By Kingsley Alumona

The question: “Is it time to restructure Nigeria?” is coming at the most critical moment of the country’s history. This question itself begs two fundamental questions. First, what is restructuring? Second, what are the indices of a restructured country? On the other hand, while these two questions are imperative in answering the original question, it is necessary to state, at this juncture, given the plurality and sensitivity of Nigerian society, that this is a delicate national issue that requires an objective discourse.

The word “restructure”, from which restructuring is formed, could be ambiguous. It, therefore, requires a concise definition that would fit this topic and also do justice to it. The Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary (8th Edition) defines restructure as: “to organize something such as a system or a company in a new and different way.” Simply put, bearing the current Nigerian situation in mind, it is socially, politically, economically and otherwise redefining and reorganising Nigeria to move forward in peace and harmony. Conversely, since Nigeria is far from peace and harmony, it is time the country was restructured!

Restructuring implies a preexisted well-structured system, because it is only a previously structured system that is in disarray that could be restructured. This poses some crucial questions: Was Nigeria previously structured? When and how?

History, oral and written, would suffice in answering these questions since it is an invaluable tool that enables one to use the past to judge the present, and to envisage the future as well. The undefined path Nigeria is currently treading indicates that either it has not learnt from its history or it has not judiciously utilised it in redefining its blurry future.

History shows that Nigeria was once structured, and two major facts support this: the derivative principles and the 1963 constitution. Research shows that the different commissions and committees on derivative principles, especially from 1953 till date, keep on decreasing in favour of the central government. The derivations of 1953-1970 helped the regions and states to grow, but the ones of 1970 till date are gags in their wheels of progress. With the drastic decrease in the derivative principles, increase in the number of states and interruption of civilian rule by the military, the well-structured walls of Nigeria gradually became parodies of order and stability.

The 1963 constitution attests that Nigeria was once structured. It was a document that gave Nigeria its Federal Republic identity and one that was truly federal in content. It limited central power. It also supported local participation where the regions were self-sustaining, had their own institutions and managed their own resources. Unfortunately, as one of the casualties of the 1966 coup, 1963 constitution ceased to exist, and the federal system it supported was replaced with a unitary structure. The demise of the 1963 constitution was the end of Nigeria’s structured system and true federalism.

The reasons why Nigeria should be restructured abound. Everybody seems to have his or her own opinion about it. But the three major reasons for restructuring that was suggested by Preston Townley, a United States business executive, would suffice. Townley said: “There are three forces driving restructuring: first, the need to react to excessive capacity; second, the need to lift profitability in the teeth of recession; and third, the availability of more competitive wages in the global labour pool.” It is glaring that these three reasons encapsulate the current Nigerian condition.

The first reason, according to Townley, is to react to excessive capacity. Excessive capacity, in Nigeria’s context, is the total control of power and resources by the central government. This centralised structure, which is supported by the 1999 constitution, allows little input from the states, not to mention the local governments. This constitution does not only encourage a pyramidal structure where some few elected and appointed government officials at the top dictate and control everything below, it also puts a lot of strain at the centre and fosters bureaucracy, corruption and unaccountability.

The second reason, which is to lift profitability in the teeth of recession, is one of the biggest challenges Nigeria has been facing, at least, for the past two years. High cost of production, naira depreciation and high unemployment rate attest to this. The current structure has shown little or no effort to curb recession, revamp the weak economy and provide jobs for the teeming unemployed youths. How could any country maximise its comparative advantage and lift profitability when its states and local governments depend heavily on it? This only encourages inaction and parasitism.

The last reason, which is availability of competitive wage rates in the global labour pool, is a far cry from Nigeria current situation. The Nigerian wage and salary scale, which is a sham, is designed to enrich government officials and enslave commoners. Nonpayment of salaries and salary cut are now norms. Workers and pensioners are owed for months, while the politicians flaunt their outrageous salaries and allowances that come when due. These are the major reasons for business liquidation and incessant strikes, which are detrimental to the economy and image of the country.

The reoccurring political agitations, ethnic clashes and national insecurity, whether for resource control or self-determination, show that many Nigerians are marginalised. These have led everyone to oppugn the unity of Nigeria.  Nigerians are tired of living in servitude and in pretence.

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The one-Nigeria mantra has lost it vigour. The antipolitical and ethnic-based activities of MASSOB, IPOB, MOSOP, MEND, IYC and OPC attest to this. The hate speeches of Niger Delta militants, Arewa youths and Igbo agitators indicate that the current structure has not only failed but is also a harbinger of disorder, which only a well-structured system could salvage.

   These, and many more, are the signs that indicate that it is time Nigeria is restructured. Over the years, many have argued that the current structure is creating short-term solutions and long-term problems. People, politicians and nonpoliticians, have been expressing their views about this. Notable among them are Ibrahim Babangida, Atiku Abubakar, Ike Ekweremadu, Nnia Nwodo, David Umahi, Nnamdi Kanu, to mention a few. Many Nigerians, home and abroad, are voicing their concerns as well. This shows how important this matter is.

    The benefits of restructuring Nigeria, if handled in an honest, encompassing and sustainable way by the relevant stakeholders, cannot be overemphasised. If countries like China, India, Malaysia, Brazil, United Arab Emirates are doing well because they restructured some of their sectors, then Nigeria, with its abundant human and natural resources, could do better. Political and economic stability, social and ethnic harmony, human and resource optimisation, just and meritocratic systems are some of the things Nigeria would enjoy if it is properly restructured.

    At this point, it would be germane to suggest the vital precepts that should steer the restructuring process. They include, but are not limited to, equal representation and participation in local and national affairs, justice in resource control and management, and fairness in derivation principle and power control.

   In addition, worthy of mention are the types and duration of restructuring that would culminate in better national integration, competitive advantage and diversification of Nigeria’s oil-driven economy. Be it political, economic, fiscal, social, industrial, administrative, agricultural, et cetera, on short or long term basis, it should be done in the overall interest of the country.

  However, beyond the political and economic sphere, another crucial area that needs restructuring is our national mindset. An unhealthy mindset is fatal at the individual and national levels. The misconception that restructuring is not a national priority, and that those clamouring for it are political opportunists, is wrong.

  This misconception is a ploy and a consequential arrangement that favours some politicians and regions, but hurts ordinary Nigerians. The unity of Nigeria may be nonnegotiable, but its current ailing structure is. Nigerians, irrespective of culture and class, minority or majority status, need one another to grow and survive.

Alumona writes from Lagos

There is no doubt that restructuring would nurture these relations, and encourage healthy competition and meritocracy among local and federating units. 

In conclusion, I strongly believe that it is time to restructure Nigeria, and I have succinctly given reasons for this. Restructuring may be a lot to ask, but it is not too much. It may not solve all the problems, but it would solve many. To say no to restructuring, simply means not wanting what we need to move forward as a nation. Obafemi Awolowo said: “There is radiance in the darkness, if we could but see. To be able to see that radiance, all you need to do is to cultivate the courage to look.” Restructuring is that radiance in the darkness that has engulfed Nigeria. If we take bold steps and embrace it now, it would bring opportunities and rewards that would propel us to greater heights.

Alumona