Renowned columnist and political analyst Dr Olu Fasan has made a compelling case for Nigeria to adopt a new political structure and regional system of governance, arguing that the current framework has failed to deliver progress and development.
The Case for Constitutional Reform
During the recent launch of his book titled "In the National Interest: The Road to Nigeria's Political, Economic and Social Transformation" in Lagos on November 21, 2025, Dr Fasan emphasized that countries worldwide regularly adjust their systems of government when they prove ineffective. The event was reviewed by Frank Aigbogun, Publisher of BusinessDay Newspapers, who endorsed the book's transformative message.
Dr Fasan pointed out that Nigeria's existing governance structure has demonstrated significant inefficiencies and susceptibility to corruption. He specifically advocated for transitioning to a parliamentary system, which he believes would better accommodate Nigeria's diverse regional interests and promote more effective governance.
Economic Restructuring Imperative
Beyond political reforms, Dr Fasan stressed the urgent need for comprehensive economic restructuring. He highlighted the critical importance of prioritizing high-value non-oil exports and robust industrial development to diversify Nigeria's economy away from its current oil dependency.
The analyst lamented that Nigeria's economic trajectory has been marred by persistent policy errors and the continued pursuit of misguided economic strategies. He called for collective national effort to drive the transformative changes necessary for sustainable development and prosperity.
Leadership and National Cohesion Challenges
Dr Fasan identified the absence of visionary leadership as a fundamental obstacle to Nigeria's progress. He noted that the nation has struggled to produce not just great leaders, but even competent ones who can steer the country toward meaningful development.
The political commentator argued that Nigeria's artificial construction at birth has resulted in a persistent lack of nationhood and internal cohesion. He cited examples of India, Malaysia, and Singapore as former British colonies that successfully restructured their governance systems after independence and have since evolved into stable, prosperous nation-states.
Dr Fasan concluded that Nigeria's ethnic and regional diversity requires careful management through strong commitment to fairness, justice, equity, and inclusivity. He maintained that the current political structure fails to adequately perform these essential functions and must therefore be fundamentally reformed to ensure the nation's successful future.
