Editing Politics of Nigeria

{{Short description|none}}
<!-- "none" is preferred when the title is sufficiently descriptive; see [[WP:SDNONE]] -->
{{Infobox presidential government
| government_name  = Federal government of Nigeria
| image            = [[File:Coat of arms of Nigeria.svg|150px]]
| caption          = [[Coat of arms of Nigeria]]
| date             = {{start date and age|1963|10|01|p=1|br=1|df=y}}
| jurisdiction     = Nigeria
| url              =
| legislature      = [[National Assembly (Nigeria)|National Assembly]]
| meeting_place    = [[National Assembly Complex]]
| leader_title     = [[President of Nigeria]]
| headquarters     = [[Aso Rock Presidential Villa]]
| appointed        = 
| main_organ       = [[Cabinet of Nigeria|Cabinet]]
| departments      = 
| court            = [[Supreme Court of Nigeria|Supreme Court]]
| seat             = [[Abuja]], [[Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria|FCT]]
|document=[[Constitution of Nigeria]]}}
{{Politics of Nigeria}}

The '''federal government of Nigeria''' is composed of three distinct branches: [[Federal Ministries of Nigeria|the executive]], the [[National Assembly (Nigeria)|legislative]], and the [[Supreme Court of Nigeria|judicial]], whose powers are vested and bestowed upon by the [[Constitution of Nigeria|Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Federal Republic of Nigeria |url=https://forumfed.org/document/federal-republic-of-nigeria/ |access-date=2022-12-21 |website=Forum of Federations |language=en-US}}</ref> One of the primary functions of the [[constitution]] is that it provides for separation and balance of powers among the three branches and aims to prevent the repetition of past mistakes made by the [[government]]. Other functions of the constitution include a division of power between the federal government and the states, and protection of various individual liberties of the nation's [[Citizenship|citizens]].<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Tobi |first=Niki |date=1981 |title=Judicial Independence in Nigeria |url=https://heinonline.org/HOL/LandingPage?handle=hein.journals/ilp6&div=26&id=&page= |journal=International's Law Practitioner |volume=6 |page=62}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Herskovits |first=Jean |date=1979 |title=Democracy in Nigeria |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/20040417 |journal=Foreign Affairs |volume=58 |issue=2 |pages=314–335 |doi=10.2307/20040417 |issn=0015-7120 |jstor=20040417}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Functions of the Constitution {{!}} Constitutions |url=https://nigerianscholars.com/tutorials/constitutions/functions-of-the-constitution/ |access-date=2022-12-21 |website=Nigerian Scholars |language=en-US}}</ref>

Nigerian politics take place within a framework of a [[Federation|federal]] and [[Presidential system|presidential]] [[republic]] and a [[representative democracy]], in which the president holds executive power.<ref>{{Cite web |last=IPROJECT |first=Final Year Research Project Topics & Materials in PDF & Doc {{!}} iproject from |title=The Structure Of Nigerian Government And Politics Political Science Pr... |url=https://www.iproject.com.ng/ |access-date=2022-12-21 |website=www.iproject.com.ng |language=en}}</ref> [[Legislative power]] is held by the federal government and the two chambers of the legislature: the [[Nigerian House of Representatives|House of Representatives]] and the [[Nigerian Senate|Senate]]. The legislative branch of Nigeria is responsible for and possesses powers to legislate laws. Together, the two chambers form the law-making body in Nigeria,<ref>{{Cite web |title=A SUMMARY OF THE LEGISLATIVE PROCESS IN NIGERIA – SSKOHN |url=https://sskohn.com/a-summary-of-the-legislative-process-in-nigeria/ |access-date=2022-12-21 |language=en-US}}</ref> called the National Assembly, which serves as a check on the executive arm of government. The [[National Assembly (Nigeria)|National Assembly of Nigeria]] (NASS) is the democratically elected body that represents the interests of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and its people, makes laws for Nigeria, and holds the Government of Nigeria to account. The National Assembly (NASS) is the nation's highest legislature, whose power to make laws is summarized in chapter one, section four of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution. Sections 47–49 of the 1999 Constitution state, among other things, that "There shall be a National Assembly (NASS) for the federation which shall consist of two chambers: the Senate and the House of Representatives."<ref>{{Cite web |last=ago |first=Lydia Mosiana 11 months |title=The Executive Arm of Government {{!}} Arms of Government |url=https://nigerianscholars.com/tutorials/arms-of-government/executive-arm-of-government/ |access-date=2022-02-20 |website=Nigerian Scholars |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Major Functions of the National Assembly |url=https://na.parliament.gov.np/en/Major%20Functions%20of%20the%20National%20Assembly |access-date=2022-12-21 |website=na.parliament.gov.np}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=National Assembly {{!}} Federal Republic of Nigeria |url=https://nass.gov.ng/about/item/1548 |access-date=2022-12-21 |website=nass.gov.ng}}</ref> The [[Economist Intelligence Unit]] rated Nigeria a "[[Democracy Index#Definitions|hybrid regime]]" in 2019.<ref name=":04">{{Cite web |title=SOURCES AND CLASSIFICATION OF NIGERIAN LAW |url=http://www.mynewswatchtimesng.com/sources-classification-nigerian-law/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160221184044/http://www.mynewswatchtimesng.com/sources-classification-nigerian-law |archive-date=2016-02-21 |access-date=2016-02-23 |website=Newswatch Times |language=en-US}}</ref> The federal government, state, and local governments of Nigeria aim to work cooperatively to govern the nation and its people.<ref name=":33">{{Cite web |title=THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT SYSTEM IN NIGERIA |url=http://www.clgf.org.uk/default/assets/File/Country_profiles/Nigeria.pdf |website=Commonwealth Local Government Forum}}</ref> Nigeria became a member of the [[British Commonwealth]] upon its independence from British colonial rule on 1 October 1960.<ref name=":522">{{Cite web|date=2013-08-15 |title=Nigeria |url=https://thecommonwealth.org/our-member-countries/nigeria |access-date=2020-11-18 |website=The Commonwealth |language=en}}</ref>

==Legal system==

The law of [[Nigeria]] is based on the [[rule of law]], the independence of the [[judiciary]], and [[British common law]] (due to [[Colonial Nigeria|the long history of British colonial influence]]). The common law in the legal system is similar to common-law systems used in [[England and Wales]] and other [[Commonwealth countries]]. The constitutional framework for the legal system is provided by the [[Constitution of Nigeria]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=GUIDE TO NIGERIAN LEGAL INFORMATION – GlobaLex|url=https://www.nyulawglobal.org/globalex/Nigeria.html|access-date=2021-05-21|website=www.nyulawglobal.org}}</ref>

The major influences on Nigeria's legal system are:

*[[English law]], derived from its [[British Empire|colonial]] past with Britain: Nigeria belongs to the common law family. This is because English law makes up a substantial part of the Nigerian law. Nigeria, though now a sovereign nation, was once under British rule. Upon gaining independence in 1960, numerous English laws were copied, and most of the laws have since been repealed in England. Nigeria also adopted all laws that were in force in England on 1 January 1900.<ref>{{Cite web |last=ACMC |first=Edeh Samuel Chukwuemeka |date=2020-06-24 |title=Meaning & Characteristics of Nigerian Legal System |url=https://bscholarly.com/characteristics-of-nigerian-legal-system/ |access-date=2022-12-21 |website=Bscholarly |language=en-US}}</ref>
*[[Common law]], case law has developed since colonial independence; common law can be defined as that unwritten body of laws based on judicial precedents. For unusual and irregular occurring cases where the result can in no way be resolved by the basis of current laws or written law regulations, common law guides the decision-making process.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Common Law – Definition, Understanding, and Why Common Law is Important? |url=https://cleartax.in/g/terms/common-law |access-date=2022-12-21 |website=cleartax.in |language=en}}</ref>
*[[Customary law]], which is derived from Indigenous traditional norms and practices. In Nigeria, customary law can be divided, in terms of nature, into two different classes, which are the ethnic or non-Muslim customary law and the Muslim law ([[Sharia in Nigeria|Sharia]]). The ethnic customary law in Nigeria is Indigenous, and this system of customary law applies and is valid to members of a specific ethnic group.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-22 |title=Home |url=https://www.cambridge.org/ |access-date=2023-11-25 |website=Cambridge University Press & Assessment |language=en}}</ref> Muslim law is a religious law that is solely based on the Muslim faith and applies to the members of such faith. In the nation of Nigeria, it is not an indigenous law; it is a received customary law introduced into the country as part of Islam.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Enabulele |first1=Amos O. |last2=Bazuaye |first2=Bright |date=February 2019 |title=Validity and Enforceability of Customary Law in Nigeria: Towards a Correct Delimitation of the Province of the Courts |url=https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-african-law/article/abs/validity-and-enforceability-of-customary-law-in-nigeria-towards-a-correct-delimitation-of-the-province-of-the-courts/627B68AFDE12F3AD635CFEF2E50D086F |journal=Journal of African Law |language=en |volume=63 |issue=1 |pages=79–104 |doi=10.1017/S002185531800030X |s2cid=150032798 |issn=0021-8553}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-07-28 |title=Customary law |url=https://www.icrc.org/en/war-and-law/treaties-customary-law/customary-law |access-date=2022-12-22 |website=International Committee of the Red Cross |language=en}}</ref>
*[[Sharia law]], law used in some states in the northern region. In two principal respects the sharia law greatly differs from Western systems of law. Sharia law possesses a much wider scope, since it regulates the individual's relationship, not only with his or her neighbors and the state, which is perceived as the limit of most other legal systems, but also with God and with the individual's own conscience. Ritual practices—such as daily prayers (''[[Salah|ṣalāt]]''), almsgiving [[Zakat|(''zakāt'')]], fasting (''ṣawm''), and pilgrimage ([[hajj]])—are an integral part of sharia law and usually occupy the first chapters in legal manuals. The sharia is concerned as much with ethical standards as with legal rules, indicating not only what an individual is entitled, or bound to do in law, but also what one ought, in conscience, to do, or to refrain from doing.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sharia {{!}} Definition, Law, & Countries {{!}} Britannica |url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/Shariah |access-date=2022-12-22 |website=www.britannica.com |language=en}}</ref>

