By Adeyinka Adeniran
The Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) and other stakeholders have emphasized the importance of regional integration in driving the economic growth of the Southwest amongst other regions of the country.
According to the stakeholders, as Nigeria continues to grapple with economic challenges, the emphasis on regional integration as a catalyst for growth and development is timely.
However, the Commission as well as the stakeholders are optimistic that with the right policies and commitment, regional integration can drive the Southwest region’s economic growth and development.
The views were shared at a roundtable discourse held at the DAWN Secretariat, Cocoa House, Dugbe Ibadan, Oyo State on Monday.
The event, themed “Beyond Administrative Boundaries: Reimagining Nigeria’s Development through Regional Integration,” was organized to commemorate the 60th birthday of former Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi.
Fayemi, in his remarks, lamented the country’s “arrested growth” despite being over 60 years old. He noted that Nigeria’s GDP was higher than China’s in 1979, but the country has since lost its footing. “I am sad about missed opportunities,” he said.
The former governor stressed the need for regional development to be tailored to the specific needs of each region, rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all approach, noting that if taken seriously, regional commissions may be the country’s accelerated road to development.
Fayemi said, “In 1979, Nigeria’s GDP is higher than that of China. Look at where Nigeria is today, and look at China. I am sad about missed opportunities.
“If taken seriously, regional commissions maybe our accelerated road to development. We have to be clear of what we want for ourselves,” he said.
The former governor, who went down memory lane on how DAWN commission, came into existence, said the gathering afford participants⁸ the opportunity to reflect on “where we are and what we need to do on development.”
Fayemi said the work of the commission is just starting, urging DAWN to continue working with academics to profer solutions to the challenges facing the Southwest region and the country at large.
“DAWN Commission, the work is just starting. Sell your ideas to others if the government is reluctant,” he said.
The lead discussant at the event, Prof. Remi Aiyede emphasized the importance of collaboration among the three tiers of government to drive economic growth and development, describing regional commissions as “veritable tools of intergovernmental collaboration, innovation, and interest promotion.”
He noted that regional development commissions are essential for coordinating policies, addressing regional issues, and ensuring balanced development across the federation. He advocated for horizontal initiatives among volunteering states to form Regional Development Commissions (RDCs) or bilateral and multilateral agreements.
According to him, if there is collaboration among the various tiers of government the dust raised by the Supreme Court ruling on local government, creation of Ministry of Regional Development and regional development commissions, as well as the proposed tax reform bills would not have arisen.
Aiyede said the development is an indication of the complexities of intergovernmental relations in Nigeria as well brings to the forefront the challenges of balancing the interests of federal, state, and local governments.
He said, “It is essential to foster greater collaboration and dialogue among all tiers of government to ensure that policies and decisions are effective, promote economic growth, foster equitable development and national unity”
Describing regional commission as veritable tools of intergovernmental collaboration, innovation and interest promotion, Aiyede maintained that they are essential to harmonious relationships across the federation.
According to him, “Regional Commissions operate as intermediaries between the federal government and the constituent states or regions, ensuring that regional interests are represented in national decision making.
“They are essential for coordinating policies, addressing regional issues, and ensuring balanced development across the federation. Horizontal initiatives among volunteering states to form RDCs or bilateral or multilateral agreements are better than top-down federal government initiatives. Indeed, horizontal initiative are reliable indicators of the health of cooperative federalism.
“The quality of a country’s governance and its institutions plays a significant role in driving economic growth and development. Research has consistently shown that strong institutions have a profound impact on income per capital and overall economic performance .
“In federations, regional development commissions serve as critical mechanisms for promoting balanced regional growth, maintaining intergovernmental harmony, and ensuring efficient governance. By bridging the gap between local and national authorities, these bodies contribute to a more responsive and equitable governance structure, ultimately benefiting the entire federation
“While regional development commissions may offer a targeted approach to addressing specific challenges, their proliferation risks exacerbating bureaucratic inefficiencies and deepening existing governance challenges.
“A more sustainable solution lies in strengthening existing institutions, improving coordination between federal and state governments, and ensuring transparent and effective allocation of resources to meet the needs of all regions. Rather than relying on federal government interventions, which are often characterised by the politics of resource-sharing or
“cake-sharing,” greater emphasis should be placed on horizontal cooperation among states.
“Collaborative efforts at the regional level can drive sustainable development initiatives through joint projects that benefit multiple states,”
Other stakeholders, including Prof. Abiodun Folawewo, Prof. Olugbemga Afolabi, Dr. Emmanuel Akubor, and Tahir Ijaya, echoed Aiyede’s sentiments. They stressed that regional integration is crucial for Nigeria’s economic growth and development, and that it requires bold policy shifts, transparent leadership, and a relentless commitment to making regional integration a working reality.
The Director-General of DAWN Commission, Dr. Seye Oyeleye, commended Fayemi’s contributions to regional integration, describing him as one of the prime movers of regional cooperation among sub-nationals. Oyeleye reiterated that DAWN commission is a think tank for the newly established Southwest Development Commission, with a template for developing the region already in place.
The event was attended by several notable personalities, including Hon. Wale Oshun, Chairman of the Afenifere Renewal Group; Sir Gbenga Adebusuyi; Dr. Tunde Adegbola; and others.
