How to Cite the Nigerian Constitution

The Nigerian Constitution is the supreme law of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It contains the fundamental principles upon which the country is governed and provides for the rights and responsibilities of the citizens. In legal writing, it is essential to cite the Nigerian Constitution accurately. This guide will provide an overview of how to cite the Nigerian Constitution properly.

Understanding the Structure of the Nigerian Constitution

The Nigerian Constitution has a complex structure that comprises several parts, schedules, and amendments. The main body of the Constitution is divided into chapters, which are further divided into sections. The sections are numbered consecutively, and each section is assigned a unique number. The schedules contain detailed provisions on specific topics, such as the Code of Conduct for Public Officers, while the amendments modify specific sections of the Constitution.

Citing the Nigerian Constitution in Legal Documents

When citing the Nigerian Constitution in legal documents, it is important to follow the appropriate citation format. The citation format for the Nigerian Constitution is as follows:

• Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended)

The year of promulgation of the Constitution should be included in the citation, followed by the phrase "as amended" to indicate that the Constitution has been modified by subsequent amendments.

When citing a specific section of the Constitution, it is necessary to include the section number in the citation. For example, to cite section 1 of the Constitution in a legal document, the citation would be:

• Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), s. 1.

Citing the Nigerian Constitution in Academic Writing

When citing the Nigerian Constitution in academic writing, it is necessary to follow the appropriate citation format. The citation format for the Nigerian Constitution in academic writing is as follows:

• Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), Chapter X, Section Y.

In this format, "Chapter X" represents the chapter number of the Constitution, while "Section Y" represents the section number. The citation format should be consistent throughout the document.

Using Footnotes and Bibliography

In legal and academic writing, it is common to use footnotes and bibliography to provide additional information on the sources cited. When citing the Nigerian Constitution using footnotes, the footnote should include the full citation of the source, including the section number. For example:

• Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), Chapter X, Section Y.

When citing the Nigerian Constitution in a bibliography, the citation should follow the appropriate citation format, as discussed earlier.

Conclusion

Citing the Nigerian Constitution accurately is essential in legal and academic writing. The citation format for the Nigerian Constitution should include the year of promulgation, the phrase "as amended," and the section number. Consistency in the citation format is also essential. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, writers can cite the Nigerian Constitution accurately and effectively.

FAQs

1. Why is it essential to cite the Nigerian Constitution accurately?

Citing the Nigerian Constitution accurately is essential to ensure that the sources cited are authentic and reliable.

2. What is the citation format for the Nigerian Constitution in legal writing?

The citation format for the Nigerian Constitution in legal writing is "Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended)."

3. What is the citation format for the Nigerian Constitution in academic writing?

The citation format for the Nigerian Constitution in academic writing is "Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), Chapter X, Section Y."

4. Can footnotes be used when citing the Nigerian Constitution?

Yes, footnotes can be used when citing the Nigerian Constitution to provide additional information on the sources cited.

5. What should be included in a bibliography when citing the Nigerian Constitution?

When citing the Nigerian Constitution in a bibliography, the citation should follow the appropriate citation format and include the year of promulgation, the phrase "as amended," and the section number.