===Legislation as a source of Nigerian law===
The two fundamental sources of Nigerian law through legislation are:<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title = SOURCES AND CLASSIFICATION OF NIGERIAN LAW|url = http://www.mynewswatchtimesng.com/sources-classification-nigerian-law/|website = Newswatch Times|access-date = 2016-02-23|language = en-US|url-status = dead|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160221184044/http://www.mynewswatchtimesng.com/sources-classification-nigerian-law|archive-date = 2016-02-21}}</ref>

(1) Acts of British parliament, popularly referred to as statutes of general application during the period before independence.<ref name=":15">{{Cite journal|last=Ollennu|first=N. M.|date=1961|title=The Influence of English Law on West Africa|url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/745094|journal=Journal of African Law|volume=5|issue=1|pages=21–35|doi=10.1017/S002185530000293X|jstor=745094|s2cid=144898409 |issn=0021-8553}}</ref>

(2) Local legislation (comprising enactments of the Nigerian legislatures from colonial period to date). There were other sources which, though subsumed in Nigerian legislations, were distinctly imported into the Nigerian legal systems. They are called the ''criminal and penal codes'' of Nigeria.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|title=Nigerian Legal System {{!}} Post-Independence Nigerian Government|url=https://nigerianscholars.com/tutorials/post-independence-nigerian-government/nigerian-legal-system/|access-date=2021-05-21|website=Nigerian Scholars|language=en-US}}</ref>

=== Nigerian statutes as sources of Nigerian law===
Nigerian legislation may be classified as follows: ''The colonial era until 1960, post-independence legislation 1960–1966, the military era 1966–1999''.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Nigeria – Independent Nigeria|url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Nigeria|access-date=2021-05-21|website=Encyclopedia Britannica|language=en}}</ref>

=== Post-independence legislation 1960–1966===
The grant of [[independence]] to Nigeria was a milestone in the political history of the country. This period witnessed the consolidation of political gains made during the colonial era. Politicians genuinely focused their lapses on the polity. It achieved for herself a republican status by shaking off the last vestiges of colonial authority.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Dunmoye|first=R. Ayo|title=traditional leadership and political hegemony in Nigeria: past, present and future|publisher=department of political science, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria|year=1987}}</ref> However, despite the violent violation of its provisions, the constitution remained the subsequent administrations (military or otherwise).<ref name=":1"/><ref>{{Cite journal|last=Maduekwe |first=Nkiruka |date=2014-12-01 |title=Role of the Legislature in Post-Independence Nigeria: 1960–1966 |url=https://papers.ssrn.com/abstract=2813054 |language=en |location=Rochester, NY|doi=10.2139/ssrn.2813054 |ssrn=2813054 }}</ref>

=== Military regime, 1966–1999 ===
The [[Armed Forces of Nigeria]] assumed the rulership of Nigeria from 1966–1979 and 1983–1999.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Nigerian Legal System under the Military Government |url=http://www.wefinder24.com/2022/06/the-nigerian-legal-system-under.html |access-date=2022-12-23}}</ref> The breakdown of law and order which occurred in the period under review would not be attributed to any defect in the Nigerian legal system. Corrupt practices both in the body politics and all aspects of Nigerian life eroded efficiency and progress. There were eight [[Coup d'état|coups]] generally; five were successful and three were unsuccessful.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Nigeria – Military regimes, 1983–99 {{!}} Britannica |url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Nigeria/Military-regimes-1983-99 |access-date=2022-12-23 |website=www.britannica.com |language=en}}</ref>

==Executive branch==
[[File:Vice_President_Yemi_Osinbajo_and_President_Buhari.png|left|thumb|Former vice President Yemi Osinbajo and former President Buhari]]
The president is elected through [[universal suffrage]] which is regarded as more than a privilege extended by the state to its citizenry, and it is rather thought of as an inalienable right that inheres to every adult citizen by virtue of citizenship. In democracies it is the primary means of ensuring that governments are responsible to the governed.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Suffrage {{!}} Definition, History, & Facts {{!}} Britannica |url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/suffrage |access-date=2022-12-22 |website=www.britannica.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Definition of UNIVERSAL SUFFRAGE |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/universal+suffrage |access-date=2022-12-22 |website=www.merriam-webster.com |language=en}}</ref> The president is head of both the state and government, and heads the cabinet of Nigeria, the Federal Executive Council. The constitution also sanctions the president's status as [[commander-in-chief]] of the armed forces in Section 130.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Section 130 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. |url=https://jurist.ng/constitution/sec-130 |access-date=2022-12-22 |website=jurist.ng}}</ref> The constitution of 1999 vests all the executive powers of the federation in the person of the president which can be exercised directly by him or his vice president or members of his cabinet. Section 5(1)(b) provides that the executive powers of the president extends to the maintenance of the provisions of the constitution, acts of the national assembly and on items on which the national assembly has power for the time being to make law.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria |url=http://www.nigeria-law.org/ConstitutionOfTheFederalRepublicOfNigeria.htm |access-date=2022-12-22 |website=www.nigeria-law.org}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Olamide |first=Olanrewaju |date=2016-03-17 |title=EXECUTIVE POWERS IN THE NIGERIAN CONSTITUTION |url=https://djetlawyer.com/executive-powers-nigerian-constitution/ |access-date=2022-12-22 |website=The Jet Lawyer |language=en-GB}}</ref> The president is elected to see that the Nigerian Constitution is enacted and that the legislation is applied to the people.<ref name=":13">{{Cite web|title=Practical Law UK Signon|url=https://signon.thomsonreuters.com/?productid=PLCUK&viewproductid=UKPL&lr=0&culture=en-GB&returnto=https%3a%2f%2fuk.practicallaw.thomsonreuters.com%2fCosi%2fSignOn%3fredirectTo%3d%252fw-018-0292%253ftransitionType%253dDefault%2526contextData%253d(sc.Default)%2526firstPage%253dtrue&tracetoken=1029202125430w9IhrYX2K4mDu9DKd4Vk7tIHos7CLCPqaehAgGaYEIeiVR74sLJN-TlwQBPvxq7Otqhu2BkieCElnm-rhiAEyoBq1WucOQEjBj-8A551-iTNcbkAdZZ5enTiOLiOCcQGvU7CieNrbtLHEMPKriQcqg_yakGat7dxxP_V9kZrbat_cS-76vBkm3unCZrKQblk0hF3aAcmcTWixT4eB65PDJhHxE0yg7WJCdMr5z4WI0BDeohZhhc80raxzvNXxnKZ0sk0QNyckZ-E9T7CvTlRNvn3Sch6yjiIW7CE2QfgDXtnF8Pn7emfAXERa2C-YdDZNFavUhcBSs-ol4lZlGd6e0KFba2LIRV5S9uUpaqj-ltc0p99ERc1H4Bzc4yxPWsL|access-date=2020-10-30|website=signon.thomsonreuters.com}}</ref> The elected president is also in charge of the nation's armed forces and can serve no more than two four-year elected terms.<ref name=":13"/><ref name=":23">{{Cite web|title=Government|url=https://www.wildwap.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120109005517/http://wildwap.com/|url-status=usurped|archive-date=January 9, 2012|access-date=2020-11-05|website=Wildwap.com}}</ref> The current president of Nigeria is [[Bola Tinubu]], who was [[2023 Nigerian presidential election|elected in 2023]], and the current [[vice president]] is [[Kashim Shettima]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Alabi |first=Tope |date=2023-05-19 |title=FULL LIST: FG releases timetable for Tinubu, Shettima swearing-in |url=https://punchng.com/full-list-fg-releases-timetable-for-tinubu-shettima-swearing-in/ |access-date=2023-05-29 |website=Punch Newspapers |language=en-US}}</ref>

