The recent gathering of South-West governors in Lagos to discuss food security, economic collaboration, and regional development reflects both the urgency of Nigeria’s current challenges and the potential of subnational cooperation.
Lets run a critical breakdown of the meeting’s significance, shortcomings, and broader implications:
The Value of the Meeting
a. Regional Unity in a Fragmented Nation
Nigeria’s federal structure often suffers from disjointed policies and competition between states. By prioritizing collective action, the South-West governors are signaling a shift toward regional solidarity, which could amplify their negotiating power with the federal government and attract foreign investment.
b. Focus on Food Security
With Nigeria’s food inflation at 35.4% (as of 2024) and widespread hunger, the governors’ focus on agriculture and food security is timely. A coordinated regional strategy could address supply chain bottlenecks, reduce reliance on imports, and stabilize prices—critical steps for averting a full-blown crisis.
c. Economic Collaboration as a Growth Catalyst
The South-West contributes over 30% of Nigeria’s GDP, driven by Lagos’s ports, Ogun’s industries, and Oyo’s agriculture. A unified economic blueprint could unlock synergies—for example, linking Lagos’s tech ecosystem with Ekiti’s agrarian strengths or creating cross-state infrastructure projects.
d. Security and Stability
The region’s existing security network, Amotekun, has had mixed success. A renewed focus on intelligence-sharing and resource pooling could curb kidnapping, terrorism, and farmer-herder clashes, fostering a safer environment for economic activities.
e. Institutionalizing Development
The proposed South-West Development Commission could institutionalize regional progress, ensuring continuity beyond individual governors’ tenures. This mirrors successful models like the Niger Delta Development Commission, though its effectiveness will depend on funding and autonomy.
Criticisms and Shortcomings
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a. Lack of Transparency
The closed-door nature of the meeting raises questions about accountability. While sensitive discussions require privacy, the absence of a post-meeting communiqué (as of reporting) leaves citizens and stakeholders guessing about concrete resolutions.
b. Vagueness of Proposals
Broad terms like “economic collaboration” and “food security” lack actionable details. For instance:
- What specific agricultural policies will be implemented?
- How will states share resources or data?
- What benchmarks define success?
Without clarity, the meeting risks being labeled a photo-op rather than a problem-solving forum.
c. Historical Precedent of Inaction
Previous South-West governors’ meetings have produced lofty resolutions (e.g., the Lagos-Ibadan railway project) that stalled due to funding gaps or political rivalries. Skepticism is warranted until tangible outcomes emerge.
d. Exclusion of Key Stakeholders
Farmers, private sector leaders, and civil society groups were notably absent from the discussions. Their exclusion undermines the participatory governance needed for sustainable solutions.
e. Overemphasis on Centralization
While the Development Commission is promising, centralized bodies in Nigeria often suffer from bureaucracy and corruption. A balance between regional coordination and local autonomy is critical.
The Essence: A Test of Political Will
The meeting’s true essence lies in its potential to redefine governance in Nigeria. If the governors move beyond rhetoric, they could:
- Set a National Benchmark: Demonstrate how subnational cooperation can tackle systemic issues like hunger and unemployment.
- Pressure the Federal Government: A united South-West bloc could advocate for constitutional reforms, such as state policing or fiscal federalism.
- Attract Diaspora Investment: Coordinated policies could appeal to the South-West diaspora, a key source of remittances and expertise.
However, success hinges on:
- Timelines and Accountability: Publicly sharing a roadmap with milestones.
- Inclusivity: Engaging grassroots organizations and experts in implementation.
- Funding: Allocating state budgets to prioritize agreed projects.
Comparative Lessons
- India’s “Cooperative Federalism”: States like Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu collaborate on agriculture and tech, driving national growth.
- Ethiopia’s Regional Trade Corridors: Cross-state infrastructure projects have reduced poverty and improved food distribution.
The South-West could adopt similar models but must avoid pitfalls like elite capture or inequitable resource distribution.
Cautious Optimism
The meeting’s value lies in its recognition that Nigeria’s survival depends on subnational innovation. However, the governors must transition from symbolism to substance. Nigerians—especially the South-West’s 40 million residents—will judge this forum not by its agendas but by its ability to put food on tables, create jobs, and secure communities.
Key Questions Moving Forward:
- Will the governors publish a detailed action plan with deadlines?
- How will they involve citizens and the private sector in execution?
- What mechanisms will prevent political rivalries from derailing progress?
The answers to these questions will determine whether this meeting becomes a footnote in history or a turning point for regional governance.
Final Rating:
- Potential Impact: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
- Risk of Inaction: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3/5)
- Public Trust: ⭐⭐☆☆☆ (2/5)
DGR8 News – Holding Power to Account
