In a compelling address delivered at a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, Celestine Omehia, the former Governor of Rivers State, made a passionate case for the decentralization of power in Nigeria. The event, held to announce the launch of his new book titled Restructuring Nigeria: The Way Forward, marked a significant moment in the ongoing national discourse on Nigeria’s governance structure and its developmental challenges. Omehia’s remarks underscored the urgent need for a shift away from the centralized system inherited from Nigeria’s military era, advocating for greater autonomy for states and regions to manage their affairs and resources. The book, set to be unveiled on September 24, 2025, is poised to ignite a nationwide conversation on constitutional reform and the restructuring of Nigeria’s political and administrative framework.
The Case for Decentralization
Omehia’s central argument revolves around the idea that Nigeria’s current governance model, rooted in the legacy of military rule, is ill-suited for a democratic society. He contends that the concentration of power at the federal level stifles development and undermines the ability of states and local communities to address their unique needs effectively. “The system we are operating today, inherited from military rule, is inappropriate for a democratic government,” Omehia declared, emphasizing that Nigeria’s federal structure must evolve to reflect the principles of true federalism.
The former governor argued that decentralizing power would empower states and regions to take charge of their development agendas. By granting subnational governments greater control over resource allocation and project implementation, Nigeria could foster more inclusive and responsive governance. Omehia pointed out that local communities are often better positioned to identify their priorities and design solutions tailored to their circumstances. For instance, he cited the example of road construction in Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers State. “Local communities in Port Harcourt know the roads that need urgent attention. They understand the terrain, the traffic patterns, and the economic importance of specific infrastructure projects far better than a distant federal authority,” he explained. This localized knowledge, he argued, makes a compelling case for devolving decision-making powers to the states and provinces.
A Call for Inclusive Constitutional Reform
Omehia’s vision for restructuring goes beyond administrative changes; it encompasses a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s constitutional framework. He stressed the importance of involving all stakeholders—particularly representatives of the people—in the process of constitutional reform. “Any restructuring effort must be inclusive,” he said. “It must involve the voices of the people, their elected representatives, traditional leaders, civil society organizations, and other key stakeholders.” This participatory approach, according to Omehia, is essential to ensuring that the outcomes of any reform process reflect the aspirations of Nigeria’s diverse population.
Reflecting on past efforts, Omehia praised the 2014 National Conference convened under the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan. The conference, which brought together delegates from across Nigeria to discuss critical issues affecting the nation, produced a series of recommendations aimed at addressing longstanding structural challenges. However, Omehia expressed disappointment that the conference’s outcomes were never implemented. “The 2014 constitutional conference was a step in the right direction,” he noted. “It provided a platform for Nigerians to engage in meaningful dialogue about the future of our country. Unfortunately, its recommendations were shelved, and we missed a golden opportunity to move forward.”
To avoid repeating past mistakes, Omehia advocated for a new constitutional conference to tackle Nigeria’s governance challenges holistically. He argued that piecemeal amendments to the constitution, as have been attempted in recent years, are insufficient to address the deep-seated issues plaguing the country. “Tinkering with the constitution through isolated amendments will not solve our problems,” he said. “What we need is a comprehensive constitutional conference that brings together all segments of society to chart a new course for Nigeria.” Such a conference, he believes, would provide a platform for Nigerians to deliberate on critical issues such as resource control, federalism, and the distribution of power between the federal government and the states.
The Role of Restructuring Nigeria: The Way Forward
Omehia’s book, Restructuring Nigeria: The Way Forward, is designed to serve as a catalyst for this national conversation. According to the former governor, the book is not merely an academic exercise but a deliberate effort to spark dialogue among Nigerians about the country’s future. “This book is my contribution to the ongoing debate about Nigeria’s development,” Omehia said. “It is an invitation to all Nigerians—policymakers, scholars, activists, and ordinary citizens—to engage in a constructive discussion about how we can create a more equitable and effective system of governance.”
The book explores various dimensions of Nigeria’s governance challenges, including the over-centralization of power, the inefficiencies of the current federal structure, and the need for greater fiscal autonomy for states. It also offers practical recommendations for achieving meaningful reform, drawing on Omehia’s experience as a former governor and his deep understanding of Nigeria’s political landscape. “The book is not just about identifying problems,” Omehia emphasized. “It is about proposing solutions and inspiring action. I hope it will serve as a roadmap for those who are committed to building a better Nigeria.”
The upcoming book launch on September 24, 2025, is expected to be a significant event, bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders, including political leaders, academics, civil society organizations, and members of the public. Omehia expressed optimism that the launch would provide a platform for robust discussions on the way forward for Nigeria. “The book launch is not just about unveiling a book,” he said. “It is about creating a space for Nigerians to come together, share ideas, and commit to the collective effort of restructuring our country for the better.”