The executive branch is divided into [[Federal Ministries of Nigeria|Federal Ministries]], each headed by a minister appointed by the [[President of Nigeria|president]], Federal Ministries are those civil service departments which were made responsible for delivering various types of government service and each ministry is headed by a permanent secretary who reports to a minister in the [[Cabinet of Nigeria|Federal Cabinet]]. Nigeria has 24 Federal Ministries. The president must include at least one member from each of the 36 states in his cabinet. The president's appointments are confirmed by the [[Senate of Nigeria]]. In some cases, a federal minister is responsible for more than one ministry (for example, Environment and Housing may be combined), or a minister may be assisted by one or more ministers of state.<ref name="cweal2">{{cite web |title=Government Ministries in Nigeria |url=http://www.commonwealth-of-nations.org/Nigeria/Government/Government_Ministries |access-date=2009-12-21 |publisher=Commonwealth of Nations}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Structure of Executive {{!}} Arms of Government |url=https://nigerianscholars.com/tutorials/arms-of-government/structure-of-executive/ |access-date=2022-12-22 |website=Nigerian Scholars |language=en-US}}</ref> Each ministry also has a [[Permanent Secretary|permanent secretary]], who is a senior civil servant.<ref name="psecs2">{{cite web |title=Permanent Secretaries |url=http://hosf.gov.ng/civil_service/disposition_list_5 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100810004409/http://www.hosf.gov.ng/civil_service/disposition_list_5 |archive-date=2010-08-10 |access-date=2009-12-20 |publisher=Office of the Head of Service of the Federation}}</ref>

The ministries are responsible for various [[parastatal]]s (government-owned corporations), such as [[List of universities in Nigeria|universities]], the National Broadcasting Commission, and the [[Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation]]. However, some parastatals are the responsibility of the Office of the Presidency, such as the [[Independent National Electoral Commission (Nigeria)|Independent National Electoral Commission]], the [[Economic and Financial Crimes Commission]] and the [[Civil Service Commission of Nigeria|Federal Civil Service Commission]].<ref>{{cite web |title=BOARDS OF PARASTATALS |url=http://hosf.gov.ng/civil_service/structure_2 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091010022159/http://www.hosf.gov.ng/civil_service/structure_2 |archive-date=2009-10-10 |access-date=2009-12-21 |publisher=Office of the Head of Service of the Federation}}</ref>

==Legislative branch==
[[File:Nigeria's_National_Assembly_Building_with_the_Mace.jpg|thumb|Nigeria's National Assembly building with the mace]]The legislature is said to be the first among the three arms of government – the legislature, executive, and the judiciary.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ene |first=Princewill |date=2021-05-18 |title=Three Arms of Government in Nigeria & Their Functions |url=https://www.walyben.com/three-arms-of-government-in-nigeria-their-functions/ |access-date=2022-12-22 |website=Walyben |language=en-US}}</ref> These arms are characterized by the principle of separation of power as each is supposed to be independent of the other. The legislature derives its powers from the 1999 Constitution (as amended) in Sections 4(1) and 4(2). The legislature is vested with the powers to make laws for the peace, order and good governance of the Federation.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-09-22 |title=Chapter Two of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria; The Fraud, Illogicality and Prospects – The LawPavilion Blog |url=https://lawpavilion.com/blog/chapter-two-of-the-1999-constitution-of-nigeria-the-fraud-illogicality-and-prospects/ |access-date=2022-12-22 |website=lawpavilion.com |language=en-US}}</ref>

“It is also vested with investigatory powers, financial powers, confirmation and impeachment powers. The Legislature is the symbol of democracy all over the world.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nwafor |date=2022-08-10 |title=NASS Clerk underscores impeachment powers of Legislature, calls for its protection |url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2022/08/nass-clerk-underscores-impeachment-powers-of-legislature-calls-for-its-protection/ |access-date=2022-12-22 |website=Vanguard News |language=en-GB}}</ref> Under Section 4 (1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) (the "Constitution"), the National Assembly of Nigeria often called NASS is vested with the legislative powers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.<ref name="mondaq.com">{{Cite web |title=A Summary Of The Legislative Process In Nigeria: A Guide To Lawmaking In The National Assembly – Constitutional & Administrative Law – Nigeria |url=https://www.mondaq.com/nigeria/constitutional--administrative-law/1222558/a-summary-of-the-legislative-process-in-nigeria-a-guide-to-lawmaking-in-the-national-assembly |access-date=2022-12-22 |website=www.mondaq.com}}</ref> That is the power to make laws for the peace, order, and good government of the Federation with respect to any matter included in the Exclusive Legislative List and the Concurrent List – a list of 12 items that both NASS and states' house of assembly can legislate on. This legislative power is typically exercised through bills passed by the NASS which are assented to by the president.<ref name="mondaq.com"/> Bills generally come in two forms – either a private bill which affects private citizens, corporate entities and/or a particular class of people or public bills which affect the general public.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Legislative Process – Types of Bills |url=https://www.ourcommons.ca/marleaumontpetit/DocumentViewer.aspx?DocId=1001&Sec=Ch16&Seq=3&Language=E |access-date=2022-12-22 |website=www.ourcommons.ca}}</ref> A bill can be introduced in either chamber of the NASS by members of the respective chambers or the executive arm of government. The [[National Assembly of Nigeria]] has [[Bicameralism|two chambers]]: the House of Representatives and the Senate. The [[Nigerian House of Representatives|House of Representatives]] is the lower chamber of Nigeria's bicameral National Assembly and is presided over by the [[Speaker of the Nigerian House of Representatives|speaker of the House of Representatives]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-06-12 |title=Nigeria National Assembly leadership: Ruling APC sweeps all top posts |url=https://www.africanews.com/2019/06/12/security-high-as-nigeria-lawmakers-elect-new-leaders/ |access-date=2022-12-22 |website=Africanews |language=en}}</ref> It has 360 members each of the federal constituencies of the country, who are elected for four-year terms in single-seat [[Constituency|constituencies]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=National Assembly {{!}} Federal Republic of Nigeria |url=https://nass.gov.ng/about/item/17 |access-date=2022-12-22 |website=nass.gov.ng}}</ref> The [[Nigerian Senate|Senate]], which has 109 members, is presided over by the [[President of the Nigerian Senate|president of the Senate]]. A total of 108 members are elected for four-year terms in 36 three-seat [[Constituency|constituencies]], which correspond to the country's 36 [[States of Nigeria|states]]. One member is selected in the single-seat constituency of the [[Federal Capital Territory (Nigeria)|federal capital]].<ref>{{Cite book |last1=PETER |first1=Abraham |title=The National Assembly and Law – Making in Nigeria's Fourth Republic |last2=PETERSIDE |first2=Zainab |publisher=Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Federal Polytechnic Lokoja |year=2019 |isbn=978-978-57027-8-1 |editor-last=Ovwasa |editor-first=Onovwakponoko |location=Nigeria}}</ref>

The legislators are elected to either the House of Representatives or the Senate to be representatives of their constituencies and to pass legislation to benefit the public.<ref name=":134">{{Cite web |title=Practical Law UK Signon |url=https://signon.thomsonreuters.com/?productid=PLCUK&viewproductid=UKPL&lr=0&culture=en-GB&returnto=https%3a%2f%2fuk.practicallaw.thomsonreuters.com%2fCosi%2fSignOn%3fredirectTo%3d%252fw-018-0292%253ftransitionType%253dDefault%2526contextData%253d(sc.Default)%2526firstPage%253dtrue&tracetoken=1029202125430w9IhrYX2K4mDu9DKd4Vk7tIHos7CLCPqaehAgGaYEIeiVR74sLJN-TlwQBPvxq7Otqhu2BkieCElnm-rhiAEyoBq1WucOQEjBj-8A551-iTNcbkAdZZ5enTiOLiOCcQGvU7CieNrbtLHEMPKriQcqg_yakGat7dxxP_V9kZrbat_cS-76vBkm3unCZrKQblk0hF3aAcmcTWixT4eB65PDJhHxE0yg7WJCdMr5z4WI0BDeohZhhc80raxzvNXxnKZ0sk0QNyckZ-E9T7CvTlRNvn3Sch6yjiIW7CE2QfgDXtnF8Pn7emfAXERa2C-YdDZNFavUhcBSs-ol4lZlGd6e0KFba2LIRV5S9uUpaqj-ltc0p99ERc1H4Bzc4yxPWsL |access-date=2020-10-30 |website=signon.thomsonreuters.com}}</ref> The legislative process consists of bills being drafted and presented in either of the two chambers.<ref name=":134"/> These bills can only become national law once they are approved by the president of Nigeria who can veto bills.<ref name=":134"/>

The current president of the Senate is [[Godswill Akpabio]], who was first elected to the senate in 2015, and the speaker of the House is [[Tajudeen Abbas]], he was first elected into the Nigerian House of Representatives in 2011, and was elected speaker in 2023.<ref name=":234">{{Cite web |url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/604187-breaking-tajudeen-abbas-elected-speaker-house-of-representatives.html?tztc=1 |access-date=2025-05-06 |website=www.premiumtimesng.com}}</ref> Each member of the National Assembly of Nigeria can be elected to more than two four-year terms.<ref name=":234"/> Recently, the legislative branch has been misusing its position as a check on the power of the president and his cabinet.<ref>{{Cite journal |date=2020 |title=Checks and Balances Between the Branches of Government |url=https://edtechbooks.org/democracy/relationship |journal=Building Democracy for All|pages=209–227 }}</ref> Legislators have been known to utilize their power for not only law-making, but as a means of political intimidation and a tool to promote individual monetary success.<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Little |first1=William |url=https://opentextbc.ca/introductiontosociology/ |title=Introduction to Sociology |edition=1st Canadian |date=2014-11-06 |publisher=BCcampus |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last1=Omotoso |first1=Femi |last2=Oladeji |first2=Olayide |title=The Nigerian National Assembly |chapter=Legislative Oversight in the Nigerian Fourth Republic |series=Advances in African Economic, Social and Political Development |year=2019 |chapter-url=https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007%2F978-3-030-11905-8_4 |pages=57–72 |doi=10.1007/978-3-030-11905-8_4 |isbn=978-3-030-11904-1 |s2cid=159050711}}</ref>

