Nigeria, Aug. 8 -- Productive Federalism

Productive federalism is not a race to duplicate identical industrial parks, airports, universities or government-owned enterprises. While such investments are not inherently negative, the use of scarce resources requires a more strategic rather than reactive process through which states identify their economic opportunities, coordinate public and private investment around them, develop the required capabilities, and progressively construct locational advantages. The aim is not competition for appearances but for measurable outcomes.

How many sustainable businesses have been created? How many firms have expanded or reinvested? Has agricultural output per hectare improved? Have logistics costs dec...