The Broader Context of Nigeria’s Governance Challenges
Omehia’s call for decentralization comes at a time when Nigeria is grappling with a range of complex challenges, including economic stagnation, insecurity, and growing demands for self-determination among various ethnic and regional groups. The country’s centralized governance model has long been a source of contention, with many arguing that it concentrates too much power and resources in the hands of the federal government, leaving states and local governments with limited capacity to address their unique needs.
One of the most contentious issues in Nigeria’s governance debate is resource control. States, particularly those in the oil-rich Niger Delta region like Rivers State, have long demanded greater control over the resources extracted from their territories. Under the current system, the federal government controls the allocation of revenues derived from natural resources, with states receiving a share through monthly allocations from the Federation Account. Critics argue that this arrangement undermines the economic autonomy of resource-producing states and limits their ability to invest in critical infrastructure and social services.
Omehia’s advocacy for decentralization aligns with the views of many Nigerians who believe that devolving power to the states would promote more equitable development and reduce tensions between the federal government and subnational entities. By allowing states to control a larger share of their resources, Omehia argues, Nigeria could unlock the potential for rapid development at the grassroots level. “When states have the power to manage their resources, they can invest in projects that directly benefit their people,” he said. “This will not only drive economic growth but also foster a sense of ownership and accountability among local leaders.”
The Historical Context of Nigeria’s Federalism
To fully appreciate Omehia’s arguments, it is important to consider the historical context of Nigeria’s federal system. Nigeria’s federal structure was established at independence in 1960, with the country organized into three regions—Northern, Western, and Eastern—each with significant autonomy. However, the military coups of 1966 and the subsequent civil war (1967–1970) led to a gradual centralization of power. Successive military regimes restructured the country into a federation of states, but the federal government retained significant control over political and economic affairs.
This centralization was further entrenched with the creation of additional states, which reduced the autonomy of subnational governments and increased their dependence on federal allocations. The 1999 Constitution, which forms the basis of Nigeria’s current democratic system, has been criticized for perpetuating this centralized model. For instance, the constitution vests significant powers in the federal government, including control over key sectors such as security, education, and infrastructure development.
Omehia’s call for restructuring is part of a broader movement to return Nigeria to a system of true federalism, where states and regions have greater control over their affairs. Proponents of this approach argue that it would address many of the grievances fueling separatist agitations and ethnic tensions across the country. By decentralizing power, they believe, Nigeria can create a more inclusive and responsive governance system that accommodates its diverse population.
Challenges and Opportunities
While Omehia’s proposal for decentralization has garnered support from many quarters, it is not without challenges. One of the primary obstacles to restructuring is political resistance from those who benefit from the current system. The concentration of power at the federal level has created vested interests among political elites, who may be reluctant to relinquish control. Additionally, the process of constitutional reform is complex and requires broad consensus among Nigeria’s diverse ethnic and regional groups.
Another challenge is the potential for disparities in resource distribution. While decentralization could empower resource-rich states like Rivers, it may exacerbate inequalities in less-endowed states, raising questions about how to ensure equitable development across the country. Omehia acknowledges this concern but argues that a well-designed federal system, coupled with mechanisms for inter-state cooperation, could address these disparities. “Decentralization does not mean abandoning the less fortunate,” he said. “It means creating a system where every state can harness its potential while contributing to the collective good.”
Despite these challenges, Omehia’s proposal presents significant opportunities for Nigeria. By empowering states to take charge of their development, decentralization could unleash innovation and creativity at the local level. It could also reduce the burden on the federal government, allowing it to focus on national priorities such as defense, foreign policy, and macroeconomic stability. Moreover, a decentralized system could strengthen democratic accountability by bringing governance closer to the people.
The Path Forward
As Nigeria prepares for the launch of Restructuring Nigeria: The Way Forward, Omehia’s message resonates as a clarion call for change. His advocacy for decentralization and constitutional reform reflects a growing consensus among Nigerians that the status quo is unsustainable. The book, with its promise to spark dialogue and inspire action, could serve as a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s journey toward a more equitable and effective governance system.
The upcoming book launch on September 24, 2025, is expected to draw significant attention, with stakeholders from across the country gathering to discuss the ideas presented in the book. For Omehia, the event is an opportunity to build momentum for the restructuring agenda and to galvanize support for a constitutional conference. “This is not about one person or one book,” he said. “It is about the future of our country and the legacy we leave for the next generation.”
In conclusion, Celestine Omehia’s call for decentralization represents a bold and timely intervention in Nigeria’s governance debate. By advocating for a system that empowers states and regions, he is challenging Nigerians to rethink the foundations of their federal system. As the country grapples with the complexities of its political and economic challenges, Omehia’s book and its accompanying dialogue offer a pathway toward a more inclusive, responsive, and prosperous Nigeria. The question now is whether Nigeria’s leaders and citizens will seize this opportunity to chart a new course for the nation.
