Colonial - Constitution of the Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria

Amalgamated the Colony and Protectorate of Southern Nigeria and the Protectorate of Northern Nigeria, into a single colony

Colonial - The Hugh Clifford Constitution

In 1919, pressured by the West African Congress, Governor Sir Hugh Clifford introduced the Clifford Constitution of 1922, which established Nigeria's first electoral system with limited franchise based on a high income requirement. It created a legislative council of 46 members, mostly officials, with limited legislative power restricted to the South. The executive council included no Nigerians. Subsequent governors, Cameroon and Bernard Boudillion, made minimal constitutional changes but divided Nigeria into East, West, and North, laying the foundation for future regionalism.

Colonial - Arthur Richards Constitution

In late 1944, Governor Sir Arthur Richards introduced a new constitution aiming to unify Nigeria, accommodate its diversity, and increase African participation in governance. The constitution established a legislative council with limited elected representation and regional assemblies for discussion, not legislation. Despite reducing the property requirement for voting, it remained costly, and the franchise was restricted to Lagos and Calabar. Additionally, the nomination process excluded many elites from governance roles.

Colonial - John Macpherson Constitution

Due to criticisms of the Richards Constitution, Governor Sir John Macpherson involved Nigerians extensively in creating a new constitution, leading to the Macpherson Constitution. It established a federal House of Representatives with 136 elected members and regional legislatures with legislative powers. The West and North had bicameral legislatures, including a house of chiefs, while the East had a unicameral legislature. Members of the federal legislature were nominated from the regional legislatures.

Colonial - Oliver Lyttelton Constitution

Despite improvements, the Macpherson Constitution failed to maintain Nigerian unity, collapsing due to legislative conflicts. In 1953, Anthony Enahoro's proposal for independence in 1956 was opposed by Northerners, causing riots and a secession threat. To address the crisis, colonial secretary Oliver Lyttleton convened conferences in London (1953) and Lagos (1954), leading to the Lyttleton Constitution. This constitution introduced a federal system with regions and Lagos as the federal capital. It established separate courts for Nigeria and its regions and set the stage for regional self-governance: East and West in 1957, North in 1959, while Southern Cameroon opted out through a referendum.

Colonial - The Independence Constitution

On 1st October 1960, Nigeria became independent, though the Queen remained the head of state, represented by Governor-General Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, while Tafawa Balewa was Prime Minister. The 1960 constitution resembled the 1954 version but introduced citizenship provisions and a constitution amendment process. Legislative powers were split between central and regional bodies, with exclusive and concurrent lists. It featured a dual executive system with Azikiwe as the ceremonial head of state and Balewa as head of government with executive powers. Despite independence, imperial remnants persisted, prompting the creation of the 1963 republican constitution to fully sever colonial ties.

Colonial - The 1963 Republican Constitution

The republican constitution was enacted on September 19, 1963, and took effect on October 1, 1963, following a constitutional conference in Lagos. Key changes included replacing the Queen with a President, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, as head of state and commander-in-chief. The Supreme Court became the highest court of appeal, and the judicial service commission was abolished, with judicial appointments managed by the Prime Minister. The Senate and House of Representatives were expanded due to the creation of the Mid-Western state. Criticisms included the President being elected by the national assembly rather than the electorate, and the judiciary's compromised independence. Political crises led to the constitution's collapse and a military coup on January 15, 1966, initiating military rule until 1979.