Senators are paid a salary equivalent to over $2,200 [[USD]] a month, supplemented by expenses of $37,500 [[USD]] a month (2018 figures).<ref>{{Cite news |date=April 2018 |title=Nigerian senator salary calculator: How do you compare? |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-43516825}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=12 March 2018 |title=Nigerian senator 'busts open' $37,500 expenses payments |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-43377690}}</ref>

==Judicial branch==
The judicial branch is made up of the [[Supreme Court of Nigeria]], the [[Appellate court|Court of Appeals]], the [[high court]]s, and other [[trial court]]s such as the [[magistrate]]s', [[Custom (law)|customary]], [[Sharia]] and other specialized courts.<ref name="TB2">{{cite web |title=Court System in Nigeria |url=http://nigeria.thebeehive.org/content/1419/3221 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130225110446/http://nigeria.thebeehive.org/content/1419/3221 |archive-date=February 25, 2013 |access-date=July 17, 2012 |publisher=The Beehive by One Economy Corporation}}</ref> The [[National Judicial Council (Nigeria)|National Judicial Council]] serves as an independent executive body, insulating the judiciary from the executive [[Separation of powers|arm of government]].<ref name="NJC2">{{cite web |title=Constitution |url=http://www.njc.gov.ng/constitution.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130124205617/http://njc.gov.ng/constitution.php |archive-date=January 24, 2013 |access-date=July 17, 2012 |publisher=The National Judicial Council}}</ref> According to the 1999 constitution, the Supreme Court has both original and appellate jurisdictions (the power to reverse, modify and change a decision or ruling made by a lower court).<ref>{{Cite web |title=appellate jurisdiction |url=https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/appellate_jurisdiction |access-date=2022-12-22 |website=LII / Legal Information Institute |language=en}}</ref> Appellate jurisdiction exists for both the civil law and criminal law, the supreme court has the sole authority and jurisdiction to entertain appeals from Court of Appeal, having appellate jurisdiction over all lower federal courts and highest state courts.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Supreme Court of Nigeria |url=https://supremecourt.gov.ng/about/court-jurisdiction#:~:text=BY%20THE%20PROVISION%20OF%20SECTION,FROM%20THE%20COURT%20OF%20APPEAL%22. |access-date=2022-12-22 |website=supremecourt.gov.ng}}</ref> Decisions and rulings by the court are binding and absolute on all courts in Nigeria except the Supreme Court itself. The [[Supreme Court of Nigeria|Supreme Court]] is composed of the [[Chief Justice of Nigeria|chief justice of Nigeria]] and other justices not more than 21 including the chief justice, appointed by the [[president of Nigeria]] on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Structure of the Nigerian Judiciary {{!}} Arms of Government |url=https://nigerianscholars.com/tutorials/arms-of-government/structure-of-the-nigerian-judiciary/ |access-date=2022-12-22 |website=Nigerian Scholars |language=en-US}}</ref> These justices are subject to confirmation by the [[Senate of Nigeria|Senate]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=SUBERU |first=ROTIMI |title=The Supreme Court of Nigeria: An Embattled Judiciary More Centralist Than Federalist |publisher=University of Toronto Press |year=2017 |isbn=9781487500627 |editor-last=ARONEY |editor-first=NICHOLAS |pages=290–327 |chapter=The Supreme Court of Nigeria |jstor=10.3138/j.ctt1whm97c.14 |chapter-url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.3138/j.ctt1whm97c.14}}</ref>

The judicial branch of the Nigerian government is the only one of the three branches of government in which its members are not elected but are appointed.<ref name=":134"/> The judiciary, and the Supreme Court in particular, are intended to uphold the principles and laws of the nation's constitution that was written in 1999.<ref name=":032">{{Cite journal |last=Grove |first=David Lavan |date=1963 |title=The Sentinels of Liberty- The Nigerian Judiciary and Fundamental Rights |journal=Journal of African Law |volume=7 |issue=3 |pages=152–171 |doi=10.1017/S0021855300001996 |via=HeinOnline |s2cid=144640642}}</ref> Its goal is to protect the basic rights of the citizens.<ref name=":032" /> The current chief justice of the Supreme Court is [[Kudirat Kekere-Ekun]].<ref name=":234"/>
{| class="wikitable"
|+[[Justices of the Supreme Court of Nigeria]]{{Citation needed|date=May 2024}}
|-
! Office
! Name
! Term
|-
| [[Chief Justice of Nigeria|Chief Justice]] 
||[[Kudirat Kekere-Ekun]]||2013–present
|-
| Associate Justice
||[[John Inyang Okoro]]||2013–present
|-
| Associate Justice
||[[Uwani Musa Abba Aji]]||2018–present
|-
| Associate Justice
||[[M. Lawal Garba]]||2020–present
|-
| Associate Justice
||[[Helen M. Ogunwumiju]]||2020–present
|-
| Associate Justice
||[[I. N. M. Saulawa]]||2020–present
|-
| Associate Justice
||[[Adamu Jauro]]||2020–present
|-
| Associate Justice
||[[Tijjani Abubakar]]||2020–present
|-
| Associate Justice
||[[Emmanuel A. Agim]]||2020–present
|-
| Associate Justice
||[[Haruna Tsammani]]||2023–present
|-
| Associate Justice
||[[Moore Adumein]]||2023–present
|-
| Associate Justice
||[[Jummai Sankey]]||2023–present
|-
| Associate Justice
||[[Chidiebere Uwa]]||2023–present
|-
| Associate Justice
||[[Chioma Nwosu-Iheme]]||2023–present
|-
| Associate Justice
||[[Obande Ogbuinya]]||2023–present
|-
| Associate Justice
||[[Stephen Adah]]||2023–present
|-
| Associate Justice
||[[Habeeb Abiru]]||2023–present
|-
| Associate Justice
||[[Jamilu Tukur]]||2023–present
|-
| Associate Justice
||[[Abubakar Umar]]||2023–present
|-
| Associate Justice
||[[Mohammed Idris (Justice)|Mohammed Idris]]||2023–present
|}

== Democracy in Nigeria ==
After achieving its independence and republican status, in 1960, (becoming the fourth largest democratic country in the world) and 1963 respectively, Nigeria experienced its first military coup, in 1966, followed by a civil war, which lasted until 1970.<ref name="Enang">{{Cite web |last=Enang |first=Wisdom |date=2022-07-24 |title=History of Democracy in Nigeria till date |url=https://proguide.ng/history-democracy-nigeria/ |access-date=2022-12-22 |website=ProGuide |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Simwa |first=Adrianna |date=2018-01-09 |title=Most interesting moments from Nigerian history of democracy |url=https://www.legit.ng/1144313-history-democracy-nigeria-1960.html |access-date=2022-12-22 |website=Legit.ng – Nigeria news. |language=en}}</ref> It was made possible to bring back the democratic ideal for a few of years in the year 1978. Though this period of democratic ideal did not last very long, and was  over by 1983, as a result of military rulers who came into power via coup d'état, promising to return the country to democracy.<ref>{{Cite news |title=1983: Power seized in armed coup |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-africa-11405111 |access-date=2022-12-22}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Times |first=Premium |date=2018-04-03 |title=1983 Coup: Dasuki facilitated putsch that brought Buhari to power – Jokolo |url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/263887-1983-coup-dasuki-facilitated-putsch-that-brought-buhari-to-power-jokolo.html |access-date=2022-12-22 |website=Premium Times Nigeria |language=en-GB}}</ref>

Nevertheless, only General Abdulsalami Abubakar took the control of the nation after the death of Sani Abacha and stuck to his word. The country's modern Constitution became official in 1999.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Admin |first=Law Nigeria |title=NIGERIA: CONSTITUTION DEVELOPMENT AND HISTORY – Constitution |date=26 March 2018 |url=https://constitution.lawnigeria.com/2018/03/26/nigeria-constitution-development-and-history/ |access-date=2022-12-22 |language=en-GB}}</ref> The elections in 1999 were more successful, compared to that of the previous military ruler. The newly emerged President of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo, put a stop to the military regimes that kept switching one after the other for almost 30 years.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kayode-Adedeji |first=Dimeji |date=2015-03-24 |title=Obasanjo warns against military take-over |url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/politics/179049-obasanjo-warns-against-military-take-over.html |access-date=2022-12-22 |website=Premium Times Nigeria |language=en-GB}}</ref> The end of the military rule culminated in a new era of regular elections as well as the return of civil liberties, a free press, and an end to arbitrary arrests and maltreatment, although [[Human rights in Nigeria|human rights violations]] still occur regularly.<ref name="Enang"/> Nigeria democratized in 1999 with the start of the Fourth Republic, but has suffered some setbacks to becoming fully democratic.<ref name=":112">{{Cite web |date=2016-10-04 |title=Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance {{!}} Nigeria |url=https://www.usaid.gov/nigeria/democracy-human-rights-and-governance |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130224215412/http://usaid.gov/nigeria/democracy-human-rights-and-governance |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 24, 2013 |access-date=2020-10-28 |website=[[USAID]] |language=en}}</ref> Elites in Nigeria have been found to have more power and influence than average citizens, and as a consequence of this, there has been a great deal of corruption in Nigerian politics and general life.<ref name=":112" /> A good sign of [[democracy]] in Nigeria is the fact that elections are becoming less fraudulent and there is more party competition.<ref name=":112" /> Another indicator of a strong democracy is the presence of a civil society in which citizens have the right to act and speak freely in concert with a strong use of media for everyday life.<ref name=":112" /> Furthermore, Nigeria has seen a heightened use of media within the realm of political issues, particularly with the recent [Special Anti-Robbery Squad] SARS protest, indicating a sense of freedom for the public to voice their opinions to the government and the world.<ref name=":112" />

