Tinubu’s Economic Reforms Doomed Without Political Restructuring – Agbakoba

Renowned legal expert and former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Dr. Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), has declared that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reforms will remain ineffective unless the current structure of governance is fundamentally overhauled.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Agbakoba stressed that Nigeria’s over-centralized federal system is a major impediment to meaningful economic transformation. He maintained that true development can only occur if power is devolved from the federal government to the states and further down to local councils.

“The statistics say the GDP is growing at 3.3%, but that’s not the reality on the streets,” Agbakoba remarked. “People are struggling with the prices of garri, rice, beans, and palm oil. This growth doesn’t reflect the lived experience of Nigerians.”

Recommended News:

• Adron Homes Steals The Show At 2025 Ojude Oba Festival, Celebrates Culture In Grand Style
• Misappropriation Allegations Rock Zamfara: Gov. Dauda Lawal’s Administration Under Fire Amid Financial Scandals And Growing Insecurity
• SPAF FC Stuns SYA With First-Half Brilliance In 2–0 Talk Of The Town Victory

He urged President Tinubu to approach the remaining years of his term with renewed determination and bold reforms, starting with the redistribution of powers from the exclusive legislative list to state governments. He also called on state governments to empower local governments, ensuring all three tiers of government are actively delivering essential services.

“Call it restructuring, devolution, rebalancing, or decentralization—whatever the name, it is long overdue. What Nigerians want are results: quality education, accessible healthcare, employment opportunities, and personal security,” he said.

Agbakoba concluded by asserting that a genuine federal structure is the only viable path to sustainable economic growth and improved governance across the country.