Next Generation Nigeria: The Importance of Strengthening States’ Economic Management

Economic stress and political uncertainty in Nigeria, together with multiple localized violent conflicts and the rise of divisive rhetoric, have reignited debate in the country over how power and resources are shared and managed across the federation of 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory of Abuja.

Regardless of ethnicity, religion or socio-economic status, some citizens are calling for a comprehensive rethinking of Nigeria’s governance architecture, and are demanding that a process of ‘restructuring’ takes place. Others argue that improving the current model is crucial before pursuing anything new. It remains unclear exactly what restructuring would involve, what the consequences could be, and how it could be properly and peacefully implemented.

Fractious politics and competing interests risk muddying the waters of the current debate. In the fourth of a series of meetings at Chatham House, HE Atiku Abubakar, the former vice president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999-2007), examines the role of state governments in development and socio-economic outcomes in Nigeria, and the importance of improving capacity, self-sufficiency and public financial management at the state level.