Key Features Of Nigeria's 1999 Constitution

The 1999 Constitution of Nigeria is the supreme law of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which consists of 36 states and a Federal Capital Territory. It outlines the fundamental objectives and directive principles of state policy, including national ethics such as discipline, integrity, dignity of labour, social justice, religious tolerance, self-reliance, and patriotism. The constitution guarantees freedom of the press and other media agencies to uphold these fundamental objectives and hold the government accountable to its people. It establishes a system of democratically elected local government councils and vests legislative powers in a National Assembly, consisting of a Senate and a House of Representatives. The 1999 Constitution is the latest iteration in Nigeria's long history of constitutional development, which has been influenced by colonial rule, various political systems, and the country's diverse cultural and regional dynamics.

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The constitution is supreme and binding

The 1999 Constitution of Nigeria is the supreme law of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It outlines the fundamental principles and provisions that govern the country and its people. The constitution is designed to promote good governance and the welfare of all citizens, with an emphasis on freedom, equality, and justice.

One of the key features of the 1999 Constitution is its supremacy and binding nature. This means that the constitution is the highest authority in the land, and its provisions are legally binding on all authorities and individuals throughout the country. The constitution establishes that Nigeria is an indivisible and indissoluble sovereign state, and any attempts to govern or take control of the country must be in accordance with its provisions.

The supremacy of the 1999 Constitution is further emphasised by its ability to override other laws. If any law is inconsistent with the provisions of the constitution, the constitution shall prevail, and the other law shall be considered void to the extent of the inconsistency. This ensures that the constitution is the ultimate authority and that all other laws must conform to its principles.

The constitution also establishes the legislative powers of the Federal Republic. It vests these powers in a National Assembly, consisting of a Senate and a House of Representatives. The National Assembly is responsible for making laws for the peace, order, and good government of the Federation. The constitution outlines the specific matters on which the National Assembly can legislate, ensuring a clear division of powers and responsibilities.

The 1999 Constitution of Nigeria also protects four specific laws: the Land Use Act, the National Securities Agencies Act, the National Youth Service legislation, and the Public Complaints Commission Act. These laws are integral to the functioning of the country and are given additional protection by being enshrined in the constitution.

In conclusion, the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria is supreme and binding, establishing the fundamental principles and legal framework for the country. It ensures good governance, promotes the welfare of citizens, and outlines the legislative powers of the Federal Republic. With its ability to override other laws, the constitution is the ultimate authority in Nigeria, providing a stable and unified foundation for the nation.

Federal Republic of Nigeria

The 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is the supreme law of the country. It outlines the country's structure and composition, which are a legacy of British colonial rule. The constitution consists of 36 states, a Federal Capital Territory (Abuja), 768 Local Government Areas, and six area councils. It establishes a democratic system of government, with legislative powers vested in a National Assembly, consisting of a Senate and a House of Representatives.

The National Assembly holds the power to make laws for the peace, order, and good government of the Federation. The constitution also protects four specific laws: the Land Use Act, the National Securities Agencies Act, the National Youth Service legislation, and the Public Complaints Commission Act.

The 1999 Constitution promotes good governance and the welfare of all citizens, based on principles of freedom, equality, and justice. It encourages national unity and outlines a set of national ethics, including discipline, integrity, dignity of labour, social justice, religious tolerance, self-reliance, and patriotism.

The constitution guarantees a system of democratically elected local government councils and ensures that the Federal Republic of Nigeria shall be governed according to its provisions. It also upholds the freedom of the press, radio, television, and other media agencies to promote accountability and responsibility within the government.

The Federal Republic of Nigeria is a diverse country with over 374 multilingual groups, each with its own unique culture and traditions. This diversity has contributed to regionalism and political divisions within the country, which the constitution aims to address through its provisions for regional autonomy and federal union.

Legislative powers and National Assembly

The 1999 Constitution of Nigeria outlines the powers and structure of the country's legislative branch, which is known as the National Assembly. The National Assembly is a bicameral legislature, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives. This means that it is made up of two chambers, with each playing a unique role in the law-making process.

The Senate is the upper house of the National Assembly and is made up of three senators from each of Nigeria's 36 states, as well as one senator representing the Federal Capital Territory. The Senate is led by the Senate President, who is first in line to succeed the President of Nigeria in the event of a vacancy. The Senate has exclusive powers to confirm certain presidential appointments, such as ministers, federal judicial officers, and heads of federal agencies. It also plays a crucial role in the impeachment process of the President, as it conducts impeachment trials and can remove the President from office with a two-thirds majority vote.

