Nigeria, intergovernmental relations, market-preserving federalism, fiscal decentralisation, digital governance, public policy
Abstract
This paper analyses intergovernmental fiscal relations in Nigeria using Barry Weingast’s theory of market-preserving federalism. It argues that excessive fiscal centralisation, weak subnational autonomy, and recurring disputes over revenue allocation, such as those involving value-added tax and oil derivation, undermine inclusive economic development. Using qualitative analysis of policy documents, legal frameworks, and audit reports, the study finds that embedding digital governance within a market-preserving federal framework could enhance subnational revenue generation, fiscal transparency, and competitive horizontal federalism.
Author Bio
Professor Dhikru Adewale Yagboyaju is a distinguished Nigerian scholar of Political Science and Development Administration, currently serving as Professor and Head of the Department of Political Science at the University of Ibadan. He holds a B.Sc. in Political Science (1988), an M.Sc. (1990), and a Ph.D. (2004), where his doctoral research examined the state and political corruption in Nigeria. With over three decades of professional experience spanning business, academia, and public service, Professor Yagboyaju has authored more than 90 scholarly publications. His research focuses on governance, public administration, corruption, security, civil-military relations, and institutional development in Nigeria. He recently delivered the 595th University of Ibadan Inaugural Lecture titled “Big for Nothing? Nigeria’s Struggle with a Paradox,” reflecting his enduring engagement with questions of leadership, institutions, and national development. He has supervised numerous postgraduate theses and contributed significantly to academic leadership, policy engagement, and community development within and beyond the university.
Jeremiah Oluwadara Omotayo is a Research Fellow in the Political and Governance Policy Department at the Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER), Ibadan. He has participated in several national political and social research projects across Nigeria, focusing on governance reform, youth inclusion, and institutional performance. His research interests span youth politics, federalism, legislative studies, security studies, political participation, and peace and conflict. He has conducted policy-oriented studies on legislative performance, electoral behaviour of young voters, intergovernmental relations, cost of governance, and national integration. Omotayo has published in reputable academic outlets and contributed to edited volumes by international publishers. He is currently completing a PhD in Political Sociology at the University of Ibadan, where his doctoral research examines Afro Hip Hop and youth political participation in Lagos State. He is committed to producing policy-relevant scholarship that strengthens democratic governance and civic engagement in Africa.
Publication Title
Bullion
Issue
1
Volume
50
First Page
36
Last Page
52
Recommended Citation
YAGBOYAJU, Dhikru Adewale and OMOTAYO, Jeremiah Oluwadara
(2026)
"Intergovernmental Relations, Market-Preserving Federalism, and Digital Governance in Nigeria,"
Bullion: Vol. 50:
No.
1, Article 3.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.33429/0331-7919.1635
Available at:
https://dc.cbn.gov.ng/bullion/vol50/iss1/3
