SOAS Research Online

Abstract

This thesis deals with two topics of Nigerian Law: (1) the Nationality and Citizenship Laws and (2) the Law of Domicil. The breakdown of the "common code" of British nationality heralded a new phase in the law of nationality and citizenship in the Commonwealth, and the evolution of its members into international relationships led to the enactment of divergent laws in States which previously shared a common nationality code. The emergence of Nigeria as a new independent power enabled the enactment of the first citizenship law. The Introductory Part deals briefly with the historical and constitutional background of Nigeria and a general treatment of the concepts of nationality and citizenship. Part 2 outlines the British Nationality Laws operating in Nigeria prior to October 1, 1960. Part 3 is a comprehensive analysis of the legal provisions for Nigerian citizenship contained in the Constitution, Acts of Parliament and Legal Notices. "Nigerian Nationality" and the concept of nationality in customary law are also considered. The final chapter on Citizenship and Non-Citizenship attempts to analyse the differences in the local law between the possession and non-possession of local citizenship. Part k deals with the second topic. Chapter 9 contrasts domicil with nationality and concludes with an analysis of the content of the law of domicil. Chapter 10 deals with the introduction into Nigeria of the concept of domicil and the scope of its operation, the effect of the federal legal structure on its application, proposals for the reform of the concept in England with a closing reconsideration of it.