Historical Development of the Nigerian Constitution


The purpose of this write up is to trace the source of the Nigerian constitution and how it was developed from time. The development actually stated from 1922 and a substantial content was added in 1979; that was long after the Nigerian Civil War.  Yet more content was added in 1999 when a number of amendments were also made that year. The 1999 constitution is the exact document being used by the Nigeria of today. However, many think there is need to also modify this constitution.

Historical Development of the Nigerian Constitution

Lagos was never part of the Nigerian entity at the initial stage.  It was not annexed to Nigeria until 1861. The man that formulated the first constitution for Nigeria was Sir Hugh Clifford. He was pressured to do this by the Caseley Hayford-led West African congress in 1922, which was the year the first constitution was constituted for Nigeria and a host of other West African countries colonized by the British, namely Gambia, Sierra Leone and Gold Coast.

The Clifford Constitution of 1922 introduced the very first electoral system in Nigeria and the very first election was conducted that year into the Nigerian legislative council; Calabar was given 1 slot and Lagos was given 3 slots. Only those earning 100 pounds per annum were allowed to contest in the election.

The Richard constitution

It came up in 1944 under the leadership of the then governor Sir Arthur Richards and it forms the very first constitution amendment in Nigeria.  The Nigerian educated elite formed the chunk of those that pressured him to institute the constitution amendment.  The purpose of this constitution all amendment was to

  • Promote the unity of Nigeria
  • Provide adequately for every entity that makes up the Nigerian nation in the constitution.
  • Make more provision for Nigerians to determine their own affairs.

A new legislative council was provided for in the new constitution. The constitution amendment team comprises the governor, 16 official and 28 unofficial members.  The governor nominated 2 and the 4 were elected out of the 28 unofficial members. 11 members were nominated by the north, 8 by the east and 6 by the East.  The said constitution made provision for regional houses of assembly. The native authorities were to nominated members of the regional assembly. For anyone to qualify for election, the member should earn at least 50 pounds per year, which made it possible for more people to participate in elections.

The first set of Nigerians to be members of Lagos executive council were Sir Adeyemo Alakija and Bankole Rhodes.

The Macpherson constitution

Nigerians were included in this constitution amendment that took place under the leadership of the then governor Sir John Macpherson. Many Nigerians were consulted, even those residing in villages. The Ibadan Conference of 1950 formed the basis for the southwest’s viewpoint to the new constitution. The federal house of representative was provided for in the new constitution with 136 elected members, 6 ex-officio members and 6 other members nominated by the governor.  The north had 68 members, the west had 34 members and same number came from the east.

The Lyttleton Constitution

The need for this constitution began with a proposal made by Anthony Enahoro of the Action Group that Nigeria should be given independence in 1956. The northerners felt they were not ready for independence and they opposed it.  This led to the Lyttleton constitution and it was held in London in 1954. The outcome of the conference formed the basis for the Lyttleton Constitution. The constitution abolished the West African court of appeal; it however established the Nigerian Supreme Court and a number of regional high courts. The constitution made provision for the regions to govern themselves and the western and eastern regions stated self-governance in 1957. Two years later, the north began self –governance.  Southern Cameroon however opted out of Nigeria via a referendum.

The Independence Constitution

Nigeria finally became an independent nation on October 1st, 1960.  As at independence, the Queen of England was still the head of state of Nigeria. She was represented by Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, the Nigerian Governor-General, while Tafawa Balewa became the Prime Minister. The purpose of the constitution was to completely remove foreign influence on the Nigerian state. It took its basis from the 1954 constitution, but a number of changes were made. Provision for citizenship acquisition was made in the new constitution. Provision for constitution amendment was also made in it.  Nomination formed the basis for appointing judges for the courts. The highest court of appeal in Nigeria according to this constitution was the Privy Council.

In the new constitution provision was made for dual executive, comprising the head of state and head of government. The head of state was a ceremonial personality, while the head of government had executive power.

The 1963 Republican Constitution

This new constitution was passed into law on 1st October 1963 and it was in line with the constitutional conference that was held in Lagos between July 25 and 26, 1963. The constitution made provision for real independence of the Nigerian state. This constitution removed Queen Elizabeth as the head of state. The constitution provided that the president be chosen by secret ballot by members of the national assembly and House of Representatives. This brought in Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe as the president and commander in chief of the armed forces.

The constitution also recognized the Supreme Court as the highest court of appeal in Nigeria. The said constitution abolished the judicial serve commission.  The prime minister became the one appointing the judges. The senate membership was increased to 56 from 44.  The house of representative was increased to 312 from 305. This was necessitated by the creation of the Mid-western state.

The presidential constitution of 1979 and 1999

This was instituted by General Olusegun Obasanjo, who constituted a 49 member constitution drafting committee and it was headed by F.R.A Williams. The constitution was amended by Justice Udo Udoma and it as instituted on October 1st, 1979. Parliamentary system of government was jettisoned by the constitution and it was replaced with the presidential system of government. It made the president both the head of state and head of government. The constitution also determined that electorates should choose the president. The senate membership was increased to 95 and the House of Representatives’ membership was increased to 450.



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