Eleanor Finch
Nigeria has had many constitutions, with the current version enacted on 29 May 1999, establishing the Fourth Nigerian Republic. The constitution outlines the fundamental rights of individuals, including life, liberty, dignity, privacy, freedom of expression, and security from slavery, violence, discrimination, and forced service in the military. It defines the national capital, 36 states and their capitals, and 774 local government areas within Nigeria. With such a diverse range of multilingual groups, cultures, and traditions, Nigeria has undergone numerous attempts to form an effective constitution, including revisions in 1954, 1960, 1963, 1979, and amendments in 2011, 2017, and 2023.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Current Constitution Enacted | 29 May 1999 |
| Number of Republics | 4 |
| Number of Sections | N/A |
| Number of States | 36 |
| Number of Capitals | 36 |
| Number of Local Government Areas | 774 |
| Number of Amendments | 5 |
| Last Amendment | 2023 |
Explore related products
$9.99 $9.99
$19.99 $3.89
What You'll Learn
The Nigerian constitution's history
The current Nigerian constitution, enacted on 29 May 1999, is the result of numerous attempts to form an effective constitution in a country with deep political divisions and a legacy of British colonial rule. Nigeria's first constitution as a sovereign state was enacted on 1 October 1960, the same date as the country's independence. Under this constitution, Nigeria retained Queen Elizabeth II as its titular head of state, with Nnamdi Azikiwe serving as the Queen's representative as Governor-General.
The country's second constitution came into force on 1 October 1963, the third anniversary of Nigerian independence. This constitution abolished the monarchy and established the First Nigerian Republic, with Nnamdi Azikiwe as the first President. The period between 1966 and 1979 marked a series of military dictatorships, with four different military heads of state and a civil war between 1966 and 1970.
The 1979 constitution established the Second Nigerian Republic, abandoning the Westminster system in favour of a US-style presidential system with direct elections. This constitution also mandated that political parties register in at least two-thirds of states and established a Cabinet, with each state having at least one member. The 1993 constitution established the Third Nigerian Republic, but it was never fully implemented due to continued military control until May 1999.
The 1999 constitution, created by the military administration of General Abdulsalam Abubakar, established the Fourth Nigerian Republic and returned the country to democratic rule. This constitution defines the national capital, 36 states and their capitals, and 774 local government areas within Nigeria. It also outlines fundamental rights, including life, liberty, dignity, privacy, freedom of expression, religious freedom, and security from slavery, violence, discrimination, and forced service in the military.
Prior to independence, Nigeria had a long history of constitutional developments, with six constitutions between 1914 and 1960: the 1914 Constitution, the 1922 Constitution, the 1946 Constitution, the 1951 Constitution (also known as the Macpherson Constitution), the 1954 Constitution (also known as the Lyttleton Constitution), and the 1960 Constitution. The Lyttleton Constitution, enacted in 1954, firmly established the federal principle and paved the way for Nigeria's independence.
Prayer and the Constitution: Founding Fathers' Spirituality
You may want to see also
Human rights and equality
The Nigerian Constitution, enacted on 29 May 1999, outlines the fundamental rights and freedoms of Nigerian citizens. Chapter Four of the Constitution, spanning from Section 33 to Section 46, encompasses fourteen sections dedicated to safeguarding the fundamental human rights of Nigerians. Notably, the Constitution restricts its equality provision to citizens, deviating from the universal equality principle commonly found in Western constitutions.
The Constitution guarantees the right to life, liberty, dignity, privacy, freedom of expression, religious freedom, and security from slavery, violence, discrimination, and forced military service. It also ensures the right to a fair trial, the presumption of innocence, and protection against arbitrary arrest. Nigerians have the right to own land, assemble peacefully, and move freely. Additionally, the Constitution upholds social and economic rights, including the right to education, adequate living standards, and labour rights, such as equal pay for equal work and the right to join trade unions.
Despite these guarantees, Nigeria has faced challenges in fully realising human rights and equality. The American Human Rights Report of 2012 highlighted areas requiring improvement, such as abuses by Boko Haram, killings by government forces, a lack of social equality, and restrictions on freedom of speech. The police force has been implicated in corruption, extortion, and violations, with a lack of equal protection under the law. There have also been concerns about gender inequality, with women facing discrimination in custody decisions and maltreatment by the police and society.
Nigeria's diverse cultural and traditional landscape, encompassing over 374 multilingual groups, has contributed to the country's deep divisions. The legacy of British colonial rule and the subsequent attempts at constitution-building have resulted in a complex political environment. While Nigeria has actively signed and ratified international human rights treaties, the dualist system requires legislative ratification for domestic application. The Supreme Court's precedence for resolving conflicts in favour of the Constitution has restricted the expansion of human rights.
