The Concept of a Decentralised People’s Government: Rethinking Power, Governance, and Participation in Nigeria
~~ Dr. Aiyeku Olufemi Samuel
In a time when centralized power structures are failing to adequately respond to the complex needs of diverse populations, a decentralised people’s government emerges as a progressive, inclusive, and strategic governance model—particularly in a multicultural, multiethnic, and demographically expanding nation like Nigeria.
This concept is not just a political ideology; it is a call to action—a shift from elite-driven policies to people-oriented governance where decisions, resources, and responsibilities are distributed closer to the grassroots. It is about returning power to the people, not as a slogan, but as a system.
Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” – Lord Acton
”A government that is closer to the people governs best.” – African Political Philosophy
What Is a Decentralised People’s Government?
A decentralised people’s government is a governance framework that transfers authority, fiscal resources, and administrative responsibilities from a central authority to sub-national units—such as states, regions, local governments, or even community-based structures—while ensuring that the citizenry actively participates in policy-making, resource allocation, and development monitoring.
This is not merely federalism on paper. It’s about functional devolution of power, participatory democracy, and community ownership of development outcomes.
Why Nigeria Urgently Needs This Model
Despite Nigeria’s federal structure, actual governance remains overly centralized. The federal government controls over 52.68% of national revenue (FAAC data, 2024), leaving only 26.72% and 20.60% to states and local governments, respectively. This top-heavy structure:
Limits innovation at local levels
Delays responsiveness to community issues
Reduces citizen trust and engagement
Encourages over-reliance on federal allocations
How can a local government chairman in remote Kebbi or Cross River adequately serve his people when he must wait for Abuja’s approval for basic infrastructure?
The answer? He can’t. Not effectively. And that is precisely why decentralisation must go beyond theory.
Features of a Decentralised People’s Government
• Community Participation – Citizens take part in town hall meetings, budget planning, and project monitoring.
• Fiscal Autonomy – Sub-national units generate, manage, and transparently utilize local revenues.
• Administrative Efficiency – Reduced bureaucratic bottlenecks improve public service delivery.
• Civic Accountability – Local leaders are more accessible and accountable to their constituents.
”Democracy thrives where governance is closest to the people.” – Kofi Annan
Rhetorical Questions That Matter
Why should a community wait 5 years for borehole projects from federal agencies when they can mobilize and solve it locally with N5 million?
Why must state governors beg for approval to build railways, invest in electricity, or reform policing in their domain?
Can Abuja truly understand the developmental needs of all 774 LGAs?
The clear answer: No. Nigeria is too diverse and too vast for such over-centralisation to remain effective.
Global Best Practices & Models
Countries that have embraced true decentralisation like Germany, Canada, and India have demonstrated stronger citizen engagement, better regional development, and economic resilience.
In Rwanda, for instance, the decentralisation policy since 2000 has improved rural development outcomes, increased access to basic services by over 85%, and empowered local women and youth in governance.
The Way Forward for Nigeria
• Amend the Constitution – Empower LGAs with legislative and financial independence.
• Redefine Federalism – Let federating units control resources, contribute to central revenue, and manage internal security.
• Digitize Local Governance – Leverage technology to increase transparency and feedback.
• Grassroots Civic Education – Enlighten citizens about their rights, roles, and power to hold leaders accountable.
”The future of Nigeria is not in the hands of the few, but in the coordinated will of the many.”
~ Dr. Aiyeku Olufemi Samuel
Final Thoughts
Nigeria’s survival, stability, and socio-economic transformation depend not on more centralized laws or ministries, but on how power, money, and decisions flow to the people who are most affected by them. A decentralised people’s government isn’t just a structure—it is a mindset that affirms that real power belongs to the people, and sustainable development starts from the grassroots.
We must stop asking: “When will Abuja fix it?”
And start saying: “How can WE fix it—right here, right now?”
Because when governance lives among the people, accountability grows, trust deepens, and progress becomes local, visible, and sustainable.
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