A professor of public administration and a former United Nations and World Bank employee, Oladipo Adamolekun, has described the continued delay of the devolution in Nigeria as dangerous.

While frowning at the recent establishment of development commissions and the federal ministry of regional development, Adamolekun emphasised that it was antithetical to devolution.

According to the professor, during the media presentation of his book titled ‘Reflections on Governance and Development in Nigeria’, which was held in Akure, Ondo State capital, a devolved federation is a necessity, not a choice.

He said: “Without question, and consciously or unconsciously, the promoters and supporters of these institutions are entrenching overcentralisation and delaying devolution. I would confidently assert that delaying devolution in Nigeria is dangerous.

“It’s a matter of analysing the realities of this country and comparing with international experiences. There is no other way to achieve peace and rapid socio-economic development than devolving power to sub-national governments. Now some people want to keep the 36, maybe, but I advocated six.

“Ministry of Regional Development, where is it, Abuja? Your development commissions, where are they run from, Abuja? So there is no country in the world. I give the example. India is a clear example of a federal system that functions as a result of the centre not being the driver.”

Adamolekun, who further stressed that the situation has further stifled subnational development, created fiscal imbalances, and contributed to underdevelopment in many regions, urged the federal government to urgently do the needful.

“If it is not already too late, I would strongly advise the incumbent president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to use the same method he used to effect the change of our national anthem to ensure the reallocation of functions and resources between the central and subnational governments in the country.

“Specifically, I would recommend a 35:65 share for the central and subnational governments, respectively, with respect to both powers and resources. Of course, the proposed percentages of sharing would be subject to debate.

“However, to ensure a peaceful and well-performing Nigerian federal system, the share of subnational governments must be significantly higher than that of the central government with respect to both powers and resources.”

Meanwhile, discussants at the event maintained that devolution is not about weakening Nigeria but making governance more responsive and efficient.

They stressed that a restructured federation, where states have greater autonomy, can unlock Nigeria’s development potential and reduce tensions, adding that the political will to implement these reforms remains the biggest challenge.