ICANBusiness LawNigerian Legal System and Sources of Law2025

Under the Nigerian legal system, which source of law takes precedence over all other sources in cases of conflict, as expressly provided by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended)?

ACustomary law, as it reflects the indigenous practices of the Nigerian people
BReceived English law, as it formed the foundation of the Nigerian legal system
CThe Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as it is the supreme law of the landCORRECT
DLegislation enacted by the National Assembly, as it represents the will of elected representatives
AI
Toaster Teacher
Why the answer is C, and why the others tempt you.
Section 1(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) expressly declares the Constitution as supreme and its provisions shall have binding force on all authorities and persons throughout the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Section 1(3) further provides that any law that is inconsistent with the Constitution is void to the extent of its inconsistency. This supremacy clause overrides all other sources of law including legislation, customary law, and received English law.
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