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Top 10 Most Powerful Political Offices In Nigeria
Do you want to know the most powerful political offices in Nigeria? If so, this article is perfect for you.
Do you want to know the most powerful political offices in Nigeria? If so, this article is perfect for you.
Nigeria, a dynamic country in Africa, has important positions that greatly impact its governance and policy choices. The Nigerian government holds several influential positions that shape the country’s direction and policies.
These positions have substantial power and influence in Nigeria’s political landscape, shaping the nation’s governance, laws, the justice system, economic policies, and security concerns. In this article, we will examine the most powerful offices in Nigeria, highlighting their important roles and responsibilities.
Here is a compilation of the ten most powerful offices in Nigeria:
- OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA
- OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC
- OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE OF NIGERIA
- OFFICE OF THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
- OFFICE OF THE MINISTER FOR JUSTICE AND ATTORNEY-GENERAL OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA
- OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY SENATE PRESIDENT
- OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
- OFFICE OF THE CENTRAL BANK OF NIGERIA
- OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNMENT OF THE FEDERATION
- OFFICE OF THE HEAD OF THE CIVIL SERVICE OF THE FEDERATION
The top 10 most powerful political offices in Nigeria would be discussed below:
1. PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA
At the apex of Nigeria’s power structure is the Presidency. This office holds the highest authority in the country, responsible for leading the nation and making critical decisions that impact Nigeria’s future.
The President is a member of the Federal Executive Council, National Security Council, and National Defence Council. He has the power to enforce federal laws, appoint government officials, and is responsible for foreign policy. They also make domestic policies and can approve or reject federal laws. The current President and Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces is Chief Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who started serving on May 29, 2023.
2. VICE PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA
The Vice Presidency in Nigeria holds immense importance, serving as the second-highest office in the executive arm. He supports the President in governance and assumes leadership in the President’s absence, playing a vital role in shaping the nation’s direction.
The Vice President of Nigeria is part of important councils like the Federal Executive Council, National Economic Council, and National Security Council. As per the law, the Vice President is also the Chairman of the National Economic Council. The Vice President holds the second-highest position in the executive branch of the federal government, but their actual power depends on the tasks assigned by the President. Kashim Shettima Mustapha has been serving as Nigeria’s Vice President since May 29, 2023.
3. SENATE PRESIDENT OF NIGERIA
The Senate President of Nigeria leads the Nigerian Senate, the upper house of the country’s legislature. The Senate President is chosen through an indirect election by the 109 members of the National Assembly’s upper house. If the President and Vice President of Nigeria are unable to fulfill their duties, the Senate President assumes control of the country. Currently, Godswill Akpabio is the Senate President of Nigeria, serving since June 13, 2023.
4. SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF NIGERIA
The Speaker of the House of Representatives is the top official in Nigeria’s lower house of parliament. The majority of House members choose the Speaker. If the President, Vice President, and Senate President can’t fulfill the duties of the Presidency, the Speaker takes over temporarily. Abbas Tajudeen has been the Speaker since June 13, 2023.
5. CHIEF JUSTICE OF NIGERIA / MINISTER FOR JUSTICE AND ATTORNEY-GENERAL OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA
The Chief Justice of Nigeria presides over the Nigerian Supreme Court and the National Judicial Council. Olukayode Ariwoola is the current Chief Justice of Nigeria, appointed on June 27, 2022. He became acting CJN after the resignation of Chief Justice Tanko Muhammad and was confirmed as CJN by the Nigerian Senate on September 21, 2022. The Supreme Court of Nigeria is the highest court in the country, and its rulings are legally binding.
The Ministry of Justice is led by the Minister for Justice and Attorney-General of The Federation. They give legal advice to the federal government and represent Nigeria in court. The Attorney-General also protects Nigerian citizens from unfair actions by the government. The Attorney-General is the seventh person in line to become the President of Nigeria. Abubakar Malami became the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice on November 11, 2015.
6. DEPUTY SENATE PRESIDENT OF NIGERIA
The Deputy Senate President in Nigeria is the second-highest position in the Nigerian Senate. They are chosen through an indirect vote inside the Senate and serve as the Senate President when the Senate President is absent. Currently, Jibrin Barau holds the position of Deputy Senate President, having assumed office on June 13, 2023.
7. DEPUTY SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF NIGERIA
In Nigeria’s National Assembly, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives holds the second-highest position in the lower house. They are elected by a majority of the House members through an indirect election. The Deputy Speaker takes charge of leading the House if the Speaker is absent. Moreover, they are the sixth candidate in Nigeria’s presidential line of succession. Benjamin Kalu officially became the Deputy Speaker of the Nigerian House of Representatives on June 13, 2023.
8. OFFICE OF THE CENTRAL BANK OF NIGERIA
The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria holds significant power in shaping the country’s monetary policies. This office oversees the nation’s financial system, manages currency issuance, and regulates the banking sector, thereby contributing to economic stability.
9. SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNMENT OF THE FEDERATION
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation oversees and coordinates federal departments, agencies, and ministries, as well as policy implementation. Currently, Boss Gida Mustapha is serving as the SGF.
10. HEAD OF THE CIVIL SERVICE OF THE FEDERATION
The Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation is responsible for managing and strengthening the Federal Civil Service. Its goal is to ensure that the workforce is dedicated, focused, and disciplined in supporting the Federal Government’s policies and programs. Currently, Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan serves as the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.
Conclusion:
These powerful offices in Nigeria hold significant influence and responsibility in shaping the nation’s governance, economy, justice system, and overall well-being. Their roles and functions are vital in maintaining stability, upholding democratic values, and driving Nigeria toward progress and prosperity.