Vice President Kashim Shettima has emphasised the need for patriotism, institutional accountability, and fiscal responsibility as the cornerstones for a functional federal system in Nigeria.
Shettima spoke through his representative, Aliyu Modibbo, Special Adviser, General Duties to the President (Office of the Vice President), at the 7th Leadership Conference & Awards held at the State House Banquet Hall in Abuja.
He argued that the challenges attributed to Nigeria’s federal structure are less about constitutional flaws and more about poor resource management.“
The Nigerian challenge lies less in the structure of our federalism and more in the deficit of our collective fiscal responsibility,” he said.
“If we at the national level deliver on our promises, if our governors manage their allocations with prudence, if our local governments are truly autonomous and accountable, then the structure will serve us well.”
Shettima cautioned against romanticising foreign models of federalism, such as those in Canada and parts of Europe.
He maintained that Nigeria must design a system that reflects its own values, complexities, and aspirations.
“What we seek, therefore, is not a photocopy of another country’s model, but a federal structure tailored to our aspirations,” he said.
“The only road to such a destination is through sincere dialogue.”
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Highlighting ongoing reforms, Shettima pointed to the administration’s push for local government autonomy, citing the Supreme Court’s recent pronouncements in favour of grassroots governance as a major step forward.
“This administration, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is confronting the federalism challenge directly. Our pursuit of reform is bold, often difficult, but necessary,” he said.
Other policy reforms mentioned included the removal of fuel subsidies and the introduction of tax reform bills—measures aimed at fostering a fiscally responsible federation and enabling states to have a stronger voice in national development.
He praised the LEADERSHIP Media Group for providing a platform to celebrate excellence and promote national dialogue.
He urged the award recipients to view their recognition as both an honour and a responsibility.“In you, we see the embodiment of the values we aspire to institutionalise—integrity, innovation, and impact,” Shettima said.
“The path to national renewal is long, but each of you has shown that it is walkable.”
