Revenue Concentration in One Region Breaches Constitution – Economist

The Economic Landscape and Governance Concerns in Nigeria

In an in-depth discussion, Dr. Abdussalam Kani, an economist and academic at Sa’adatu Rimi College of Education in Kano state, shares his insights on the current state of the Nigerian economy and the implications of concentrated revenue-generating ministries and agencies.

Assessing the Economy’s Performance

Dr. Kani highlights that assessing whether the economy is improving requires a look at key indicators such as poverty levels, unemployment, standard of living, agricultural productivity, and foreign debt. He points out that since this government came into power, poverty has increased, unemployment has worsened, and insecurity has deepened. While inflation has declined slightly, it is not significant enough to suggest improvement. Similarly, while reserves have improved, the changes are minimal.

When comparing the revenue generated from subsidy removal and tax expansion with the country’s debt burden, Dr. Kani notes that the economy has not improved beyond expectations. He also points to areas like the power sector, infrastructural deficit, education, and maternal and child mortality, where progress is either absent or negligible.

Concentration of Revenue-Generating Ministries

Dr. Kani criticizes the concentration of revenue-generating ministries and agencies in one region, calling it a clear violation of Nigeria’s constitution. He emphasizes that the principle of federal character is meant to ensure equity and fairness in appointments. Concentrating economic leadership in one zone, he argues, is a form of sectionalism that denies other regions a sense of belonging and undermines national unity.

Governance, according to Dr. Kani, should not be about favoring one’s own people but about distributing competence fairly across all geopolitical zones.

Merit vs. Favoritism

Some argue that these appointments are based on merit, but Dr. Kani counters that competence is not confined to one region. He stresses that Nigeria has qualified economists, accountants, and administrators across the north, west, and south. Suggesting otherwise, he says, is misleading. The appointments, he claims, are based on favoritism rather than merit.

Federal character exists to prevent one region from dominating others. Merit and balance must go hand in hand, he insists.

Historical Context

Dr. Kani acknowledges that previous administrations, including late President Muhammadu Buhari’s, made similar lopsided appointments favoring the north. This institutionalized the practice, and the current government is continuing it. He recalls that concerns were raised then, just as they are now, emphasizing that repetition does not make something right.

The Role of the National Assembly

The National Assembly, according to Dr. Kani, should intervene by rejecting nominees that contravene constitutional provisions. Civil society and pressure groups should also peacefully call the government’s attention to violations. Appointments should be guided strictly by the constitution, ensuring unity, equity, justice, and fairness.

Without such checks, sectionalism will continue, he warns.

Preventing Regional Dominance

To prevent one side from dominating a sector of the economy, Dr. Kani suggests that the National Assembly must act decisively. Civil society and pressure groups should also play their part in holding the government accountable. Appointments should reflect the principles of federal character, giving every region a sense of belonging.

Advice for the Opposition and Government

Dr. Kani advises the opposition to remain organized and united. They should peacefully and constitutionally challenge wrong actions, seek redress in court, organize press conferences, and use these issues as campaign points during elections. They can mobilize civil society, present position papers to the National Assembly, and even stage peaceful protests to draw attention to violations.

For the government, he urges strict adherence to the constitution. It should ensure that appointments reflect federal character, giving every region a sense of belonging. Failure to do so has serious political consequences, as regions will question how fairly they were treated and represented during elections.

Oyedele’s Appointment: Competence or Sectionalism?

Dr. Kani acknowledges that Oyedele is competent and well known internationally in finance and tax matters. He played a significant role in tax reform and law enactment. His appointment is not in question in terms of qualification. He has demonstrated sufficient understanding of tax-related matters globally.

However, the issue, Dr. Kani says, is not his competence but the lopsidedness of appointments from one region.

Implications of the Appointment

The implication of such appointments, according to Dr. Kani, is political and constitutional. During elections, regions will question how fairly they were treated and represented. Lopsided appointments risk disunity and undermine confidence in government. They create resentment and weaken national cohesion.

The government must realize that such actions have serious consequences for electoral outcomes and for the stability of the country.