More Powers for States: A Catalyst for Nigeria’s Development, Says Governor Mbah

Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, has declared Nigeria’s federalism, which concentrates powers and revenues in the centre as a major setback to its speedy socioeconomic development.

In a recent public lecture at the London School of Economics (LSE), Mbah likened Nigeria’s brand of federalism to a man with 36 children, but who overworked a few till they became too weak, noting that the ensuing hard times should be seen as an opportunity to overhaul the nation’s production strategy.

Mbah commended the transfer of railways and power from the Exclusive to Concurrent List to enable the states to play a role in those sectors and lauded the ongoing discussions and predisposition of the President Bola Tinubu administration towards the devolution of more powers to the federating units.

He emphasized the need for Nigeria to adopt a more effective approach to federalism, one that empowers states to contribute more to the nation’s development.

In his lecture titled “Enugu State, Nigeria: New Political Leadership; Bold Economic Vision – Spotlight on the Health and Education Strategies,” the governor acknowledged the inherent benefits of federalism in other countries with populations as vast and diverse as Nigeria’s.

However, he pointed out the flaws in Nigeria’s presidential federalism, which excessively concentrates revenue at the center rather than in the states or regions.

Mbah stressed the importance of political will, people-centered, and transcendental leadership in driving the nation’s progress.

He emphasized the need for leaders to demonstrate a capacity to translate dreams into reality and not merely peddle hope.

In a bid to showcase his administration’s commitment to development, Governor Mbah outlined the ambitious plan to grow the economy of Enugu State seven-fold.

He aims to increase the state’s GDP from $4.4bn to at least $30 billion within the next four to eight years.

Additionally, he is determined to attain a zero percent poverty headcount index in the state, through massive investments in security, health, education, agriculture, and water sectors, among others.

As Nigeria continues to grapple with the challenges of development and the need for more effective governance, Governor Mbah’s call for the devolution of powers to states may serve as a crucial step towards unlocking the nation’s full potential.