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| Government of Nigeria | |
|---|---|
| Conventional long name | Federal Republic of Nigeria |
| Common name | Nigeria |
| Capital | Abuja |
| Largest city | Lagos |
| Official languages | English language |
| Government type | Federal presidential republic |
| President | Bola Tinubu |
| Vice president | Kashim Shettima |
| Legislature | National Assembly |
| Upper house | Senate |
| Lower house | House of Representatives |
| Judiciary | Supreme Court |
| Independence | 1 October 1960 |
Government of Nigeria
The Government of Nigeria is the federal political authority of the Federal Republic of Nigeria operating under a written Constitution of Nigeria that vests executive power in a President of Nigeria, legislative power in a bicameral National Assembly, and judicial authority in a hierarchy culminating in the Supreme Court of Nigeria. Nigeria’s governance has been shaped by periods of military rule, civilian restoration, and constitutional reforms tied to events such as the 1966 Nigerian coup d'état, Nigerian Civil War, and the transition of 1999 that established the current Fourth Republic.
Nigeria’s political institutions evolved from precolonial polities such as the Oyo Empire, Benin Empire, and Sokoto Caliphate through colonial administration by the United Kingdom and enactments like the Clifford Constitution and Richardson Constitution. The Amalgamation of Nigeria, 1914 created the colonial entity later gaining independence on 1 October 1960 under leaders like Nnamdi Azikiwe and Abubakar Tafawa Balewa. Post-independence history includes the 1966 Nigerian coup d'état, successive Military dictatorship governments under figures such as Olusegun Obasanjo (military), the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970), the return to civilian rule in 1979, the annulled June 12, 1993 election involving Moshood Abiola, and the 1999 inauguration of civilian presidents including Olusegun Obasanjo (president), Umaru Musa Yar'Adua, Goodluck Jonathan, and Muhammadu Buhari. Contemporary politics features parties like the All Progressives Congress and Peoples Democratic Party and policy debates tied to Third Mainland Bridge-era development, Niger Delta resource control, and constitutional review efforts.
Nigeria’s supreme law is the 1999 Constitution, amended by acts of the National Assembly and interpreted by the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal. The legal framework blends English common law heritage with statutes such as the Electoral Act and sectoral laws administered by agencies like the National Judicial Council and Code of Conduct Bureau. Plural legal traditions coexist, including customary courts derived from precolonial systems of the Kanem-Bornu Empire and religious adjudication in sharia law applying in several northern states under constitutional provisions and state legislation.
The executive is headed by the President of Nigeria, who serves as head of state, head of government, and commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria. The president appoints a Federal Executive Council of ministers, subject to confirmation by the Senate, and oversees agencies such as the Central Bank of Nigeria, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, and Independent National Electoral Commission. The executive’s powers include promulgating regulations, executing federal statutes, and international representation through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, engaging with multilateral bodies like the United Nations and regional organizations including the Economic Community of West African States.
Legislative authority rests with the National Assembly, a bicameral body comprising the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Senate includes members from each state and the FCT, while the House represents federal constituencies. The National Assembly enacts laws such as the Appropriation Act, approves presidential appointments, and conducts oversight through committees modeled after legislatures like the United States Congress and influenced by the Westminster system. Major legislative issues include fiscal federalism, petroleum legislation like the Petroleum Industry Act, and electoral reform.
Nigeria’s judiciary is headed by the Supreme Court, followed by the Court of Appeal and federal and state high courts. Judicial appointments involve the National Judicial Council and confirmation by the Senate. Courts adjudicate constitutional disputes, electoral petitions heard by special tribunals such as the Election Tribunal, and major cases involving bodies like the Code of Conduct Tribunal and anti-corruption prosecutions by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and Independent Corrupt Practices Commission. Decisions reference precedents shaped by cases over human rights, federal competence, and property rights under instruments like the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights.
Nigeria is a federation of 36 states and the FCT, each with elected governors and legislatures such as the State Houses of Assembly. Revenue allocation and resource control remain contentious, involving institutions like the Federation Account and interventions from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation. Intergovernmental relations are mediated by bodies such as the National Economic Council and mechanisms influenced by federal systems in countries like the United States and Germany. Subnational politics features major actors including state governors from parties such as the All Progressives Congress and Peoples Democratic Party, local government councils, and traditional authorities like Obas and emirs.
The federal bureaucracy operates through ministries headed by ministers and permanent secretaries, following civil service rules rooted in reforms like the Udoji Report. Key institutions include the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Budget Office, and regulatory agencies such as the Nigerian Communications Commission and National Health Insurance Scheme. Public administration grapples with challenges highlighted by reports from organizations like Transparency International and World Bank on procurement, service delivery, and capacity building.
National security is managed by the Armed Forces of Nigeria, comprising the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, and Nigerian Air Force, overseen by the Ministry of Defence and coordinated with the National Security Adviser. Law enforcement responsibilities fall to the Nigeria Police Force, supported by paramilitary and intelligence agencies such as the Department of State Services and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps. The security apparatus has been central to responses to threats including the Boko Haram insurgency, Militancy in the Niger Delta, kidnappings affecting regions like Kaduna State and Zamfara State, and peacekeeping contributions to missions under the African Union and United Nations.
Category:Politics of Nigeria