Northern minority ethnic nationalities, under the Coalition of Indigenous Middle Belt Organisations (CIMBO), have called for a fundamental restructuring of Nigeria into three distinct regions: South, Middle-Belt, and North. This proposal, aimed at fostering peace and development, was made at a two-day conference in Kaduna.

The ethnic nationalities also demanded a complete overhaul of the 1999 constitution, urging that it be rewritten to reflect the will of the people. According to them, the adoption of a new ‘people’s constitution’ is essential for achieving sustainable peace and true federalism in Nigeria.

In a communique released after the conference, CIMBO suggested that the 2014 national conference report should serve as the foundation for restructuring the country. Professor Ejeikwu Emmanuel Oloja, in his presentation titled “The Position of the Middle Belt on Restructuring, Boundary Adjustments, and Constitutional Review,” argued that restructuring Nigeria into the proposed regions would lead to a more balanced federal system, reduce corruption, and lessen the dependence on central government allocations.

The communique, signed by CIMBO Chairman Timothy Barau Gandu and Secretary Professor Emmanuel Ejeikwu, emphasized the urgency of restructuring now, citing the significant growth and diversity of the Middle Belt, which boasts a population of approximately 44 million as of June 2024. They believe that restructuring is not only necessary but inevitable for the nation’s progress.