General Studies And Current Affairs 2026 Njfp Job

The judicial system in Nigeria is hierarchical, and the Supreme Court sits at the apex of this structure. It is the final court of record and its decisions are binding on all other courts in the country. The Supreme Court primarily exercises appellate jurisdiction, hearing appeals from the Court of Appeal. It also has original jurisdiction in specific cases, such as disputes between the Federation and a State or between States. Because there is no further court to which a party can appeal after a Supreme Court judgement, it is regarded as the highest judicial body in the land.

Nigeria operates a federal system of government, which is a constitutional arrangement where power is shared between a central national government and sub-national units, such as States and Local Governments. This system was adopted to manage the country's vast ethnic, linguistic, and cultural diversity by allowing for local autonomy while maintaining national unity. The Constitution clearly outlines the Exclusive Legislative List for the federal government and the Concurrent Legislative List for both federal and state governments, which is the hallmark of a federation.

The National Assembly of Nigeria is a bicameral legislature, meaning it is composed of two distinct houses or chambers. These are the Senate (the Upper House) and the House of Representatives (the Lower House). The Senate consists of 109 senators, representing three senatorial districts from each of the 36 states and one from the Federal Capital Territory. The House of Representatives consists of 360 members representing various federal constituencies. Both chambers must work together to pass bills before they can be sent to the President for assent.

In the principle of separation of powers, the Executive arm of government is responsible for the administration of the state and the implementation of policies. While the Legislature makes the laws and the Judiciary interprets them, the Executive ensures that these laws are carried out and enforced. This arm includes the President, the Vice President, Ministers, and various law enforcement agencies like the Police. Their role is to manage the daily affairs of the country and maintain law and order through the practical application of existing legislation.

Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, popularly known as 'Zik', became the first President of Nigeria when the country transitioned to a republic on 1st October 1963. Before becoming President, he served as the Governor-General from 1960 to 1963 representing the British monarch. As a foremost nationalist and a key figure in the struggle for independence, his presidency marked a significant milestone in Nigeria's history as it fully severed its colonial ties to the British Crown, even though the political system at the time was parliamentary with a Prime Minister holding executive powers.

Nigeria's journey as an independent nation began with the adoption of the Independence Constitution in 1960. While there were several colonial constitutions prior to this, such as the Lyttleton Constitution of 1954 which established the federal principle, the 1960 Constitution was the first to govern Nigeria as a sovereign state. It provided the legal framework for self-governance, though it still retained the British Queen as the titular Head of State until the 1963 Republican Constitution was enacted.

According to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the appointment of a person to the office of a Judge of the Federal High Court is made by the President. However, this power is not absolute; the President must act on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council (NJC). Furthermore, the appointment of the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court requires confirmation by the Senate. This process is designed to ensure a balance of power and to maintain the integrity and independence of the judiciary.

Under the 1999 Constitution, the President of Nigeria is elected for a term of four years. A person can be re-elected for a second term, but is constitutionally barred from serving more than two terms in office. Therefore, the maximum total duration any individual can serve as President is eight years. This limit is intended to prevent the perpetuation of power and to encourage democratic turnover and fresh leadership within the executive branch.

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) is the primary agency responsible for assessing, collecting, and accounting for various taxes and other revenues accruing to the Federal Government of Nigeria. While the NNPC deals with oil revenue and the CBN manages monetary policy, the FIRS is specifically tasked with the administration of tax laws, including Company Income Tax, Value Added Tax (VAT), and Education Tax. Its role is crucial for generating non-oil revenue and ensuring the fiscal stability of the federation.

The primary constitutional power and duty of the National Assembly is the power to make laws for the peace, order, and good government of the Federation. This legislative power is exercised through the passage of bills by both the Senate and the House of Representatives. While the National Assembly also has oversight functions and the power to approve certain appointments or declare war (upon the recommendation of the President), its core identity and most frequent activity is the legislative process.