=== Level of freedom ===
According to the 2024 [[Press Freedom Index|World Press Freedom Index]], Nigeria is the 112th out of 180 countries for press freedom. It has been noted as a nation with perpetuating violence against freedom of speech and press.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Nigeria: Climate of permanent violence {{!}} Reporters without borders|url=https://rsf.org/en/nigeria|access-date=2020-11-16|website=RSF|language=en}}</ref> Nigeria has been found to be a vulnerable nation, both at risk of modern slavery and corruption.<ref name=":122">{{Cite web|title=Africa {{!}} Global Slavery Index|url=https://www.globalslaveryindex.org/2018/findings/regional-analysis/africa/|access-date=2020-11-16|website=www.globalslaveryindex.org}}</ref> The nation is vulnerable due to the effects of inner conflict and governance issues.<ref name=":122" /> [[Freedom House]] has rated Nigeria as a "partly free" nation.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web|title=Nigeria|url=https://freedomhouse.org/country/nigeria/freedom-world/2020|access-date=2020-11-17|website=Freedom House|language=en}}</ref> In the last presidential election, the process was tainted by violence, intimidation and vote buying, which have been prevalent in many of the recent elections within Nigeria.<ref name=":6" /> Similarly, in the most recent legislative elections, citizens claimed the process was also characterized by intimidation and other inconsistencies.<ref name=":6" /> The electoral process and related laws are thought to be enacted in a mostly fair fashion, but there have been instances of intentionally complicating voting and effecting turnout.<ref name=":6" /> The people of Nigeria feel as though there is more freedom in their right to have different political parties to represent their opinions.<ref name=":6" /> This is exemplified by the vast number of legitimate parties seen in elections.<ref name=":6" /> Similarly, Nigerian opposition parties have a legitimate chance to participate in politics and win official positions.<ref name=":6" /> In regards to freedom of political expression, Freedom House indicates that opinions and institutions are often heavily influenced by non-governmental, external entities or individuals.<ref name=":6" /> In Nigeria, all [[ethnic group]]s and religious backgrounds have an equal opportunity to participate in politics, however, there is a lack of women elected into the government, and same-sex relationships were criminalized in 2014.<ref name=":6" /> The Nigerian federal government's officials like the president and legislators are elected to enact policy and laws, and are usually allowed to do so without interruption, but in recent years, their ability to legislate has been marred by corruption and instability.<ref name=":6" /> [[Corruption in Nigeria|Corruption]] has been a major problem for the Nigerian government since its independence from colonial rule.<ref name=":6" /> In particular, the oil sector has allowed a great deal of corruption to take place.<ref name=":6" /> The government has tried to enact measures to combat corruption that infringes upon the functioning of the state, but have only been quasi-successful.<ref name=":6" /> The government has also been rated as lacking in transparency, often not allowing records to be available to the public that should be readily available.<ref name=":6" /> Journalism and the media in Nigeria are somewhat free, they are allowed to function independently from the government, but oftentimes those who criticize public figures or offices are arrested or censored.<ref name=":6" />  Religious freedom is allowed in Nigeria, however, the government and even non-governmental organizations have been known to violently respond to groups that openly dissent to the federal government.<ref name=":6" /> Religion is a contentious topic in Nigeria because of heated, ongoing conflicts between [[Christians]] and [[Muslims]] within the state.<ref name=":6" /> Freedom House rated the Nigerian federal government well in the category of allowing academic freedom, and the public's ability to express their views even if they disagree without the government without fearing a negative reaction from the government.<ref name=":6" /> The Nigerian government was rated moderately on people's ability to assemble, ability to work with human rights, and the existence of unions.<ref name=":6" /> The judiciary was rated as moderately free from the government, and lacking in due process in trials and equal treatment of all members of society.<ref name=":6" /> People in Nigeria do not have great freedom of movement, and are often subjected to curfews set by the federal government in areas that are at a risk of violence or instability.<ref name=":6" /> There is a lack of protection for women in regards to rights to abortion, rape, and domestic abuse under the Nigerian federal government.<ref name=":6" /> Lastly, there is a pervasive [[Human trafficking in Nigeria|human-trafficking]] problem in Nigeria and frequent exploitation of citizens that the federal government has done a poor job to prevent.<ref name=":6" />

== Political parties ==
There are 18 recognized [[Political party|political parties]] in Nigeria.<ref name=":02">{{Cite web|date=2020|title=The Role of Political Parties in Nigeria's Fledgling Democracy|url=https://www.iri.org/sites/default/files/iri-policybrief-nigeria_political_party.pdf|website=International Republic Institute}}</ref> There are a great number of parties as a direct result of corruption and chaos that has ensued in Nigeria surrounding the federal government and elections for years.<ref name=":02" /> The vast number of parties has proved to be difficult to monitor.<ref name=":02" /> The two major parties are the [[People's Democratic Party (Nigeria)|Peoples Democratic Party]] and the [[All Progressives Congress]], both of which have held the presidency and seats in the National Assembly for extended periods of time.<ref name=":02" /> As opposed to parties in other nations that represent a slew of political opinions that the public can align themselves with, parties in Nigeria act more so as a means through which prominent figures can gain power and influence, and there are so many because they often switch parties to find the one to give them the best chance of achieving authority.<ref name=":02" />

Political parties have been an important aspect of Nigerian government both before and after independence was achieved from the British in 1960.<ref name=":02" /> Parties allow for political competition to take place, for the citizenry to find people who represent their ideas and interests in government, and for the introduction of new leaders and perspectives into Nigerian life.<ref name=":02" /> Many Nigerians do not understand the political party system because there are so many options and their platforms are unclear to the public.<ref name=":02" /> This remains an issue in Nigeria because it marginalizes those who are uneducated or uninvolved in government.<ref name=":02" /> Also, there seems to be a tendency for people in Nigeria to support parties based on ethnic of religious divisions, particularly along the Muslim-Christian line of division.<ref name=":02" />

The 18 political parties are: Accord, Action Alliance, Action Democratic Party, Action Peoples Party, African Action Congress, African Democratic Congress, All Progressives Congress, All Progressives Grand Alliance, Allied Peoples Movement, Boot Party, Labour Party, National Rescue Movement, New Nigeria Peoples Party, Peoples Democratic Party, Peoples Redemption Party, Social Democratic Party, Young Progressive Party, Zenith Labour Party.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Political Parties – INEC Nigeria|url=https://www.inecnigeria.org/political-parties/|access-date=2020-10-28|website=www.inecnigeria.org}}</ref>

== Electoral system and recent elections ==
The president and members of the National Assembly of Nigeria are elected by members of the population who are at least 18 years old.<ref name=":23"/> The [[Independent National Electoral Commission (Nigeria)|National Electoral Commission]] is responsible for monitoring elections and ensuring that the results are correct and not fraudulent.<ref name=":23"/> The winner of a position is elected through the first-past-the-post system that is used in [[Great Britain]].<ref name=":23"/>

Nigeria has faced numerous bouts with fraudulent elections, particularly noteworthy is the general election that took place in 2007.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web|last=Goitom|first=Hanibal|date=May 2015|title=Nigeria: Election Laws {{!}} Law Library of Congress|url=https://www.loc.gov/law/help/nigeria-election-law/index.php|website=www.loc.gov}}</ref> This election was reportedly marred by ballot-rigging, underage voting, violence, intimidation, and an overall absence of clarity and accuracy from the National Electoral Commission.<ref name=":7" />

