Explain the importance of the Lyttleton Constitution of 1954 in the political development of Nigeria.

Answer Details

The Lyttleton Constitution of 1954, named after the Secretary of State for the Colonies Oliver Lyttleton, was a landmark in Nigeria's constitutional development. Its importance lies in the following:

1. Established true federalism: it firmly established federalism in Nigeria, clearly dividing powers between the central government and the regions through exclusive, concurrent and residual lists. It is regarded as the first genuinely federal constitution in Nigeria.
2. Regional autonomy: it granted greater autonomy to the Eastern, Western and Northern Regions, each with its own government, giving the regions more control over their own affairs.
3. Regionalisation of the public/civil service and judiciary: it provided for the regionalisation of the civil service, the judiciary and the marketing boards, strengthening the powers of the regions.
4. Lagos as federal territory: it made Lagos a federal territory, separate from the Western Region, to serve as the neutral seat of the central government.
5. Provision for premiers: it created the office of Premier as the head of government in each region, enhancing regional political leadership.
6. Foundation for self-government and independence: it prepared the ground for regional self-government (the East and West in 1957, the North in 1959) and ultimately for national independence in 1960. It also set the pattern of federalism that Nigeria has retained.