By Mary Onyia
Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has called for far-reaching restructuring of Nigeria’s federal system, arguing that creating state police alone will not resolve the country’s deep-rooted security challenges without broader constitutional and institutional reforms.
Speaking at an ARISE News town hall meeting on state police, Soludo said the conversation must extend beyond policing to the wider issue of building a more functional federation. He noted that President Bola Tinubu’s ongoing reforms align with positions the President had championed as Governor of Lagos State, particularly the devolution of more powers to sub-national governments.
According to Soludo, Nigeria’s federal structure has gradually transferred more responsibilities to states without a corresponding review of the revenue allocation formula, leaving them with increasing obligations but inadequate financial resources. He maintained that state police should be seen as only one component of a broader restructuring agenda needed to improve governance, security, and service delivery across the country.
The governor also criticised the country’s highly centralised judicial system, describing it as inefficient and ill-suited to local realities. Citing Anambra State, he said land disputes account for a significant proportion of court cases, with some remaining unresolved for between 30 and 40 years. Matters relating to land, he argued, should be handled entirely at the state level, insisting that Nigeria’s long-term stability depends on building a truly federal system rather than relying on piecemeal reforms.