Akinwumi Adesina, the President of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB), has put forward a bold suggestion to revamp Nigeria’s identity, proposing that the country adopts the name “The United States of Nigeria.”
Adesina revealed this proposal while delivering a speech titled “Making a New Nigeria: Welfarist Policies and People-Centred Development,” upon receiving the prestigious 2024 Obafemi Awolowo Prize for Leadership.
According to a statement from his Special Adviser on Industrialization, Prof. Banji Oyelaran-Oyeyinka, Adesina sees this renaming as a means to foster greater unity and decentralisation of power within the nation.
He believes that renaming Nigeria to the “United States of Nigeria” would signal a shift in the relationship between the federal government and the states, empowering the latter as focal points of governance while Abuja offers support rather than dominance.
Adesina emphasises grassroots participation and inclusivity, recognizing the diverse aspirations of Nigeria’s populace from rural villages to urban centres. His vision aims for a united nation where the hopes and aspirations of every citizen are acknowledged and prioritised.
He suggests constitutional amendments to decentralise economic and fiscal powers, enabling states or regions to thrive autonomously while strengthening the nation as a whole.
Adesina’s proposal has sparked discussions across various sectors, with some praising the potential for improved governance and economic development, while others cautiously deliberate the complexities involved.
As Nigeria charts its course towards progress, Adesina’s call for a fundamental shift in national identity prompts reflection and dialogue on the country’s future trajectory, reflecting broader conversations about governance, unity, and inclusivity.
