ARDI Calls on Tinubu to Fix Policy Imbalances for National Unity
The Anti-Corruption and Research-Based Data Initiative (ARDI) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to address longstanding inequities in Nigeria’s federal policies.
In a statement issued on Monday, the group called for a comprehensive review of the quota system, federal character principles, and derivation formulas, which it said have perpetuated regional inequalities and hindered national progress.
The statement, signed by ARDI’s Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Ifeanyi Ozigbo, described these policies as barriers to equity, fairness, and justice. According to the group, the policies have created an uneven playing field between the North and South, with significant implications for governance, resource allocation, and development.
“These policies have fostered inefficiency, encouraged complacency among leaders, and discouraged innovation and hard work,” the statement read. ARDI argued that the quota system and federal character principles often prioritize less qualified individuals from one region over more qualified individuals from another, citing civil service promotions as a key example of this imbalance.
The group also raised concerns about the current derivation formula, which allocates just 13% of oil revenue to oil-producing states. ARDI criticized the formula as inadequate, stating that these states bear the environmental costs of oil exploration while receiving a disproportionately small share of the revenue. The group proposed increasing the derivation percentage to at least 60%, arguing that this would address environmental degradation and promote fairness in revenue sharing.
ARDI further advised the president to consider the North’s apprehension regarding proposed tax reform bills. The group noted fears that the new VAT sharing formula might reduce revenue for northern states while favoring resource-rich regions and metropolitan cities in the South. To ensure fairness, ARDI called for extensive consultations to capture diverse perspectives and address these concerns.
The group also acknowledged grievances from the South over policies that, in their view, perpetuate regional inequalities. ARDI stressed that addressing these issues could pave the way for a more equitable and competitive federation.
“We believe this is an opportunity to correct these imbalances,” ARDI stated. “The fears of the North should be considered, as well as the concerns of the South, because what is good for the goose is also good for the gander. The tax reform bill may not be perfect, but it has the potential to promote healthy competition among the federating units if implemented equitably.”
The statement concluded by urging President Tinubu to take bold steps to foster a fair and inclusive federation, ensuring that all regions of the country feel adequately represented and supported. ARDI emphasized that equitable policies would not only unite the country but also unlock its full potential for sustainable development.
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