Council of State (Nigeria)

The Council of State is a federal executive body in Nigeria. It advises the President on matters of national importance. Its functions are primarily advisory, though its membership and influence lend significant weight to its pronouncements.

Composition:

The Council of State is composed of the following individuals:

• The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Chairman)
• The Vice-President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
• All former Presidents of the Federation and all former Heads of the Government of the Federation
• All former Chief Justices of Nigeria
• The President of the Senate
• The Speaker of the House of Representatives
• All the Governors of the States of the Federation
• The Attorney-General of the Federation
• One person from each of the States of the Federation, who shall be appointed by the Council of State

Functions:

According to the Third Schedule of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, the Council of State has the power to:

• Advise the President in the exercise of his powers with respect to the National Population Census and Compilation, publication and keeping of records and other information concerning the same.
• Advise the President in the exercise of his powers with respect to Prerogative of Mercy.
• Advise the President whenever requested to do so on the maintenance of public order within the Federation or any part thereof; and
• Advise the President on such other matters relating to the affairs of the Federation as may be prescribed by an Act of the National Assembly.

In essence, the Council of State serves as a forum for consultation and consensus-building on critical issues facing the nation. It brings together current and former leaders, representing various branches and levels of government, to provide informed advice to the President.