Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has renewed his call for far-reaching constitutional reforms, arguing that the debate on state policing should be accompanied by broader changes to Nigeria’s fiscal and judicial systems.
Speaking during a town hall meeting on Arise TV, the governor said the growing support for state police reflects the country’s gradual movement towards a more functional federal structure.
Soludo noted that President Bola Tinubu had long championed the devolution of powers to states, even before assuming office as president, recalling that he often referred to him as the “Professor of federalism” because of his long-standing advocacy for true federalism.
Drawing from his experience in Anambra State, the governor stressed the importance of stronger collaboration among federal, state and private security agencies. However, he argued that security reforms alone would not resolve the country’s structural challenges.
He said, “The Federal Government currently retains approximately 53 per cent of national revenue, while states receive a cumulative 26 per cent — averaging a mere 0.7 per cent per state.
“To achieve true federalism, the country needs a structural inversion of the fiscal pyramid, with a lean centre where the Federal Government’s share should be capped at no more than 40 per cent and a base-heavy allocation where significant resources devolve to the sub-national level because the primary responsibilities of governance reside there.”
The governor also called attention to what he described as the biggest obstacle to genuine federalism, saying the country’s judicial system remains overly centralised despite ongoing efforts to decentralise governance.
He pointed out that many legal disputes, particularly land-related cases, spend decades moving through the federal court system.
He said, “In Anambra, for example, 70 per cent of cases, even those involving violence, are related to land and end at the Supreme Court; sometimes, these cases last for 30 to 40 years.
“There is a need for profound judicial reforms, including the establishment of State Courts of Appeal and State Supreme Courts, to ensure that the judicial system mirrors the federalist ideals applied to security and correctional services,” he added.
Soludo further argued that while more responsibilities are gradually being transferred to state governments, the revenue allocation formula has not been adjusted to reflect those additional obligations.
He commended President Tinubu for advancing discussions on constitutional reforms and expressed optimism that ongoing efforts would strengthen governance, especially as states assume greater responsibilities, including the management of correctional facilities.
The governor reaffirmed his support for reforms that would promote constitutional balance, strengthen state governments and improve the economic sustainability of the federation.
