CivicHow law works Guide 3 of 6
Who makes which laws.
Nigeria is a federation, so law-making is shared between the centre, the 36 states and local councils. The Constitution decides who can legislate on what.
Two lists, plus powers left to the states
The Second Schedule sets out Exclusive and Concurrent Legislative Lists. Subjects outside those lists fall within residual state powers, subject to other constitutional provisions.
Federal only
The Exclusive Legislative List
Only the National Assembly can make laws on these: things like defence, citizenship, currency, and foreign affairs.
Constitution, s. 4(2)–(3) and Second Schedule, Part I
Shared
The Concurrent Legislative List
Both the National Assembly and the State Houses of Assembly can make laws on these. If a state law conflicts with a federal Act here, the federal Act wins, and the state law is void to the extent of the conflict.
Constitution, s. 4(5) and Second Schedule, Part II
State
Everything else
Subjects on neither list are left to the states. Each State House of Assembly makes Laws for its own state on these, and on the concurrent subjects.
Constitution, s. 4(6)–(7)
State Houses of Assembly
Every state has its own one-chamber legislature. It has between 24 and 40 members, depending on the state’s size, elected for four years and led by a Speaker they choose. Its bills become state Laws when the Governor signs them, following the same pattern as the National Assembly and the President.
Constitution, ss. 90–91, 100 and 105
Local government councils
There are 768 local government areas, plus six area councils in the FCT. Each is run by an elected council, which provides local services such as markets, motor parks and waste collection, and makes bye-laws for its area. Their functions are set out in the Fourth Schedule of the Constitution.
Constitution, ss. 3(6) and 7, and Fourth Schedule
Why this matters to you
When a rule affects you, it helps to know who made it, because that is who can change it. A bye-law about your local market comes from your council, not the National Assembly. Some things are split: personal income tax is set by a federal Act but collected by your state. This site covers federal Acts first. Each Act’s application depends on its scope and the Constitution; federal Acts do not necessarily apply identically to every person or place.
This guide explains how Nigerian law works in general terms. It is not legal advice.