Governance & Civic Structure

Nigeria is a federal presidential republic comprising 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. Guided by the 1999 constitution, the country's governance is structured around three branches —executive, legislature, and judiciary—functioning across three levels: federal, state, and local. 

At the federal level, the President of Nigeria serves as both Head of State and Head of Government, elected for a renewable four-year term. The National Assembly, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives, functions as the federal legislature. The federal government oversees matters of national concern, such as defense and foreign policy.

Each of the 36 states is governed by an elected Governor and a State House of Assembly. State governments manage sectors including healthcare, education, infrastructure, and other regional needs backed by federal policies. The local government level consists of 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs), each led by an elected chairperson and council. They serve as the closest tier of governance to the people and incorporate unique ethnic and cultural nuances into grassroots governance.

The judiciary functions independently across all tiers, with the Supreme Court as the highest judicial authority. In addition to civil law, some northern states also apply Sharia law. Agencies like the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) work to ensure accountability and transparency within governance.

As Nigeria's political and civil landscape evolves, the nation remains committed to inclusivity, democratic consolidation, and effective governance.