President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
The President is the most powerful elected official in Nigeria, holding executive authority over the entire federation. The President leads the Federal Executive Council, commands the military, and represents Nigeria internationally.
Term length
4 years
Maximum two terms (8 years total)
Seats
1
Minimum age
40 years
Category
Executive
Constitutional basis
Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), Sections 130–152
Qualifications to stand
- ✓Nigerian citizen by birth
- ✓At least 40 years of age
- ✓Member of a registered political party
- ✓Minimum School Certificate or equivalent
- ✓Sponsored by a political party
- ✓Not convicted of an offence involving dishonesty or fraud within the preceding 10 years
- ✓No criminal sentence exceeding 12 months without option of fine
- ✓Not declared of unsound mind by a competent court
Roles and responsibilities
- •Head of State, Head of Government, and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces
- •Formulate and execute national policy
- •Present the annual budget (Appropriation Bill) to the National Assembly
- •Assent to or veto bills passed by the National Assembly
- •Appoint and coordinate Federal Ministers
- •Represent Nigeria in international relations
- •Declare states of emergency with National Assembly approval
- •Grant pardons and respites on advice of the Council of State
Powers
- ◆Executive authority of the Federation
- ◆Control of the Federal Executive Council (Cabinet)
- ◆Power to deploy the Armed Forces (with legislative oversight)
- ◆Power to enter treaties (ratified by the Senate)
- ◆Emergency powers under Section 305
- ◆Power of pardon and clemency
- ◆Power to appoint heads of Federal agencies, commissions, and courts (subject to Senate confirmation)
Checks and oversight
Who holds this office accountable?
- ⚖National Assembly — can override veto (2/3 majority), impeach on gross misconduct
- ⚖Supreme Court — judicial review of executive actions
- ⚖Federal Executive Council — collective Cabinet responsibility
- ⚖Council of State — advisory body
- ⚖Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) — administers election
Remuneration
₦14,058,820 per annum (basic)
Plus allowances set by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC)
Election
Related offices
How to run for this office
Step-by-step guide to becoming a candidate in Nigeria.
Browse current officials
See who holds elected offices in Nigeria right now.
Information based on the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and the Electoral Act 2022.