===Presidential elections of Nigeria, 2015===
{{bar box
|float=right
|caption=Margin: '''2,571,759'''
|width=300px
|bars=
{{bar percent|Buhari|#87BEEB|53.96}}
{{bar percent|Jonathan|green|44.96}}
}}
{| class=wikitable style=text-align:right
!colspan=2|Candidate
!Party
!Votes
!%
|-
| style="background-color: {{party color|All Progressives Congress}}"|
|align=left|[[Muhammadu Buhari]]||align=left|[[All Progressives Congress]] ||15,424,921||53.96
|-
| style="background-color: {{party color|People's Democratic Party (Nigeria)}}"|
|align=left|[[Goodluck Jonathan]]||align=left|[[People's Democratic Party (Nigeria)|People's Democratic Party]]||12,853,162||44.96
|-
| ||align=left|Adebayo Ayeni||align=left|African Peoples Alliance||53,537||0.19
|-
| ||align=left|Ganiyu Galadima||align=left|Allied Congress Party of Nigeria||40,311||0.14
|-
| ||align=left|Sam Eke||align=left|Citizens Popular Party||36,300||0.13
|-
| ||align=left|Rufus Salau||align=left|[[Alliance for Democracy (Nigeria)|Alliance for Democracy]]||30,673||0.11
|-
| ||align=left|Mani Ahmad||align=left|African Democratic Congress||29,665||0.10
|-
| ||align=left|Allagoa Chinedu||align=left|Peoples Party of Nigeria||24,475||0.09
|-
| ||align=left|Martin Onovo||align=left|[[National Conscience Party]]||24,455||0.09
|-
| ||align=left|Tunde Anifowose-Kelani||align=left|Accord Alliance BOP||22,125||0.08
|-
| ||align=left|Chekwas Okorie||align=left|United Progressive Party||18,220||0.06
|-
| ||align=left|Comfort Sonaiya||align=left|KOWA Party||13,076||0.05
|-
| ||align=left|Godson Okoye||align=left|United Democratic Party||9,208||0.03
|-
| ||align=left|Ambrose Albert Owuru||align=left|Hope Party||7,435||0.03
|-
|align=left colspan=3|Invalid/blank votes||844,519||–
|-
|align=left colspan=3|'''Total'''||'''29,432,083'''||'''100''' 
|-
|align=left colspan=3|Registered voters/turnout||67,422,005||43.65
|-
|align=left colspan=5|Source: {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20170329051326/http://www.inecnigeria.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/summary-of-results.pdf INEC]}}
|}

===House of Representatives===
{| class=wikitable style=text-align:right
!colspan=2|Party
!Votes
!%
!Seats
!+/–
|-
|style="background-color: {{party color|All Progressives Congress}}"|
|align=left|[[All Progressives Congress]]|| || ||100||
|-
|style="background-color: {{party color|People's Democratic Party (Nigeria)}}"|
|align=left|[[People's Democratic Party (Nigeria)|People's Democratic Party]]|| || ||125||
|-
|
|align=left|Other parties|| || ||10||
|-
|align=left colspan=2|Invalid/blank votes|| ||–||–||–
|-
|align=left colspan=2|'''Total'''|| || ||235||–
|-
|align=left colspan=2|Registered voters/turnout|| || ||–||–
|-
|align=left colspan=6|Source: Reuters {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20160304132054/http://tribuneonlineng.com/content/apc-clears-jigawa Nigeria Tribune]}}
|}

===Senate===
{| class=wikitable style=text-align:right
!colspan=2|Party
!Votes
!%
!Seats
!+/–
|-
|style="background-color: {{party color|All Progressives Congress}}"|
|align=left|[[All Progressives Congress]]|| || ||60||{{Increase}}19 <!-- http://en.starafrica.com/news/nigerias-opposition-apc-wins-30-senate-seats.html -->
|-
|style="background-color: {{party color|People's Democratic Party (Nigeria)}}"|
|align=left|[[People's Democratic Party (Nigeria)|People's Democratic Party]]|| || ||70||{{increase}}15
|-
|
|align=left|[[Labour Party (Nigeria)|Labour Party]]|| || ||||
|-
|align=left colspan=2|Invalid/blank votes|| ||–||–||–
|-
|align=left colspan=2|'''Total'''|| || ||'''109'''||–
|-
|align=left colspan=2|Registered voters/turnout|| || ||–||–
|}

=== Presidential election of Nigeria, 2019 ===
{| class="wikitable"
! colspan="2" |Candidate
!Party
!Votes
!%
|-
|
|[[Muhammadu Buhari]]
|[[All Progressives Congress]]
|15,191,847
|55.60
|-
|
|[[Atiku Abubakar]]
|[[People's Democratic Party (Nigeria)|People's Democratic Party]]
|11,262,978
|41.22
|-
|
|Felix Nicolas
|Peoples Coalition Party
|110,196
|0.40
|-
|
|[[Obadiah Mailafia]]
|[[African Democratic Congress]]
|97,874
|0.36
|-
|
|Gbor John Wilson Terwase
|[[All Progressives Grand Alliance]]
|66,851
|0.24
|-
|
|[[Yabagi Sani|Yabagi Sani Yusuf]]
|[[Action Democratic Party (Nigeria)|Action Democratic Party]]
|54,930
|0.20
|-
|
|Akhimien Davidson Isibor
|Grassroots Development Party of Nigeria
|41,852
|0.15
|-
|
|Ibrahim Aliyu Hassan
|African Peoples Alliance
|36,866
|0.13
|-
|
|[[Donald Duke]]
|[[Social Democratic Party (Nigeria)|Social Democratic Party]]
|34,746
|0.13
|-
|
|[[Omoyele Sowore]]
|[[African Action Congress]]
|33,953
|0.12
|-
|
|Da-Silva Thomas Ayo
|Save Nigeria Congress
|28,680
|0.10
|-
|
|Shitu Mohammed Kabir
|Advanced Peoples Democratic Alliance
|26,558
|0.10
|-
|
|Yusuf Mamman Dantalle
|Allied Peoples' Movement
|26,039
|0.10
|-
|
|[[Kingsley Moghalu]]
|Young Progressive Party
|21,886
|0.08
|-
|
|Ameh Peter Ojonugwa
|[[Progressive Peoples Alliance]]
|21,822
|0.08
|-
|
|Ositelu Isaac Babatunde
|Accord Party
|19,209
|0.07
|-
|
|[[Fela Durotoye]]
|[[Alliance for New Nigeria]]
|16,779
|0.06
|-
|
|Bashayi Isa Dansarki
|Masses Movement of Nigeria
|14,540
|0.05
|-
|
|Osakwe Felix Johnson
|[[Democratic People's Party (Nigeria)|Democratic People's Party]]
|14,483
|0.05
|-
|
|Abdulrashid Hassan Baba
|Action Alliance
|14,380
|0.05
|-
|
|Nwokeafor Ikechukwu Ndubuisi
|Advanced Congress of Democrats
|11,325
|0.04
|-
|
|Maina Maimuna Kyari
|[[Northern People's Congress]]
|10,081
|0.04
|-
|
|Victor Okhai
|Providence Peoples Congress
|8,979
|0.03
|-
|
|Chike Ukaegbu
|Advanced Allied Party
|8,902
|0.03
|-
|
|[[Oby Ezekwesili]]
|Allied Congress Party of Nigeria
|7,223
|0.03
|-
|
|Ibrahim Usman Alhaji
|National Rescue Movement
|6,229
|0.02
|-
|
|Ike Keke
|New Nigeria People's Party
|6,111
|0.02
|-
|
|Moses Ayibiowu
|National Unity Party
|5,323
|0.02
|-
|
|Awosola Williams Olusola
|Democratic Peoples Congress
|5,242
|0.02
|-
|
|Muhammed Usman Zaki
|[[Labour Party (Nigeria)|Labour Party]]
|5,074
|0.02
|-
|
|Eke Samuel Chukwuma
|Green Party of Nigeria
|4,924
|0.02
|-
|
|Nwachukwu Chuks Nwabuikwu
|All Grassroots Alliance
|4,689
|0.02
|-
|
|[[Hamza al-Mustapha]]
|Peoples Party of Nigeria
|4,622
|0.02
|-
|
|Shipi Moses Godia
|[[All Blended Party]]
|4,523
|0.02
|-
|
|[[Chris Okotie]]
|Fresh Democratic Party
|4,554
|0.02
|-
|
|[[Tope Fasua]]
|[[Abundant Nigeria Renewal Party]]
|4,340
|0.02
|-
|
|Onwubuya
|Freedom And Justice Party
|4,174
|0.02
|-
|
|Asukwo Mendie Archibong
|Nigeria For Democracy
|4,096
|0.01
|-
|
|Ahmed Buhari
|Sustainable National Party
|3,941
|0.01
|-
|
|Salisu Yunusa Tanko
|[[National Conscience Party]]
|3,799
|0.01
|-
|
|Shittu Moshood Asiwaju
|Alliance National Party
|3,586
|0.01
|-
|
|Obinna Uchechukwu Ikeagwuonu
|[[All People's Party (Nigeria)|All People's Party]]
|3,585
|0.01
|-
|
|Balogun Isiaka Ishola
|United Democratic Party
|3,170
|0.01
|-
|
|Obaje Yusufu Ameh
|Advanced Nigeria Democratic Party
|3,104
|0.01
|-
|
|Chief Umenwa Godwin
|All Grand Alliance Party
|3,071
|0.01
|-
|
|Israel Nonyerem Davidson,
|Reform and Advancement Party
|2,972
|0.01
|-
|
|Ukonga Frank
|[[Democratic Alternative (Nigeria)|Democratic Alternative]]
|2,769
|0.01
|-
|
|Santuraki Hamisu
|Mega Party of Nigeria
|2,752
|0.01
|-
|
|Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies
|Mass Action Joint Alliance
|2,651
|0.01
|-
|
|[[Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim]]
|Peoples Trust
|2,613
|0.01
|-
|
|Ali Soyode
|Yes Electorates Solidarity
|2,394
|0.01
|-
|
|Nsehe Nseobong
|Restoration Party of Nigeria
|2,388
|0.01
|-
|
|Ojinika Geff Chizee
|Coalition for Change
|2,391
|0.01
|-
|
|Rabia Yasai Hassan Cengiz
|National Action Council
|2,279
|0.01
|-
|
|[[Eunice Atuejide]]
|[[National Interest Party (Nigeria)|National Interest Party]]
|2,248
|0.01
|-
|
|Dara John
|Alliance of Social Democrats
|2,146
|0.01
|-
|
|Fagbenro-byron Samuel Adesina
|Kowa Party
|1,911
|0.01
|-
|
|[[Emmanuel Etim]]
|Change Nigeria Party
|1,874
|0.01
|-
|
|Chukwu-Eguzolugo Sunday Chikendu
|[[Justice Must Prevail Party]]
|1,853
|0.01
|-
|
|Madu Nnamdi Edozie
|Independent Democrats
|1,845
|0.01
|-
|
|Osuala Chukwudi John
|Re-build Nigeria Party
|1,792
|0.01
|-
|
|Albert Owuru Ambrose
|Hope Democratic Party
|1,663
|0.01
|-
|
|David Esosa Ize-Iyamu
|Better Nigeria Progressive Party
|1,649
|0.01
|-
|
|Inwa Ahmed Sakil
|[[Unity Party of Nigeria]]
|1,631
|0.01
|-
|
|Akpua Robinson
|National Democratic Liberty Party
|1,588
|0.01
|-
|
|Mark Emmanuel Audu
|United Patriots
|1,561
|0.01
|-
|
|Ishaka Paul Ofemile
|Nigeria Elements Progressive Party
|1,524
|0.01
|-
|
|Kriz David
|Liberation Movement
|1,438
|0.01
|-
|
|Ademola Babatunde Abidemi
|Nigeria Community Movement Party
|1,378
|0.01
|-
|
|A. Edosomwan Johnson
|National Democratic Liberty Party
|1,192
|0.00
|-
|
|Angela Johnson
|Alliance for a United Nigeria
|1,092
|0.00
|-
|
|Abah Lewis Elaigwu
|Change Advocacy Party
|1,111
|0.00
|-
|
|Nwangwu Uchenna Peter
|We The People Nigeria
|732
|0.00
|-
| colspan="3" |Invalid/blank votes
|1,289,607
|–
|-
| colspan="3" |'''Total'''
|'''28,614,190'''
|'''100'''
|-
| colspan="3" |Registered voters/turnout
|82,344,107
|34.75
|-
| colspan="5" |Source: Vanguard
|}

