President of Nigeria facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Quick facts for kids President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Presidential flag
Seal of the president
Incumbent Bola Ahmed Tinubu since 29 May 2023
Executive Branch of the Federal Government Office of the President
Style	Mr. President His Excellency
Abbreviation	POFRON
Member of	Federal Executive Council National Security Council National Defence Council
Residence	Aso Rock Presidential Villa
Seat	Abuja, F.C.T.
Appointer	Direct popular election or via succession from vice presidency
Term length	Four years, renewable once
Constituting instrument	Constitution of Nigeria
Formation	1 October 1963 (61 years ago) (1963-10-01)
First holder	Nnamdi Azikiwe
Salary	₦30,000,000/US$ 65,143 annually

The President of Nigeria is a very important leader. They are both the head of state and the head of government for the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This means they are in charge of the country and its government. The president also leads the Nigerian Armed Forces as their Commander-in-Chief.

The jobs and powers of the head of state and head of government were combined into one office in 1979. This was written in the 1979 Constitution of Nigeria.

The president has the power to carry out and enforce federal laws. They also choose many important officials for the government, including diplomats and judges. Because the constitution allows the president to appoint ambassadors and make agreements with other countries, they are mainly responsible for Nigeria's foreign policy.

The president also helps create new laws and policies for the country. They can approve or reject new laws passed by the House. Presidents are usually seen as the leaders of their political parties. Their election often shapes the country's main policies.

Nigerians vote directly for their president in national elections. The president serves for four years. A vice president is also elected at the same time.

Bola Tinubu is the current president of Nigeria. He is the 16th person to hold this office. He started his term on May 29, 2023.

History of Nigeria's Presidents

Former standard of the president

Early Days: Ceremonial President (1963–1966)

Nigeria became an independent country from Britain on October 1, 1960. At first, the government was led by a prime minister, Alhaji Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa. Nnamdi Azikiwe became the first governor-general. He represented the Queen of Nigeria, Elizabeth II.

On October 1, 1963, Nigeria became a republic. This meant it no longer had a monarch (a king or queen). The role of governor-general was replaced by the president. Nnamdi Azikiwe became the first president. However, this role was mostly ceremonial. The president's main jobs were to welcome foreign guests and open Parliament.

Years of Military Rule (1966–1979)

In January 1966, some army officers tried to take over the government. They killed the prime minister. Major General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi became the Military Head of State.

In July 1966, other army officers revolted. They killed General Aguiyi-Ironsi. Lieutenant Colonel Yakubu Gowon became the new military head of government.

In 1975, General Yakubu Gowon was removed from power. Brigadier Murtala Mohammed became the head of the military government. After he was killed in 1976, General Olusegun Obasanjo took over. General Obasanjo worked to bring back democratic rule. This led to an election in August 1979.

In 1979, Nigeria adopted a new constitution. The president's job became an executive role. This meant the president had powers similar to the president of the United States. The country also got a two-part legislature called the National Assembly. It included a Senate and a House of Representatives.

Second Republic (1979–1983)

On October 1, 1979, Nigeria returned to democracy after more than 13 years of military rule. Shehu Shagari became the first democratically elected president. He was from the National Party of Nigeria.

More Military Rule (1983–1999)

On December 31, 1983, the military took over the government again. Major General Muhammadu Buhari became the new head of state.

In August 1985, General Buhari's government was peacefully overthrown. Major General Ibrahim Babangida became the president.

On August 26, 1993, General Babangida stepped down. He chose an interim (temporary) government to replace him. Ernest Shonekan was named interim head of state. However, General Sani Abacha took power from Shonekan on November 17, 1993.

General Abacha died on June 8, 1998. Major General Abdulsalami Abubakar became the new head of state.

Fourth Republic (1999–Present)

On May 29, 1999, General Abdulsalami Abubakar handed over power. He gave it to Olusegun Obasanjo, who had been a military head of state before. Obasanjo had been elected president a few months earlier. He served two terms in office.

On May 29, 2007, Umaru Musa Yar'Adua became president. This was the first time power was successfully transferred from one democratically elected president to another in Nigeria. Yar'Adua passed away on May 5, 2010.

