By Emmanuel Odekina Iyede
Nigeria’s political landscape has long been dominated by a singular focus on the presidency. From elections to daily governance, the spotlight rarely shifts from Aso Rock, leaving other critical layers of government in relative obscurity. However, if Nigerians truly desire the dividends of democracy, it’s high time we also turn our attention to the performance of our state governors. While the presidency is often blamed for national issues, state governors have a significant role in shaping the lives of their citizens—roles they have often failed to fulfill adequately.
Understanding the Financial Resources at the State Level
Each month, the federal government disburses substantial allocations to the 36 states of the federation from the national coffers. These funds, sourced primarily from oil revenues, are meant to ensure that every Nigerian, regardless of state, benefits from the nation’s wealth. In addition, the federal government frequently shares additional resources from the federation account with the states, specifically to cushion the effects of economic hardship on the populace. On top of these allocations, states also generate their own internally generated revenue (IGR), which varies depending on the economic activities within each state.
With such a steady inflow of resources, one would expect state governments to be at the forefront of infrastructural development, human capital investment, and the overall well-being of their citizens. Unfortunately, this is often not the case.
The Governance Deficit in States
State governors have largely failed to meet the expectations of the people they serve. In many states, the physical and social infrastructure is in a deplorable condition. Roads are riddled with potholes, healthcare facilities are underfunded, schools are dilapidated, and basic services are either non-existent or of poor quality. Where infrastructure projects do occur, they are frequently substandard, with contractors cutting corners and delivering half-baked solutions that fail to stand the test of time.
Human capital development is another area where state governments have grossly underperformed. Education systems in many states are in disarray, with underpaid teachers, overcrowded classrooms, and a curriculum that is not aligned with modern-day realities. The result is a generation of young people ill-prepared to compete in a globalized world. Vocational training and job creation initiatives are minimal, leading to high levels of unemployment and underemployment, particularly among the youth.
Furthermore, transparency and accountability in state governance are woefully lacking. Despite the significant financial resources at their disposal, many state governors operate with little to no scrutiny from the public or the media. State budgets are often shrouded in secrecy, with little information available on how funds are allocated and spent. This lack of accountability has paved the way for rampant corruption, with public funds being diverted for personal gain rather than being used to improve the lives of citizens.
Why Nigerians Must Demand Better
It is easy to point fingers at the federal government for the challenges facing the nation, but this does not absolve state governors from their responsibilities. Nigerians must begin to hold their state leaders to the same level of accountability as they do the president. After all, the bulk of public service delivery—education, healthcare, transportation, housing—falls within the jurisdiction of state governments.
Demanding better governance at the state level is not just about asking for more—it is about insisting on the proper use of existing resources. Every Nigerian has a right to know how the monthly allocations, IGRs, and additional funds from the federal government are being utilized. State governors should be required to present clear, detailed accounts of their spending, and citizens should have platforms to challenge discrepancies or question priorities.
Civil society organizations, the media, and ordinary citizens must all play a role in this accountability drive. State assemblies, which are meant to serve as a check on executive power, must be strengthened and empowered to perform their oversight functions effectively. At the same time, citizens must engage more actively in the governance process, from attending town hall meetings to voting in local elections with the same enthusiasm they reserve for presidential polls.
Nigeria’s path to development is not a one-man show. While the presidency is critical, state governors hold the keys to the everyday welfare of their citizens. With the financial resources they receive, there is no reason why basic infrastructure and services should remain in a deplorable state, nor should there be an excuse for failing to invest in human capital.
Nigerians must demand more from their state governors. It is only through sustained pressure and engagement that we can ensure our leaders, at every level, deliver on the promises of democracy. The time to act is now.