Illinois Constitution Test: Grade Requirements
You may want to see also
Citizenship and naturalisation
The Nigerian Constitution has undergone several revisions since the country's independence in 1960. The current version, enacted in 1999, outlines the fundamental rights of citizens, including the right to life, liberty, dignity, privacy, freedom of expression, religious freedom, and security from slavery, violence, discrimination, and forced service in the military. It also guarantees the right to a timely and fair trial, the presumption of innocence, the right to own land, the right of assembly, and freedom of movement.
Regarding citizenship and naturalisation, the Nigerian Constitution provides several ways for individuals to acquire Nigerian citizenship: by birth, by naturalisation, or by registration.
Citizenship by Birth
Under the various Nigerian Constitutions since 1979, citizenship by birth can be acquired through descent from a person or persons who are themselves Nigerian. According to the 1974 Constitution, a child born in Nigeria to at least one parent who is a Nigerian national is automatically granted Nigerian citizenship. Similarly, if a child is born abroad with both parents as Nigerian nationals, they are also granted citizenship by birth. The 1979 Constitution further specified that those born in the territory prior to independence are considered Nigerian citizens if one of their parents or grandparents was also born in Nigeria.
Citizenship by Naturalisation
Citizenship by naturalisation is granted to foreigners who have resided in Nigeria for a sufficient period, typically 15 years or more, and who wish to become Nigerian citizens. Applicants for naturalisation must demonstrate good character, an understanding of Nigerian customs and traditions, and the ability to contribute to the country's progress. The application process involves submitting paperwork to the Ministry of the Interior, which is then forwarded to various state agencies, including the Immigration Service, State Security Service, the state governor, and the police. The final decision on naturalisation applications rests with the President of Nigeria.
Citizenship by Registration
Citizenship by registration applies to individuals of full age (18 years or older) born outside Nigeria with a Nigerian grandparent. It also applies to foreign women who are or have been married to a Nigerian and wish to acquire Nigerian citizenship. Applicants for citizenship by registration must satisfy the President that they are of good character, intend to reside in Nigeria, and have taken the Oath of Allegiance. A citizen by registration cannot hold any elective or appointive office within ten years of acquiring citizenship.
Renunciation of Nigerian Citizenship
The Nigerian Constitution also provides a process for citizens to renounce their Nigerian citizenship if they wish to take up the citizenship of another country. This process is outlined in Section 29 of the 1999 Constitution and requires a declaration of renunciation to be made in the prescribed manner by the President.
The Constitution's Fear-Based Foundation
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Government structure
The current Nigerian constitution, enacted on 29 May 1999, is the supreme law of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It outlines the fundamental rights of individuals, including life, liberty, dignity, privacy, freedom of expression, religious freedom, and security from slavery, violence, discrimination, and forced service in the military. It also defines the national capital, 36 states and their capitals, and 774 local government areas within the country.
The Nigerian government has a federal character, with a President at its head. The President may make regulations and prescribe matters necessary for carrying out the provisions of the constitution. The constitution also establishes a Cabinet, with each state having at least one member.
The Nigerian constitution has a long history, with the country having had many constitutions due to its diverse and divided nature, with many multilingual groups and different cultures and traditions. Nigeria's structure and composition are a legacy of British colonial rule, gaining independence in 1960. The first constitution as a sovereign state was enacted by a British Order-in-Council, with Queen Elizabeth II as the titular head of state, represented by Nnamdi Azikiwe as Governor-General. The second constitution, enacted in 1963, abolished the monarchy and established the First Nigerian Republic, with Nnamdi Azikiwe as the first President.
The 1979 constitution established the Second Nigerian Republic, abandoning the Westminster system in favour of a US-style presidential system with direct elections. It also mandated that political parties register in at least two-thirds of the states. The 1993 constitution was meant to establish the Third Nigerian Republic and return democratic rule, but it was never fully implemented due to military control until 1999.
When Does Contact Become Stalking?
You may want to see also
Ethics and values
Nigeria has had several constitutions, with the most recent one being enacted on May 29, 1999, which kickstarted the Fourth Nigerian Republic. This constitution defines the national capital, 36 states and their capitals, and 774 local government areas within Nigeria.
The Nigerian Constitution outlines the fundamental rights of individuals, including life, liberty, dignity, privacy, freedom of expression, religious freedom, and security from slavery, violence, discrimination, and forced service in the military. It also guarantees the right to a timely and fair trial if arrested and the presumption of innocence. Nigerians have the right to own land, assemble, and move freely.
The constitution also promotes and protects Nigerian cultures that enhance human dignity and are consistent with the fundamental objectives outlined in the document. It encourages the development of technological and scientific studies that enhance cultural values. The national ethics outlined in the constitution include discipline, integrity, dignity of labor, social justice, religious tolerance, self-reliance, and patriotism.
The Nigerian Constitution expects citizens to abide by its ideals and respect its institutions, the National Flag, the National Anthem, the National Pledge, and legitimate authorities. Citizens are also expected to contribute to enhancing the power, prestige, and good name of Nigeria, defending the country, and rendering national service when required. Respect for the dignity of other citizens is also emphasized.
Federalists' Strategies for Constitution Ratification: A Historical Perspective
You may want to see also
