- Introduced a Legislative Council with an African minority
- Franchise was limited to a tiny proportion of the adult male population.
1946 Richards Constitution
- Introduced regional assemblies in the three regions
1951 Macpherson Constitution
- Introduced a central legislature.
- The constitution also provided for a Council of Ministers, which was the first time that Nigerians had held ministerial positions.
1954 Lyttleton Constitution
- Introduced a federal system of government.
1960 Independence Constitution
- Nigeria became an independent country on October 1, 1960, with the adoption of a new constitution.
- The constitution provided for a parliamentary system of government with a strong executive president.
- The constitution also established a bicameral legislature, consisting of a Senate and a House of Representatives.
1963 Republican Constitution
- Nigeria became a republic on October 1, 1963, with the adoption of a new constitution.
- The constitution abolished the office of the Governor-General and established a ceremonial president.
- The constitution also provided for a unicameral legislature, known as the National Assembly.
1979 Constitution
- The constitution restored democracy in Nigeria after almost thirteen years of military rule.
1999 Constitution
- The current constitution of Nigeria was adopted on May 29, 1999.
- The constitution provides for a federal system of government with a strong executive president.
- The constitution also establishes a bicameral legislature, consisting of a Senate and a House of Representatives.
Constitutional Development since 1999
Since 1999, there have been several amendments to the constitution, including:
- The amendment of 2006, which increased the number of states from 36 to 37.
- The amendment of 2010, which provided for independent candidates in elections.
- The amendment of 2018, which reduced the age of eligibility for running for president from 40 to 35.
The constitution of Nigeria is a living document that is constantly evolving. As the country continues to grow and change, so too will its constitution.
