■■ ORIGIN OF THE CONSTITUTION IN NIGERIA
■■ 1. Meaning and Context
A constitution is the supreme law of a country that defines how the government is organized, how
power is distributed, and what rights the citizens have. In Nigeria, the origin of the Constitution is
closely tied to the period of British colonial rule. Before colonization, Nigeria did not exist as a
single political unit, but as separate kingdoms and ethnic groups. The British introduced their own
system of governance, which gradually evolved into the Nigerian constitutions we have today.
■ 2. Colonial Background (Before 1914)
Before the British came, the area now called Nigeria consisted of independent traditional societies
such as the Yoruba kingdoms, the Hausa-Fulani emirates, and the Igbo communities. When the
British gained control, they began introducing written constitutional documents that guided how
the colony was governed. This marked the beginning of Nigeria’s constitutional evolution.
■■ 3. Stages of Nigeria’s Constitutional Development
1922 – The Clifford Constitution
Introduced by Sir Hugh Clifford. It replaced the 1914 system and allowed limited Nigerian
participation.
• Created a Legislative Council for Lagos and Calabar.
• Introduced elective representation (4 Nigerians elected).
• Encouraged party formation (NNDP by Herbert Macaulay).
Significance: First time Nigerians took part in governance; beginning of constitutional
development.
1946 – The Richards Constitution
Introduced by Governor Arthur Richards to promote unity and regional participation.
• Created 3 regions: Northern, Western, and Eastern.
• Introduced regional councils and a central legislative council.
Significance: Introduced regionalism and laid the foundation for federalism.
1951 – The Macpherson Constitution
Introduced by Sir John Macpherson. Nigerians were widely consulted in its making.
• Created regional Houses of Assembly with elected representatives.
• Introduced regional premiers and a central House of Representatives.
Significance: Encouraged true federalism and gave Nigerians more control over internal affairs.
1954 – The Lyttleton Constitution
Introduced by Oliver Lyttleton, the British Colonial Secretary.
• Formally established federalism in Nigeria.
• Defined powers between the federal and regional governments.
• Introduced the position of Premier in each region.
Significance: Laid the foundation for Nigeria’s federal system and prepared the country for
self-government.
■■ 4. Post-Colonial Constitutions
1960 – Independence Constitution
• Came into effect on October 1, 1960.
• Adopted a parliamentary system; Queen of England remained Head of State.
• Recognized human rights and maintained federalism.
Significance: Nigeria became an independent nation; marked the end of British control.
1963 – Republican Constitution
• Nigeria became a Republic on October 1, 1963.
• The Queen was replaced by a Nigerian President.
• The Supreme Court became the final appellate court.
Significance: Nigeria achieved full sovereignty and republican status.
1979 – Presidential Constitution
• Came after military rule (1966–1979).
• Introduced a presidential system like the U.S.
• Separated powers among Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary.
Significance: Ended military rule and began the Second Republic.
1999 – Current Constitution
• Came into effect on May 29, 1999.
• Restored democracy (Fourth Republic).
• Declared the Constitution supreme and guaranteed fundamental rights.
Significance: Marked the return of democratic rule and remains the current Constitution.
■■ 5. Summary Table
Year Constitution Key Features Importance
1922 Clifford First elective principle; 4 Nigerians elected Start of Nigerian representation
1946 Richards Introduced regionalism; 3 regions created Promoted unity and regional councils
1951 Macpherson Regional assemblies; Nigerian control Federalism emerged
1954 Lyttleton Full federalism established Prepared for independence
1960 Independence Parliamentary system Nigeria became independent
1963 Republican President replaced Queen Full sovereignty
1979 Presidential U.S.-style presidency Separation of powers
1999 Current Democratic and supreme law Fourth Republic begins
■ 6. In Summary
The origin of the Nigerian Constitution evolved gradually from British colonial rule to a sovereign
democratic system. Each constitution improved upon the previous one — moving from limited
British control to full independence and democratic governance under the 1999 Constitution.