Prominent socio-cultural organizations, including Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Afenifere, Arewa Forum, the Middle Belt, and others, have called for a drastic restructuring of Nigeria during a symposium in Kaduna.
The event, organized by the Rebirth Group, attracted representatives from various ethnic communities both in person and online, all united in their belief that Nigeria’s current structure is a major factor contributing to its numerous challenges.
The symposium’s resolution emphasized the need for a radical reorganization of the country into regions that would have greater autonomy over their affairs. The central government, it was proposed, should be smaller and more efficient, with a shift towards a parliamentary system of governance rather than the existing expensive presidential system.
Key proposals included the establishment of a Restructuring or Rebirth Commission to drive these changes and the potential renaming of the country to the United Regions of Nigeria (URN), reflecting this new structure. The restructuring would allow each region to have its own constitution and greater control over resources, with 70% of local revenues staying within the region, while only 30% would go to the central government.
The event drew participation from a wide range of organizations such as the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation, the Middle Belt Forum, and the Socio-Community Youth Association of Nigeria (SCOYAN), alongside various community groups from across Nigeria. The participants underscored that Nigeria’s current system, which was imposed without the input of its people, has been ineffective and divisive.
In a statement released by the committee drafting the communiqué, the group stressed that the country’s current political structure has failed to serve the interests of its citizens. The proposed restructuring would allow each region to be equal in status and rankings, ensuring fairer resource distribution and autonomy.
The symposium’s conclusions also included recommendations for rotational leadership to prevent political stagnation, as well as the creation of a Truth, Justice, and Reconciliation Commission to address the nation’s divisions.
Deacon Owolabi Oladejo, Co-Convener of the Rebirth Group, emphasized the deep national discontent, noting widespread agitations among different ethnic groups. He questioned why Nigerians from various regions struggle with national identity and pride, pointing to the need for a thorough reevaluation of the nation’s governance model to address the trust deficit that has led to persistent regional and ethnic tensions.
