FUNDAMENTAL OBJECTIVES AND DIRECTIVE PRINCIPLES OF STATE POLICY IN NIGERIA: AN ANALYSIS OF CHAPTER II OF THE 1999 CONSTITUTION

in 200 Level, Case Analysis, Class Notes, Constitutional Cases, Constitutional Law, Constitutional Law, Educational Articles, Landmark Judgments

One of the most significant innovations in Nigeria's constitutional development is the inclusion of Chapter II on Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy. This chapter, spanning sections 13 to 24 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), represents a bold attempt at constitutionalizing socio-economic rights and setting out the guiding principles for governance in Nigeria.1 The chapter contains provisions on political, economic, social, educational, environmental, cultural objectives. Understanding these provisions requires familiarity with the broader sources of constitutional law in Nigeria, national ethics, and the duties of citizens. It essentially defines the relationship between...