The principle of federalism was first formally introduced into Nigeria's constitutional development through the

The Lyttleton Constitution of 1954 formally established Nigeria as a federation by dividing the country into three regions—North, East, and West—with clearly defined legislative lists and residual powers for the regions. While earlier constitutions introduced regional councils and some devolution, it was the 1954 constitution that created a true federal structure. The Richards Constitution of 1946 merely created regions for administrative purposes without genuine federalism.