Anatomy of the Challenges to the Nigerian Exclusive Legislative List Governance on Agricultural Development in Benue State

The Exclusive Legislative List in Nigeria has been reputed to have limited states’ capacity to harness and manage their natural resources for economic growth. Many states in the nation are rich in mineral and agricultural resources, but central control constrains their ability to independently generate revenue and ensure their socio-economic development over the years. Against this backdrop, this study examined the challenges created by the exclusive legislative list that impedes agricultural development in Benue State. The study utilised a qualitative research design involving exploratory interviews and analyses of technical reports and secondary data. Thirty-eight (38) key informants purposively drawn from key institutions in Benue State were interviewed. Theoretical analysis was anchored on the Institutional Analysis and Development (IAD) framework, developed by Elinor Ostrom, to examine the effectiveness of governance structures in managing common-pool resources.  The study’s findings indicate that the constitutional centralisation of key policy areas, including land use, fertiliser regulation, agricultural credit access, and irrigation from the River Benue, internal security, and major transport infrastructure, has long constrained Benue State’s capacity to design and implement effective agricultural development strategies. The study, therefore, recommends a comprehensive constitutional review to devolve key items from the Exclusive to the Concurrent Legislative List. Devolving these powers would grant states like Benue greater authority over crucial economic resources, fostering genuine regional development.