THE NATURE AND STRUCTURE OF NIGERIAN FEDERALISM

CONTENT

The Structure of Nigerian Federalism

1. Federalism before independence
2. Federalism from 1960 – 1966
3. Federalism from 1967 – 1975
4. Federalism from 1976 to date

Features of the Nigerian Federalism

The Structure of Nigerian Federalism

The structure of federalism in Nigeria will be discussed under different epochs as follows:

1. Federalism before independence
2. Federalism from 1960 – 1966
3. Federalism from 1967 – 1975
4. Federalism from 1976 to date

Federalism Before Independence

The colonial government in Nigeria introduced a centralized system of government. Until about 1939, powers of administration and government were centralized. In 1939, the Southern protectorate was split into Western and Eastern provinces. Northern protectorate was changed to a province, making the provinces three. In 1946, regions were created out of the existing three provinces – Eastern, Western and Northern regions. And with the emergence of the 1951 constitution, legislative powers were spelt out and shared between the House of Representatives and Regional Houses of Assembly.