…calls for genuine devolution at NEC 2026The Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barrister Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Lawal, has called for a critical re-examination of Nigeria’s federal structure, insisting that sustainable growth and development will remain elusive without a sincere devolution of powers. Speaking on the sub-theme, “Strengthening Inter-State Collaboration and Strategies in a Federal System,” the Deputy Governor argued that Nigeria’s claim to federalism is contradicted by its day-to-day governance practices. “Nigeria’s claim to operating a federal system cannot be justified by our present realities,” Lawal said. Lawal noted that the initiative, jointly driven by Southwest governors, has strengthened regional security and shown that states can achieve measurable progress when they work together, even within existing limitations. Also contributing, the Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, faulted the legal framework regulating natural resources, describing it as fundamentally flawed.

Source: Nigerian Tribune February 10, 2026 17:12 UTC