Dons Eze
POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES OF RESTRUCTURING NIGERIA: WHICH REGION SUFFERS MOST?
Nigeria, a country with a complex political and economic landscape, has been grappling with the idea of restructuring for several years. Proponents argue that it will promote economic growth, reduce inequality, and address grievances among the country’s diverse regions.
However, there are concerns about the potential consequences of restructuring, particularly for one region that may suffer most: the North.
The North, comprising 19 states, is the most populous region in Nigeria, with a significant majority of the country’s landmass.
Historically, the North has relied heavily on the federal government for economic support, and its economy is largely dependent on agriculture and solid minerals. If restructuring takes place, the North may face significant challenges, including:
1. Loss of Federal Allocations: A restructured Nigeria may lead to a reduction in federal allocations to states, which could disproportionately affect the North, given its reliance on federal support.
2. Economic Disruption: The North’s economy is largely informal, with many small-scale farmers and traders. Restructuring could lead to economic disruption, making it difficult for these individuals to adapt to new economic realities.
3. Limited Economic Diversification: The North has limited economic diversification, with a focus on agriculture and solid minerals. If restructuring leads to a decline in federal support, the region may struggle to diversify its economy and attract investment.
4. Brain Drain: The North has already experienced a brain drain, with many of its best and brightest minds migrating to other regions or abroad in search of better opportunities. Restructuring could exacerbate this trend, leading to a loss of skilled workforce and intellectuals.
5. Social Unrest: The North has experienced periods of social unrest, including the Boko Haram insurgency. Restructuring could lead to increased tensions and conflict, particularly if the region feels marginalized or excluded from the restructuring process.
In conclusion, while restructuring may bring benefits to Nigeria as a whole, the North may suffer most due to its economic and political vulnerabilities.It is crucial for policymakers to consider the potential consequences of restructuring and develop strategies to mitigate its impact on the North, ensuring that the region is not left behind in the process.
I can’t disagree more with this shallow analysis of consequences of restructuring for the North. First, the 19 States monolithic North does not exist anymore, and the evidences are abundant. In a restructuring the boundaries too are restructured. Nigeria has done this several times since 1960 or should we say since 1914 amalgamation. Yes.
Without going into any deeper discussions here maybe for space, let it be clear that the benefits of a carefully and honestly restructured Nigeria is not only great and progressive for the country, the African
continent, and the black race as a whole but for the “North” in particular.
By your limited analysis you have said and implied that the vast land mass, the vast mineral resources in the “North” cannot spur economic prosperity for the “North” or that the “North” will not be able to take advantage of that and develop itself towards such economic change and success. I can’t disagree with you more. I don’t believe the “North” or anybody wants to be spoon-fed forever or shall choose to live in the chaos we have now, or be derogated as helplessly dependent, handicapped and endowed with inabilities. What happened to constructive and mutual competition spirit for self-actualization and the dignity thereof?
Being neighbors forever here means sharing and benefitting from our divine endowments and competencies, and the challenge for positive development of all of our resources, working together with neighbors economically and without the wars of political and cultural antagonisms as we have now. We must either restructure or face yet decades of turmoil that’s only beneficial to mostly our external common enemies in the global economic marketplace, where we haven’t done well at all. Instead we’re stuck together in what I might call collective and competitive destructivism. Look who’s all over Africa carting away our resources while we argue over sensible restructuring and fight over it. The “North” benefits most of we carefully and honestly restructure properly for common good and dignity. Thank you.