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Nigeria

Federal Republic of Nigeria

Mixed (common law, customary law, Sharia)Federal presidential republicReviewed· 2026-08-03
Capital
Abuja
Population
223,800,000
Languages
English, Hausa
Currency
NGN

Nigeria · Constitution

Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria

The fourth republican constitution, promulgated on the return to civilian rule. Chapter II sets out Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles which section 6(6)(c) expressly makes non-justiciable, while Chapter IV rights are directly enforceable. Amendment requires two-thirds of the National Assembly plus approval by two-thirds of the 36 state assemblies.

The constitutional text

The fourth republican constitution, promulgated on the return to civilian rule. Chapter II sets out Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles which section 6(6)(c) expressly makes non-justiciable, while Chapter IV rights are directly enforceable. Amendment requires two-thirds of the National Assembly plus approval by two-thirds of the 36 state assemblies.

Separation of powers

Federal separation between the President, a bicameral National Assembly and the judiciary, replicated at state level. The Exclusive, Concurrent and Residual Legislative Lists allocate competence between the federation and the 36 states.

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