Moghalu Calls for Constitutional Overhaul, Regional Governance to Strengthen Nigeria

Funmi Ogundare

Former presidential candidate and political economist, Prof. Kingsley Moghalu, on Monday called for a fundamental restructuring of Nigeria’s constitutional framework, arguing that the country’s long-term stability, economic prosperity and security depend on a regional system of governance that grants greater autonomy to constituent units.

Speaking during an interview, on PrimeTime AriseTV, Moghalu said Nigeria’s current constitutional arrangement, inherited from military rule, has failed to adequately reflect the country’s diverse ethnic composition and has contributed to persistent governance and development challenges.

According to him, the constitution should be rewritten through a process agreed upon by Nigeria’s various ethnic nationalities rather than one imposed from above.

“With the right kind of leadership, you can avert chaos and actually build on the diversity, but you must create space for those groups to be able to self-determine in many ways,” he said.

The former Deputy Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria ( CBN), identified constitutional restructuring as his foremost priority, proposing that Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones be transformed into regions that would serve as the basis of a new federal arrangement, while existing states function as provinces.

He argued that a regional structure would enhance economic viability by leveraging economies of scale and reducing dependence on the federal government.

“Many of the states are not as economically viable as others, but there is no region in this country that is not an economic powerhouse because you have economies of scale when you have regional bases,” he said.

Moghalu also advocated resource control by federating units, insisting that natural resources should belong to the regions where they are located rather than the central government.

He noted that resource ownership would encourage innovation and value addition across the country, including in northern Nigeria, where untapped natural resources could drive significant economic growth.

On security, he proposed the establishment of regional police forces operating alongside a federal police structure.

 He stressed, however, that constitutional safeguards must be put in place to prevent abuse of power by regional authorities while preserving local capacity to address security challenges.

Assessing Nigeria’s current security architecture, he expressed concern over what he described as a lack of political will to protect citizens and tackle insecurity decisively.

“There is a lot of talk in Nigeria, but it is action that speaks,” he said, adding that leaders must demonstrate genuine commitment to the safety and welfare of Nigerians.

Moghalu also renewed his support for the temporary deployment of foreign military contractors to assist in combating terrorism, citing the gains recorded during efforts undertaken under former President Goodluck Jonathan.

According to him, such an approach could help recover territories held by insurgents while providing time for the country to reform and strengthen its internal security institutions.

He also emphasised on the inadequacy of Nigeria’s police force, noting that the country’s security personnel remain insufficient for a population exceeding 200 million people.

Moghalu called for a significant expansion of police recruitment, improved training and better welfare packages to enhance national security and create employment opportunities for young Nigerians.

He also warned that terrorism in Nigeria should not be viewed solely as a domestic issue, describing it as part of a broader international extremist movement affecting countries across the Sahel region and beyond.

“The terrorism we face in Nigeria is not local. It is part of a global jihadist operation,” he said, arguing that stronger national cohesion and effective institutions are essential to resisting such threats.

The former presidential candidate maintained that Nigeria’s future depends on building a genuine nation founded on constitutional consensus, accountable leadership and a federal structure that empowers its diverse peoples while preserving national unity.