Which constitution laid the foundation for federalism in Nigeria?

The constitution that laid the foundation for federalism in Nigeria is the Lyttleton Constitution of 1954. This constitution was significant because it introduced a formal federal structure in the country. Prior to this, Nigeria operated under a unitary system where powers and authority were centralized.

The Lyttleton Constitution achieved several things:

• It clearly divided powers and responsibilities between the central government and regional governments. For the first time, regions were given the autonomy to manage their own affairs to a certain extent.
• This decentralization created a structure where the regions could legislate on specific matters independently of the central government, fostering diversity and regional governance.
• It included provisions for a central government that exercised authority over matters of national interest while regions retained control over regional issues.

Overall, the Lyttleton Constitution was a clear departure from the centralized systems of governance that preceded it and laid an essential groundwork for the development of a federal system in Nigeria.