The current constitution of Nigeria is based on the model of which country?

Analyze the question: It asks which country's model the current Nigerian constitution (the 1999 Constitution) follows. This is about the system of government Nigeria operates.

Explain the concept: Nigeria has had different constitutional models over time:

• 1960 Independence Constitution and 1963 Republican Constitution: based on the British (Westminster) parliamentary model, with a Prime Minister.
• 1979 Constitution, carried into the 1989 and 1999 Constitutions: based on the American presidential model, with an executive President who is both head of state and head of government.

Step-by-step solution:

1. The current constitution is the 1999 Constitution, which drew heavily on the 1979 Constitution.
2. The 1979 Constitution deliberately moved Nigeria away from the British parliamentary system.
3. The features it adopted match the United States system: • An executive President elected by the people • Separation of powers among the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary • A bicameral National Assembly (Senate and House of Representatives), like the US Senate and House • Checks and balances • A federal structure with states • The Federal Character principle and a written, rigid constitution
4. Germany and France do not match. France uses a semi-presidential system, and Germany uses a parliamentary chancellor system. The United Kingdom has a fused executive and legislature and no single written constitution, which Nigeria's present system does not follow.

Answer: The current constitution is modeled on the United States presidential system, which is option B.

Exam tip: Remember "1960/63 = Britain, 1979 onward = America." If a question mentions a presidential system, separation of powers, or a Senate, think of the USA.