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Centralized Power and the Case for Functional Federalism

Excessive centralization of political and fiscal power often undermines effective governance, particularly in diverse and populous states. When authority is concentrated at the center, decision-making becomes distant from local realities, slowing service delivery and weakening accountability. These inefficiencies highlight the case for functional federalism as a pathway to more responsive and development-oriented governance.

National leaders can address overcentralization by devolving meaningful authority and fiscal autonomy to subnational governments. When states and local governments control greater portions of revenue and policy implementation, they are better positioned to respond to local needs in areas such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and security. Decentralization also strengthens accountability, as citizens can more directly observe and evaluate the performance of local leaders.

Development partners, research institutions, and advocacy groups play a crucial role in shaping this transition. By grounding restructuring debates in empirical evidence rather than identity-based claims, they can demonstrate how decentralization improves economic efficiency, reduces administrative bottlenecks, and encourages regional innovation. Comparative studies and pilot reforms can further illustrate the developmental gains of functional federalism.

Ultimately, decentralization is not merely a constitutional question but a governance strategy. When power is aligned with responsibility and resources follow functions, federalism becomes a tool for national cohesion and sustainable development rather than political fragmentation.

In summary. Power overcentralization highlights inefficiencies in governance delivery. National leaders can devolve authority and fiscal autonomy to subnational governments, enhancing service delivery. Development partners and advocacy groups can push evidence-based restructuring debates grounded in economic efficiency rather than identity politics.

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