is either inadequate or completely lacking. Unlike the southern regions, the North does not possess seaports, robust energy grids, or functional financial ecosystems to support regional independence.
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Even with natural resource potential in mining and agriculture, the exploitation of these sectors requires massive capital, regulatory expertise, and international partnerships – most of which are coordinated at the federal level. A shift to regional autonomy would weaken the North’s bargaining power and further isolate it from much-needed national and global investment. With the clear “Beggar thy neighbor” mentality of the current federal government, how may the autonomous northern region survive?
Another big elephant in the room is the lack of purposeful leadership. A key component of a successful regional system is strong, visionary governance. Unfortunately, Northern Nigeria has been plagued by a chronic deficit of such leadership in many states. While there are pockets of exceptional leadership, most governors have failed to provide a clear development agenda, improve education, tackle poverty, or ensure security. It is unrealistic to expect that governors who have underperformed within a federal system will suddenly deliver transformative results under a regional arrangement. Without accountability and a new political culture, regional government risks becoming a larger version of the existing dysfunction at state levels.
The proponents of regional government seem to ignore that fact that the notion of the North as a single, united bloc is increasingly being challenged. The region is one of the most ethnically and religiously diverse in the country. From the Hausa-Fulani to the Kanuri, from the Tiv to the Berom, and dozens of Middle Belt communities, the differences are profound. There is already visible agitation in the Middle Belt against political and cultural domination from the core North. Religious divisions have also deepened, with rising mistrust between Christian and Muslim communities. A regional government structure will not magically erase these differences—it will more likely heighten them, especially if resource control, political appointments, and development priorities become contested. Recently, Plateau State has witnessed violence, unrest, and communal clashes. This is a clear reminder that we have a lot of work to do in the north.
The push for regional government subtly inches toward disintegration. Once regional structures are formalized, it is only a matter of time before stronger regions begin to agitate for full autonomy. For Northern Nigeria, whose economic and political stability depends significantly on the federal arrangement, this path is self-defeating. We must instead strengthen the existing federal system by advocating resource control reforms, more equitable revenue allocation, and stronger local governance. True progress will come from accountable leadership, inter-state collaboration, youth empowerment, education reform, and infrastructure development—not through political restructuring that revives old rivalries.
The North needs reform, no doubt. But regional government is not the answer. What we need is a renewed social contract built on good governance, inclusive economic planning, and sustained unity. Development should be pursued within a united Nigeria, where all regions contribute to and benefit from national progress. The proponents of north’s regional autonomy as a means of economic development should rather join political parties, promote egalitarian agenda and implement meaningful reforms for greater north within united Nigeria.
We must not trade unity for autonomy. Our collective future is best secured when Nigeria works together—not apart.
Baba El-Yakubu is a Professor of Chemical Engineering, at Ahmadu Bello University
Email: [email protected]
