Duties and Obligations of a Nigerian Citizen

Duties and Obligations of a Nigerian Citizen

The Constitution of Nigeria contains a very clear list of duties for the citizens of its country. Here is the direct text taken from the Nigerian constitution:

"It shall be the duty of every citizen to:

• (A) abide by this Constitution, respect its ideals and its institutions, the National Flag, the National Anthem, the National Pledge, and legitimate authorities;
• (B) help to enhance the power, prestige and good name of Nigeria, defend Nigeria and render such national service as may be required;
• (C) respect the dignity of other citizens and the rights and legitimate interests of others and live in unity and harmony and in the spirit of common brotherhood;
• (D) make a positive and useful contribution to the advancement, progress, and well-being of the community where he resides;
• (E) render assistance to appropriate and lawful agencies in the maintenance of law and order;
• (F) declare his income honestly to appropriate and lawful agencies and pay his tax promptly."

To explain further:

• According to paragraph A, every Nigerian citizen has to respect national ideals and institutions. This paragraph of the constitution is simple and quite expansive, but it has to be on this place nonetheless.
• The paragraph B is more exact and it brings with itself some additional duties for the citizens of Nigeria. This means, that in the case of war on the territory of Nigeria, citizens would be required to join the ranks of the armed forces to defend their country.
• According to paragraph C, there are such important rights as the right to live, the right of personal space and so on. All of these rights must be respected by a good Nigerian citizen.
• Paragraph D also has some feedback for the citizens. For example, some aggressive and illegal moves against or inside the Nigerian community are prohibited. On the other hand, the government does not control your positive growth in such society.
• The last F paragraph mentions the tax duty of Nigerian citizen. You have to declare your income and pay taxes accordingly to such incomes. If you do not, then again, you could be punished.

Duty to Participate in Public Processes

The Constitution has a clear direction that every Nigerian citizen has a duty to take part in elections. This is the honorable right of each Nigerian citizen, and you have the right of refusal as well. But, the Constitution and other main laws have to motivate people to use this right regularly.

As well, there is also a significant right to participate in the public meetings and democratic processes such as a referendum which is a strong tool in the hands of democratic society.