The House of Representatives is the lower house of the National Assembly. It consists of 360 members, each representing a single federal constituency. The size of each state's constituency is determined by its population, with each state having at least one representative. The House of Representatives is headed by a Speaker, who is second in line to succeed the President. The House has exclusive powers to initiate revenue bills, which are bills that deal with taxation, tariffs, and other sources of revenue for the government. It also plays a key role in the impeachment process, as it can initiate impeachment proceedings against the President by passing a simple resolution.

The legislative powers of the National Assembly are outlined in Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution. This section provides an extensive list of areas in which the National Assembly has the power to make laws for "the peace, order, and good government of the Federation." These areas include customs and excise, citizenship and naturalization, federal elections, and the armed forces. The National Assembly also has concurrent legislative powers with state houses of assembly in areas such as criminal law, trade, and commerce.

The process of law-making in the National Assembly involves both houses. Bills can be introduced in either house, except for money bills, which must originate from the House of Representatives. A bill must go through several stages, including first reading, second reading, committee stage, report stage, and third reading, before it can be passed by the house in which it originated. After a bill is passed by one house, it is

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National ethics and values

The 1999 Constitution of Nigeria outlines the national ethics and values that are expected of its citizens. These values are designed to promote good governance and the welfare of all citizens, with an emphasis on freedom, equality, and justice. The constitution also seeks to consolidate national unity.

The national ethics, as outlined in the constitution, include discipline, integrity, dignity of labour, social justice, religious tolerance, self-reliance, and patriotism. These values are intended to guide the behaviour and conduct of Nigerian citizens in their daily lives and interactions with one another.

Citizens are expected to abide by the constitution, respect its ideals and institutions, and uphold the country's symbols, such as the national flag and anthem. They are also encouraged to enhance Nigeria's power, prestige, and reputation globally and to defend the nation when required. Respect for the dignity and rights of fellow citizens is paramount, with an emphasis on living in unity, harmony, and a spirit of brotherhood.

The constitution further emphasises the importance of contributing positively to the advancement, progress, and well-being of one's community. It encourages citizens to render assistance to appropriate and duly constituted authorities, as well as to respect the rights and legitimate interests of others.

The 1999 Constitution also addresses the role of the press, radio, television, and other mass media agencies in upholding these fundamental objectives. These entities are expected to hold the government accountable to the people and promote responsibility and good governance. The legislative powers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria are vested in a National Assembly, consisting of a Senate and a House of Representatives, which is responsible for making laws that uphold peace, order, and good governance.

Protecting, preserving and promoting Nigerian culture

Nigeria has had many constitutions, with its current form enacted on 29 May 1999, kickstarting the Fourth Nigerian Republic. The 1999 Constitution is the written supreme law of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, consisting of 36 states and a Federal Capital Territory, with 768 Local Government Areas and six area councils.

The 1999 Constitution outlines the legislative powers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which are vested in a National Assembly consisting of a Senate and a House of Representatives. The National Assembly has the power to make laws for the peace, order and good government of the Federation.

The Constitution also protects four laws: the Land Use Act, the National Securities Agencies Act, the National Youth Service legislation, and the Public Complaints Commission Act.

One of the fundamental features of the 1999 Constitution is its focus on protecting, preserving, and promoting Nigerian culture. The Constitution recognises the country's diversity, with over 374 multilingual groups and different cultures and traditions. It seeks to protect and preserve these cultures while also encouraging the development of technological and scientific studies that enhance cultural values.

To promote Nigerian culture and enhance its prestige and good name, the Constitution outlines the following:

• Upholding the fundamental objectives: The press, radio, television, and other mass media agencies are free to uphold the fundamental objectives contained in the Constitution, including the responsibility and accountability of the government to the people.
• National ethics: The Constitution outlines specific national ethics that citizens should abide by, including discipline, integrity, dignity of labour, social justice, religious tolerance, self-reliance, and patriotism.
• Respect for constitutional ideals: Citizens are expected to respect the Constitution, its ideals, institutions, the National Flag, the National Anthem, and legitimate authorities.
• Enhancing national power and prestige: Nigerians are encouraged to help enhance the power, prestige, and good name of their country, defend Nigeria, and render national service when required.
• Respect for fellow citizens: Citizens should respect the dignity and legitimate interests of others, living in unity and harmony while contributing to the advancement, progress, and well-being of their communities.
• Encouraging scientific and technological development: The Constitution promotes the development of scientific and technological studies that enhance Nigerian cultural values.

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