On May 6, 2010, Vice President Goodluck Jonathan became president.

On May 29, 2015, Muhammadu Buhari became president. He had also been a military head of state before. He won the general election and served two terms.

On May 29, 2023, Bola Tinubu was sworn in as president. He won the 2023 Nigerian general election.

How Nigeria's President is Chosen

The Voting System

The president of Nigeria is chosen through a special voting system. To win in the first round, a candidate needs the most votes overall. They also need to get more than 25% of the votes in at least 24 of Nigeria's 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

If no one meets these rules, a second round of voting happens. This round is between the top candidate and the next candidate who won the most votes in the highest number of states. In this round, the candidate still needs the most votes and over 25% in at least 24 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

If still no one wins, a third round takes place. In this final round, the candidate with the most votes wins.

Presidential candidates run for office with a running mate. This running mate becomes their party's candidate for vice president.

Who Can Be President?

To become president of Nigeria, a person must meet certain requirements:

They must be a Nigerian citizen by birth.
They must be at least 35 years old.
They must belong to a political party and be supported by that party.
They must have completed at least a School Certificate level education or its equivalent.

A person cannot be president if:

They have become a citizen of another country (unless allowed by law).
They have already been elected president two times before.
They are considered to have an unsound mind.
They have been sentenced to death or to prison for a serious crime involving dishonesty.
They have been found guilty of certain offenses in the last ten years.
They are bankrupt.
They work for the government and have not left their job at least 30 days before the election.
They are a member of a secret society.
They have been found guilty of stealing or fraud by an official investigation.
They have given a fake certificate to the election commission.

Starting the Job: The Inauguration

The president officially starts their job with an inauguration ceremony.

The Oath of Office

The Constitution of Nigeria has a special oath that the president must take. The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court usually leads this oath.

The president promises to:

I do solemnly swear/affirm that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to the Federal Republic of Nigeria; that as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I will discharge my duties to the best of my ability, faithfully and in accordance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the law, and always in the interest of the sovereignty, integrity, solidarity, well-being and prosperity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; that I will not allow my personal interest to influence my official conduct or my official decisions; that I will to the best of my ability preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; that I will abide by the Code of Conduct contained in the Fifth Schedule to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; that in all circumstances, I will do right to all manner of people, according to law, without fear or favour, affection or ill-will; that I will not directly or indirectly communicate or reveal to any person any matter which shall be brought under my consideration or shall become known to me as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, except as may be required for the due discharge of my duties as President; and that I will devote myself to the service and well-being of the people of Nigeria. So help me God.

Presidential Powers

Choosing Key People

The president appoints many important people in the government. This includes members of the Federal Executive Council and leaders of government departments. They also choose ambassadors to other countries.

Leading the Military

The president of Nigeria is the ultimate leader of the Nigerian Armed Forces. They are the commander-in-chief. This means the president gives orders to the military. They also decide on defense policies and appoint top military leaders.

Dealing with Other Countries

The president decides how Nigeria interacts with other countries. They represent Nigeria in international relations. They also lead negotiations and sign important agreements with foreign powers.

Special Duties

The president also has ceremonial duties. For example, they are a grand commander in the Order of the Federal Republic.

Presidential Term and Home

How Long Can a President Serve?

A president serves for four years. The Constitution of Nigeria allows a president to serve for a maximum of two terms.

Presidential Residence

The president of Nigeria lives and works at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa. This is located in Abuja, the capital city.

Presidential Protection

The president is protected by the State Security Service. They are also guarded by the Presidential Guard Brigade from the Nigerian Army.

Presidential Transport

Eagle One

The Nigerian Government provides transportation for the president. On land, the president is driven by the Mobile Police Force. Agents from the Department of State Security provide close protection. Presidents of Nigeria have traditionally used special Mercedes-Benz cars. The current president uses a Mercedes-Maybach S680.

For air travel, the Nigerian Air Force provides planes and helicopters. The current presidential air fleet includes:

A Boeing Business Jet (BBJ 737)
A Dassault Falcon 7X Jet
Two Gulfstream Jets (500 and 550)
Two AW-189 helicopters
Two AW-139 helicopters
An Airbus A330