Constitutional Law In Nigeria

Derived from the renowned multi-volume International Encyclopaedia of Laws, this very useful analysis of constitutional law in Nigeria provides essential information on the country’s sources of constitutional law, its form of government, and its administrative structure. Lawyers who handle transnational matters will appreciate the clarifications of particular terminology and its application. Throughout the book, the treatment emphasizes the specific points at which constitutional law affects the interpretation of legal rules and procedure. Thorough coverage by a local expert fully describes the political system, the historical background, the role of treaties, legislation, jurisprudence, and administrative regulations. The discussion of the form and structure of government outlines its legal status, the jurisdiction and workings of the central state organs, the subdivisions of the state, its decentralized authorities, and concepts of citizenship. Special issues include the legal position of aliens, foreign relations, taxing and spending powers, emergency laws, the power of the military, and the constitutional relationship between church and state. Details are presented in such a way that readers who are unfamiliar with specific terms and concepts in varying contexts will fully grasp their meaning and significance. Its succinct yet scholarly nature, as well as the practical quality of the information it provides, make this book a valuable time-saving tool for both practising and academic jurists. Lawyers representing parties with interests in Nigeria will welcome this guide, and academics and researchers will appreciate its value in the study of comparative constitutional law.

This study provides history and analysis of constitution making in Nigeria. It demonstrates that the history can be divided into periods of non-participation, and then gradual participation of Nigerians in the making of their constitution. It analyses the procedure for the making of the 1999 Constitution, and the present position. It advocates for the future, more active or total participation of Nigerians in the constitution making process. The study discusses the development of constitutional law vis-a-vis federalism, the legislature, the executive, the judiciary, local governments and citizenship. All in all, it demonstrates how Nigerians have never been satisfied with their constitutional set-up because of perceived inequalities and injustices caused by the accident of history; and calls for a renegotiation of the basis of the continued existence of Nigeria as a federation, which gives precedence to equity and justice, and representation to the various nationalities making up modern Nigeria.