Constitution library
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The Constitution is the highest law in Nigeria. Any other law that contradicts the Constitution is invalid and cannot be enforced.
Nigeria is a single, united nation made up of federating states and the Federal Capital Territory (Abuja). It cannot be divided.
This defines the names of the 36 states of Nigeria and confirms that local governments form the foundational units of these states.
The power to write laws for the nation belongs to the National Assembly (comprising the Senate and House of Representatives).
The power to execute and enforce laws belongs to the President, who can act directly or delegate to the Vice President, Ministers, and public servants.
The power to interpret laws and judge disputes belongs to the Courts of Law (the Judicature), guaranteeing citizens a route to justice.
All government authorities and agencies must actively follow and implement the guiding principles outlined in this chapter to benefit the citizens.
Power belongs to the citizens. The main job of the government is to keep people safe and ensure their economic and social welfare.
You are a citizen by birth if you are born in Nigeria and have at least one parent or grandparent of indigenous Nigerian heritage, or born abroad to a Nigerian parent.
Every human being has an absolute right to live. It is illegal for anyone, including security forces, to take a life unlawfully unless strictly in self-defense, during lawful arrest control, or under a court-approved death penalty.
No human being should be beaten, tortured, enslaved, or subjected to cruel treatment. This protects you from police brutality, physical abuse, or modern slavery.
You have a right to your freedom. You cannot be locked up without a lawful reason. If arrested, you must be taken to court within 24 to 48 hours. Unlawful arrest entitles you to compensation and a public apology.
You are innocent until proven guilty in a neutral court. You have a right to defend yourself with a lawyer of your own choosing, receive a speedy trial, and access all information regarding the accusation.
Your phone calls, emails, text messages, letters, and home cannot be snooped into or searched by anyone (including the police) without a proper search warrant.
You have the total freedom to practice any religion, change your religion, or hold any philosophical beliefs without discrimination.
You have the right to speak, write, and share information and opinions, including owning a blog, newspaper, or social media handle, as long as you do not defame others or cause violent riots.
You can gather peacefully with others for rallies, protests, church, club meetings, or join any trade union or political party.
You can travel to, live in, and work in any state in Nigeria. You cannot be deported from your country or denied your passport unlawfully.
No Nigerian should be discriminated against because of their tribe, state, gender, religious affiliation, or political viewpoints.
You have the right to buy land, houses, and businesses in any state in Nigeria, regardless of your state of origin.
The government cannot seize your land or property without a valid public reason and without paying you fair and prompt compensation.
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