== Christian–Muslim relations ==
[[File:National_Church_of_Nigeria_in_Abuja_02.jpg|left|thumb|National Church of Nigeria in Abuja]]
Islamic law has found its way into the heart of many Nigerian state governments, particularly in the northern sect of the country.<ref name=":132">{{Cite web|last=Oladoyinbo|first=Vincent|date=2019|title=Wiki Express|url=http://wikiexpress.org/|website=Wiki Express}}</ref> There is a deep rift between Christians and Muslim in Nigeria, and therefore the government has taken on a hybrid of [[English law|English common law]] and [[Sharia|Islamic law]] when dealing with legal issues to appease the diverse national population.<ref name=":15" /><ref name=":132" /> Nigeria has the largest population of Christians and Muslims cohabitating in the world.<ref name=":14">{{Cite web|last=Akinade|first=Akintunde E.|date=2002|title=The Precarious Agenda: Christian-Muslim Relations in Contemporary Nigeria|url=https://www.hartsem.edu/wp-content/uploads/Akinade.pdf|website=Hartford Seminary}}</ref> These two religions were introduced in Nigeria largely during the colonial period, and since then, many Africans have merged their own [[Ethnic religion|traditional religions]] with these two institutionalized ones.<ref name=":14" />
[[File:2009_mosque_Lagos_Nigeria_6349959461.jpg|thumb|2009 mosque Lagos Nigeria 6349959461]]
Religious tensions between Christians and Muslims in Nigeria has often been used by politicians and other powerful people to incite violence and create fear and chaos among Nigerians.<ref name=":14" /> This has led to many citizens questioning why Nigeria remains one federal state, and that it should possibly split along the Christian–Muslim divide.<ref name=":14" /> The northern section of the country is largely Islamic, with 12 states that live under [[Sharia|Sharia law]], while the southern area is mostly Christian.<ref name=":14" /> There have been multiple attempts by Nigerian Muslims to add Sharia concepts to the Constitution which has alarmed the Christian population within the nation.<ref name=":14" /> Many Christians have deemed the rise in Islam in Nigeria to be dangerous and that it could possibly lead to increased terrorism and instability.<ref name=":14" /> This conflict is threatening the stability of Nigeria's democracy, internal structure, and civil society, and many political scientists and Nigerian leaders hope the two religions can engage in a peaceful dialogue that hopefully pacifies both sides.<ref name=":14" />

== Terrorism in Nigeria ==
The greatest terrorist threat in Nigeria is from the organization [[Boko Haram]], and became a prevalent issue in the summer of 2009.<ref name=":8">{{Cite journal|last1=Uzodike|first1=Ufo Okeke|last2=Maiangwa|first2=Benjamin|date=2012-01-01|title=Boko Haram terrorism in Nigeria: causal factors and central problematic|url=https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/sabinet/aaafren/2012/00000009/00000001/art00006|journal=African Renaissance|volume=9|issue=1|pages=91–118}}</ref> Boko Haram is a radical jihadist Islamist terrorist group from the northern sect of Nigeria.<ref name=":8" /> This organization has launched terror attacks that have largely targeted the Nigerian federal government, non-Muslim religious organizations, and average citizens.<ref name=":8" /> The rise and growing effects of Boko Haram have been attributed to the instability and fragility of the Nigerian state.<ref name=":8" /> They are upset by the government corruption and policy failures of Nigeria, and in particular, the poverty and lack of development of the north of Nigeria which is predominantly Muslim.<ref name=":8" /> The impact of Boko Haram on Nigeria has been devastating, over 37,000 individuals have died due to their terrorist attacks since 2011, and over 200,000 Nigerians have been displaced.<ref name=":9">{{Cite web|title=Boko Haram in Nigeria|url=https://cfr.org/global-conflict-tracker/conflict/boko-haram-nigeria|access-date=2020-11-17|website=Global Conflict Tracker|language=en}}</ref> Boko Haram was responsible for the kidnapping of hundreds of school girls in 2014, triggering the [[#BringBackOurGirls]] movement across the globe.<ref name=":9" /> The terrorist organization became a part of [[Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant|ISIS]] in 2015, drawing concerns to the safety and stability of Nigeria.<ref name=":9" /> Many world powers including the [[United States]] have contributed military resources to help fight against Boko Haram because Nigeria's oil industry is crucial to the international economy.<ref name=":9" /> The Nigerian federal government has launched programs and tactics to combat Boko Haram because of their prevalence.<ref name=":05">{{Cite journal|last=Harjani|first=Manoj|date=2013|title=Nigeria's Fight against Boko Haram|url=https://mzik.cloud|journal=Counter Terrorist Trends and Analyses|volume=5|issue=7|pages=12–15|jstor=26351166|issn=2382-6444}}</ref> There has also been a recent rise in citizen-created, and in particular youth-led groups that are taking action against Boko Haram to protect themselves and their communities.<ref name=":05" /> Both the actions of Boko Haram and the government's efforts to combat terrorism have led to a growing [[refugee]] crisis in Nigeria.<ref name=":05" />

== Commonwealth membership ==
Nigeria's membership in the [[Commonwealth of Nations|British Commonwealth]] began in 1960 and was suspended from 1995 to 1999 when the country became a state under military rule.<ref name=":522"/> It was reinstated in 1999 when democracy was established with the Presidential Constitution and Fourth Republic of Nigeria, and it remains a part of the Commonwealth to this day.<ref name=":522"/> The Commonwealth Secretariat aims to help Nigeria detect and deter corruption within its federal government.<ref name=":522"/> In 2018, they taught numerous government officials and financial officers how to combat and condemn corruption within the nation.<ref name=":522"/> The Secretariat's involvement both in governmental and financial affairs created a better system for the transaction of goods and services in Nigeria with less risk of corruption.<ref name=":522"/> As of 2017, the Commonwealth has provided Nigeria with policies and resources for Great Britain's exit from the European Union and outlined the possible effects on Commonwealth nations and trade.<ref name=":522"/> The [[Commonwealth Secretariat Act 1966|Commonwealth Secretariat]] has helped Nigeria in its natural resource fields such as oil and mining.<ref name=":522"/> They have helped with negotiations and the creation of fair bargains.<ref name=":522"/> The Commonwealth Secretariat has also provided Nigeria with access to their Connectivity Agenda, which allows nations under the Commonwealth to communicate and exchange ideas and policies to help each other with economic and domestic productivity.<ref name=":522"/>

