In Nigeria, the foundations of federalism was laid by the

Analyze the question: The question asks which constitution first laid the foundation of federalism in Nigeria. Federalism means power is shared between a central government and regional governments.

Explain the concept: Nigeria's constitutional development included these key documents:

• Clifford Constitution (1922): Introduced elections for the first time (limited franchise in Lagos and Calabar).
• Richards Constitution (1946): Introduced regionalism by dividing Nigeria into three regions (North, East, West) and creating Regional Houses of Assembly, which were advisory.
• Macpherson Constitution (1951): Strengthened regional legislatures and introduced a quasi-federal system.
• Lyttleton Constitution (1954): Formally established a full federal system for Nigeria.

Step-by-step solution:

1. The question uses the phrase "foundations of federalism was laid", so it is not asking who formally established federalism but who started the groundwork.
2. The Richards Constitution of 1946 introduced regionalism by creating three regions with their own assemblies. This regional structure became the basis for later federalism.
3. The Lyttleton Constitution (1954) is the one that formally introduced federalism, but the word "foundation" points to the earlier step that made it possible.
4. The Clifford Constitution had no regional structure, and the Macpherson Constitution built on what Richards had begun.

Therefore, the Richards Constitution laid the foundation.

Answer: D. Richards Constitution

Exam tip: Remember the sequence C-R-M-L (Clifford 1922 → Richards 1946 → Macpherson 1951 → Lyttleton 1954). Associate:

• Richards = Regions (foundation of federalism)
• Lyttleton = Legally federal (formal federation)

Watch the wording: "foundation" points to Richards, while "established or introduced federalism" points to Lyttleton.