Separation of Powers, Checks and Balances

Separation of powers distributes authority among the legislature, executive, and judiciary to prevent overreach and protect rights. Checks and balances allow each arm to scrutinize the others through lawmaking, oversight, vetoes, confirmations, and judicial review. In practice, these tools work best when institutions are independent, budgets are transparent, and citizens can monitor decisions. Nigeria’s constitutional framework provides the structure; consistent enforcement, civic vigilance, and internal accountability make it deliver effective governance.