S’West retired top Civil Servants demand constitutional reforms

A group of retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries from Nigeria's South-West region is advocating for significant constitutional reforms to re-establish regional governance. They contend that the country's current centralized structure hinders development and exacerbates security challenges. At their 11th Quarterly Meeting in Ibadan, the retired officials argued that the historical regional system fostered healthy competition, economic growth, and political stability. Chief Adebisi Adesola, chairman of the Oyo State chapter of the Association of Retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries, South-West Nigeria (ARHOSPS-SWN), stated that the centralized model has weakened states' capacity to address insecurity and drive development. He believes a return to regional governance would bring government closer to the people, improve security coordination, accelerate economic progress, and promote national cohesion. The association also linked Nigeria's escalating security issues, including recent abductions, to the existing political structure's weaknesses. Regional President Mr. Demola Badejo urged governments to leverage the expertise of retired civil servants, noting the association's seven-point agenda focused on policy advocacy and strategic partnerships. The Oyo State Head of Service, Dr. Adenike Fasina, described retired public servants as crucial repositories of institutional memory, vital for effective governance. Governor Seyi Makinde, represented by his deputy, acknowledged the association's contributions and noted that their 2025 proposal on South-West economic development is under consideration.

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Nigeria’s former regional system promoted healthy competition, economic growth, political stability and effective governance.