A former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Dr Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), has called for an urgent redistribution of powers across Nigeria’s three arms of government, to enhance efficiency and national development.
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-IDRI-Masterclass.png")
Agbakoba, who made the statement on Monday, criticised the over-centralisation of governance in Abuja, warning that it hinders economic growth and equitable development.
“Nigeria’s political structure is over-centralised. Everything is decided in Abuja to the detriment of national development,” Agbakoba said.
He stated this on Monday while linking the controversy surrounding the tax reform bill to the centralised system.
While praising the bill for targeting corporate entities and the super-rich, he pointed out that its revenue-sharing formula sparked discontent in northern Nigeria.
“The North has raised a valid concern. They are asking why the revenue-sharing formula in the proposed Tax Reform Bill differs from the one used for oil revenue. This is a huge problem,” he stated.
Agbakoba argued that devolving revenue collection and political power to states and local governments would encourage innovation and development.
He further urged the government to prioritise governance reform, emphasising that devolution of power was the key to transitioning from revenue sharing to revenue generation.
“The most pressing matter in Nigeria is governance. Redistributing power across the three levels of government will ensure that each level exercises its powers efficiently and effectively. This shift is critical for our development,” he said.
Agbakoba cited agriculture in the North as an example, noting its untapped potential due to insufficient incentives.
“The North has the capacity to generate massive revenue from agricultural mechanisation. But without strong incentives, this potential remains untapped. Devolving power would change this,” he explained.
He also questioned the Federal Government’s involvement in matters like marriage, driver’s licences, and basic education, describing them as issues best managed at local or state levels.
“I cannot understand why the Federal Government is concerned with controlling marriage, driver’s licences, or primary and secondary education. This overreach prevents an even distribution of political power,” he said.
According to him, when one looks at the 98 items of power, it is plain that we, as a matter of first principles, need to distribute power more evenly, effectively, and efficiently across the three arms of government.
Agbakoba however recommended that the judiciary, particularly the Supreme Court, should also decentralise its jurisdiction to reduce delays in delivering justice.
“Our Supreme Court is slow because it handles far too much local jurisdiction. These matters are better suited for state or local governments,” he said.
[A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials
Available now for NGN 40,000 at ASC Publications, 10, Boyle Street, Onikan, Lagos. Beside High Court, TBS. Email publications@ayindesanni.com or WhatsApp +2347056667384. Purchase Link: https://paystack.com/buy/evidence-act-complete-annotation
______________________________________________________________________ “Enhance Legal Practice With Authoritative Reports” — Alexander Payne Offers Comprehensive Law Reports, Spanning Over A Century Of Nigerian Jurisprudence
Interested buyers are encouraged to place their orders and enquiries via:
0704 444 4777, 0704 444 4999, 0818 199 9888
Website: www.alexandernigeria.com
