Nigeria Constitution 1999 – JSS3 Social & Citizenship Studies Lesson Note (First Term)

The 1999 Constitution is the supreme law of Nigeria, which sets out how the country is governed and what citizens and government must do.

Behavioural objectives

1. Explain what the 1999 Constitution is and why it is called supreme.
2. State why and when the 1999 Constitution came into force.
3. Name the three tiers and the three arms of government.
4. List the Fundamental Objectives found in Chapter 2.
5. State the Fundamental Human Rights protected in Chapter 4.
6. Mention the duties of a citizen under Section 24.

What is the 1999 Constitution?

The 1999 Constitution is the written supreme law of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

• Rulebook: a football match needs rules to keep order, and a country needs a “Big Rulebook” in the same way.
• Supreme: it is the highest law, so every other law must agree with it.
• Void laws: any law that goes against the Constitution, such as a state law or a school rule, is void (of no effect) to that extent.
• Source of power: it sets up the government and limits what the government can do.

Why was the 1999 Constitution made?

It was made to return Nigeria from military rule to civilian democracy.

• Military rule: soldiers were in charge of the government.
• Civilian democracy: the people choose their leaders through elections.
• Start date: the Constitution came into force on 29 May 1999.

What are the basic provisions of the Constitution?

The basic provisions are the tiers of government, the arms of government, and citizenship and rights.

What are the three tiers of government?

There are three tiers of government: federal, state and local.

What are the three arms of government?

There are three arms of government: the legislature, the executive and the judiciary.

Power is split so that no one person or group becomes too powerful.

What does the Constitution say about citizenship and rights?

• Citizenship: it states who is a Nigerian citizen (Chapter 3).
• Fundamental Human Rights: it lists the basic rights the government must protect (Chapter 4).

What are the Fundamental Objectives?

The Fundamental Objectives are the national goals the government promises to work towards, found in Chapter 2.

Chapter 2 is called the Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy. Directive principles are the paths the government is told to follow.

What are the Political Objectives?

• National integration: the government must promote unity among Nigerians.
• Anti-corruption: it must fight corruption and the abuse of power.
• National motto: “Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress.”

What are the Economic Objectives?

• Fair economy: the economy should be managed so that everyone benefits, not just a few rich people.
• Basic needs: the government should work to provide suitable shelter and food.
• Living wage: workers should receive a reasonable national minimum wage (a fair salary).

What are the Educational Objectives?

• Illiteracy: the government should strive to wipe out illiteracy.
• Free education: when practicable, it should provide free primary, secondary and university education.

What are the Social, Environmental and Cultural Objectives?

• Health: the state should provide medical and health facilities for all.
• Environment: the state should protect the water, air, land and forests of Nigeria.
• Culture: the government should protect and promote good Nigerian traditions.

What are Fundamental Human Rights?

Fundamental Human Rights are the basic rights every person in Nigeria enjoys, protected by Chapter 4.

• Right to life: no one may be killed unlawfully.
• Dignity of the person: no one may be tortured or treated in an inhuman way.
• Personal liberty: no one may be arrested or detained without lawful reason.
• Fair hearing: everyone gets a fair trial in court.
• Freedom of expression: people may speak and share their views.
• Freedom of religion: people may follow the religion they choose.
• Freedom of movement: people may travel and live in any part of Nigeria.
• Freedom from discrimination: no one may be treated unfairly because of tribe, religion or sex.

What are the duties of a citizen under Section 24?

Section 24 lists the duties a Nigerian citizen owes to the country.

• Obey the Constitution: respect it, the National Flag, the National Anthem and the Pledge.
• Protect the good name of Nigeria: help to build the country’s image.
• Respect others: respect the rights and dignity of other people, including neighbours.
• Serve the nation: make a useful contribution to the progress of the country.
• Help keep order: assist the lawful agencies that maintain law and order.
• Pay taxes: declare your income honestly and pay your taxes promptly.

What is the difference between Fundamental Rights and Fundamental Objectives?

Fundamental Rights are the protected freedoms of each person, found in Chapter 4.

Fundamental Objectives are the goals of government, found in Chapter 2.

Quick revision table

Evaluation

1. What does it mean when we say the Constitution is “supreme”?
2. List the three tiers of government established by the 1999 Constitution.
3. Mention two Educational Objectives found in the Constitution.
4. Name two duties of a Nigerian citizen under Section 24.
5. State one difference between Fundamental Rights and Fundamental Objectives.

Assignment

Draw a table with the three arms of government. For each arm, write who is in it and one duty it performs.