Federalism and the Nigerian Judiciary: A Conflict of Principles and Structure?
Dr. Benson Omoleye, Omidoyin, Taiye Joshua

Abstract
Federalism connotes power distribution to all tiers and arms of government, including the judiciary. Nigeria however, even though a practicing federal nation, still has over concentration of judicial powers in the central government. This is clearly reflected in the court system established in the Constitution, with only federal courts given constitutional recognition. Is this true federalism? This research therefore analyses federalism as a system of government in Nigeria and attempts to resolve whether the Nigerian judicial system can be said to be truly federal in nature. The research concludes that the judicial arm of government in Nigeria cannot be regarded as truly and fully federal in nature unless constitutional recognition and autonomy is given to state and local court systems. The research recommends that states and local governments should be given independence to operate their autonomous judicial arm of government with little or no interference from the central government.

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