== States of Nigeria ==
{{Main|States of Nigeria}}
Nigeria is made up of 36 states and 1 capital territory: the [[Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria|Federal Capital Territory]], [[Abia State|Abia]], [[Adamawa State|Adamawa]], [[Akwa Ibom State|Akwa Ibom]], [[Anambra State|Anambra]], [[Bauchi State|Bauchi]], [[Bayelsa State|Bayelsa]], [[Benue State|Benue]], [[Borno State|Borno]], [[Cross River State|Cross River]], [[Delta State, Nigeria|Delta]], [[Ebonyi State|Ebonyi]], [[Edo State|Edo]], [[Ekiti State|Ekiti]], [[Enugu State|Enugu]], [[Gombe State|Gombe]], [[Imo State|Imo]], [[Jigawa State|Jigawa]], [[Kaduna State|Kaduna]], [[Kano State|Kano]], [[Katsina State|Katsina]], [[Kebbi State|Kebbi]], [[Kogi State|Kogi]], [[Kwara State|Kwara]], [[Lagos State|Lagos]], [[Nasarawa State|Nasarawa]], [[Niger State|Niger]], [[Ogun State|Ogun]], [[Ondo State|Ondo]], [[Osun State|Osun]], [[Oyo State|Oyo]], [[Plateau State|Plateau]], [[Rivers State|Rivers]], [[Sokoto State|Sokoto]], [[Taraba State|Taraba]], [[Yobe State|Yobe]], and [[Zamfara State|Zamfara]] state.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Nigerian States|url=https://www.worldstatesmen.org/Nigeria_federal_states.htm|access-date=2022-02-24|website=www.worldstatesmen.org}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=36 States of Nigeria:: Nigeria Information & Guide |url=https://www.nigeriagalleria.com/Nigeria/States_Nigeria/ |access-date=2022-12-23 |website=www.nigeriagalleria.com}}</ref>

===Local governments===
Each state is further divided into [[Local Government Areas in Nigeria|local government area]]s (LGAs).<ref name=":32">{{Cite web|title=THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT SYSTEM IN NIGERIA|url=http://www.clgf.org.uk/default/assets/File/Country_profiles/Nigeria.pdf|website=Commonwealth Local Government Forum}}</ref> These states and their local governments are essential to the function of a federal government because they have a pulse on the local population and can therefore assess the needs of constituents and enact policy or infrastructure that is helpful.<ref name=":10">{{Cite journal|last1=Okudulo|first1=Ikemefuna Paul Taire|last2=Onah|first2=Emmanuel Ikechi|date=2019|title=Efficient Local Governments and the Stability of Federalism in Nigeria|journal=African Renaissance|pages=11–25|via=ProQuest}}</ref> They are also important because the federal government has the time and resources to take on national projects and international affairs while local governments can take care of the Nigerians native to their respective states.<ref name=":10" /> The devolution of power between the states and the federal government helps the functionality of Nigeria.<ref name=":10" /> 774 local governments oversee the collection of local taxes, education, health care, roads, waste, and planning.<ref name=":32" /> The local government look after the affairs of the common men and women in the Nigeria society. The creation of local government reform started in 1968, 1970 during the military government but was fully 1976.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Isah|first=Mohammed Abbas|title=state, Class and management of local Government in Nigeria|year=2000}}</ref>

== Federal Government's handling of COVID-19 ==
As Africa's most populated nation, the [[COVID-19 pandemic|coronavirus pandemic]] ravaged across Nigeria.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web|last=Onwujekwe|first=Siddharth Dixit, Yewande Kofoworola Ogundeji, and Obinna|date=2020-07-02|title=How well has Nigeria responded to COVID-19?|url=https://www.brookings.edu/blog/future-development/2020/07/02/how-well-has-nigeria-responded-to-covid-19/|access-date=2020-11-12|website=Brookings|language=en-US}}</ref> Nigeria proved that it could detect, respond to, and prevent the [[COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria|COVID-19]] outbreak in a very restricted, poor fashion.<ref name=":4" /> Nigeria lacks the resources to conduct the widespread testing the nation needs to keep up with the number of cases surging across the state.<ref name=":4" /> Nigeria also lacks the necessary number of other resources for fighting the virus such as hospital workers, rooms, and ventilators.<ref name=":4" />

The federal government's response to the virus has been fairly weak and ineffective.<ref name=":4" /> Former President Buhari passed numerous lockdowns, mask mandates, and travel bans to decrease the number of cases in the country.<ref name=":4" /> However, the lockdowns, mandates, and travel restrictions have led to negative economic effects for a great number of citizens who have lost their jobs and source of income.<ref name=":4" /> In response to this, the federal government passed economic stimulus packages to promote important production sectors such as agriculture and oil.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Ukpe|first=William|date=2020-11-07|title=Covid-19: N3.5&nbsp;trillion disbursed as stimulus package for the Nigerian economy|url=https://nairametrics.com/2020/11/07/ccovid-19-n3-5-trillion-disbursed-as-stimulus-package-for-the-nigerian-economy/|access-date=2020-11-12|website=Nairametrics|language=en-GB}}</ref> The government also passed food assistance measures and cash transfers to aid those in poverty who are going hungry.<ref name=":4" /> They also pushed for fundraising efforts to secure funds from donors to support the federal budget and economic sector.<ref name=":4" />

==Military==
{{Main|Military of Nigeria}}
The military of Nigeria has played a major role in the country's history, often seizing control of the country and ruling it for long periods of time. Its last period of rule ended in 1999, following the death of the leader of the previous military [[military dictatorship|junta]] [[Sani Abacha]] in 1998.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Nigeria – Military regimes, 1983–99|url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Nigeria|access-date=2021-05-31|website=Encyclopedia Britannica|language=en}}</ref>

Active duty personnel in the three Nigerian armed services totals approximately 76,000. The Nigerian Army, which is the largest of the services, has about 60,000 personnel, deployed between two mechanized infantry divisions, one composite division (airborne and amphibious), the Lagos Garrison Command (a division-size unit), and the Abuja-based Brigade of Guards.<ref>{{Cite web|title=SearchNigeria – Businesses and Opportunities in Nigeria – About Nigeria|url=http://kogi.imo.zamfara.kano.abuja.searchnigeria.com.ng/en/about-nigeria?showall=1&limitstart=|access-date=2021-05-31|website=kogi.imo.zamfara.kano.abuja.searchnigeria.com.ng}}</ref> The [[Nigerian Navy]] (7,000) is equipped with [[MEKO|frigates]], fast attack craft, corvettes, and coastal patrol boats. The [[Nigerian Air Force]] (9,000) flies transports, trainers, helicopters, and fighter aircraft; however, most of their vehicles are currently not operational.

==Foreign relations==
 {{Main|Foreign relations of Nigeria}}

Nigeria currently has better foreign relations with its neighbors, due to its current state of democracy. It is a member of the [[African Union]] and sits on that organization's [[Peace and Security Council]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Kodjo|first=Tchioffo|title=Composition of the PSC – African Union – Peace and Security Department|url=https://www.peaceau.org:443/en/page/88-composition-of-the-psc|access-date=2021-10-01|website=African Union,Peace and Security Department}}</ref>

The current minister of foreign affairs of Nigeria is [[Yusuf Tuggar]].<ref name=":23"/> Much of Nigeria's [[Foreign policy|foreign affairs]], both during the colonial era and post-independence has relied on oil-production.<ref name=":23"/> Nigeria's relationships with both its continental neighbors in Africa and throughout the world have improved a great deal since it has transitioned from military rule to a democratic state.<ref name=":23"/> Nigeria is hoping to gain a permanent seat on the UN Security Council in the near future.<ref name=":23"/> Despite these achievements, Nigeria continues to face challenges in its foreign relations, such as the fight against terrorism and insurgency in the region, the challenge of migration and human trafficking, and the need to increase economic cooperation and integration with its neighbors.

== Media ==
{{See also|Censorship in Nigeria}}
Nigeria's media scene is characterized by state and private broadcasters, popular international brands like the BBC and CC and more than a 100 national and local print titles state and private broadcasters.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Nigeria |url=https://reutersinstitute.politics.ox.ac.uk/digital-news-report/2022/nigeria |access-date=2022-12-22 |website=Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism |language=en}}</ref> Radio and televised media in Nigeria is mostly state-owned by the [[National Broadcasting Commission]].<ref name=":234"/> This is often used as a tactic of the government to assert control over and sway public opinion in favor of the incumbent party and his policies. However, most newspaper are privately owned and the internet is not restricted to the public.<ref name=":234" /> Given that a majority (70%) of citizens are under 30, it is fitting that mobile news consumption (84%) is more than twice as high as computer consumption (41%), with tablet consumption trailing at 11%.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Nigeria |url=https://reutersinstitute.politics.ox.ac.uk/digital-news-report/2021/nigeria |access-date=2023-01-11 |website=Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism |language=en}}</ref>

==See also==
{{Portal|Nigeria|Politics}}
*[[Senate of Nigeria]]
*[[National Assembly of Nigeria]]
*[[List of Nigerian state governors]]
*[[Nigerian Civil Service]]
*[[States of Nigeria]]
*[[Nigerian Prisons Services]]
*[[Chief Justice of Nigeria]]

==Further reading==

* Carl Levan&nbsp;and Patrick Ukata (eds.). 2018. ''The Oxford Handbook of Nigerian Politics''. Oxford University Press.

==References==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
*{{Official website|http://www.nigeria.gov.ng}}

{{Nigerian elections}}
{{Nigeria topics}}
{{Africa in topic|Politics of}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Federal government of Nigeria}}
[[Category:Government of Nigeria]]
[[Category:Politics of Nigeria| ]]
[[Category:Judiciary of Nigeria]]
[[Category:Social class in Nigeria]]