Banji Alabi Advocates Six-Zone Autonomy—and the Right to Peaceful Exit from the Union”

Banji Alabi Advocates Six-Zone Autonomy—and the Right to Peaceful Exit from the Union”

A Call for Six Autonomous Zones – The Path to Lasting Peace in Nigeria

Brothers and sisters,

Nigeria is a nation of many peoples, languages, and faiths—“strange bedfellows” that have often found themselves at odds because the current system forces a one‑size‑fits‑all approach. As the Scripture asks, “Can two walk together unless they agree?” (Amos 3:3). True peace will only come when each region can walk in step with the others, on its own terms.

*Why six zones?*

Dividing the country into six geopolitical zones restores balance and gives each area the autonomy to manage its own resources while remaining part of a united Nigeria:

1. *North‑Central* – Plateau, Nasarawa, Benue, Kogi, Kwara, and the Federal Capital Territory.
2. *North‑East* – Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe.
3. *North‑West* – Kano, Katsina, Jigawa, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara.
4. *South‑East* – Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo.
5. *South‑South* – Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, and Rivers.
6. *South‑West* – Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Edo and Oyo.

*What this brings:*

– *Resource control* – Each zone decides how to develop and benefit from its own natural wealth, ending the feeling of exploitation.
– *Local accountability* – Governors and legislators answer directly to their people, not to a distant central authority.
– *Cultural respect* – Communities can preserve their traditions and religions without fear of marginalisation.
– *Economic growth* – Regions can tailor policies to their strengths—agriculture in the North‑East, oil in the South‑South, tech in the South‑West—creating a more resilient national economy.

When every zone walks together by agreement, the friction that fuels conflict diminishes. The result is a Nigeria where diversity is a source of strength, not division.

*Our role*

We must champion this vision within our circles, raise awareness, and engage stakeholders in each zone. Let us prepare a concise position paper, gather voices from community leaders, and present a united front at the next national forum.

Together, we can turn the dream of “peace through partnership” into a reality—six autonomous zones, one united Nigeria.

Addendum

Any of the zones should be free to leave the union as independent country

We need peace and development in Africa not war