List Five Laws that you must Obey as a Nigerian Citizen

Published on: May 26, 2025 • Categories: Jobs In Nigeria

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List Five Laws that You Must Obey as a Nigerian Citizen

As a citizen of Nigeria, obeying the law is a civic duty that ensures peace, order, and progress. Below are five essential laws every Nigerian must obey, with practical examples of how they apply in daily life.

1. Obey Traffic Laws

Every Nigerian road user must follow traffic rules, including stopping at red lights, using seatbelts, avoiding one-way violations, and not using a mobile phone while driving. For example, if you drive against traffic (popularly called “one-way”), you risk fines, impounding of your vehicle, or jail time according to traffic enforcement regulations like those enforced by LASTMA or FRSC.

2. Do Not Engage in Electoral Malpractices

Participating in or supporting rigging, ballot box snatching, multiple voting, or voter intimidation is a criminal offense under the Electoral Act. For instance, if you attempt to vote more than once during an election, you could be prosecuted and face up to 12 months imprisonment or a fine, or both.

3. Pay Your Taxes

All working citizens and business owners must pay taxes such as Personal Income Tax, Value Added Tax (VAT), and Company Income Tax. For example, if you operate a shop in Lagos and earn income, you are required to remit tax to the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) or risk penalties, closure of your business, or court action.

4. Do Not Engage in Cybercrime

The Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, prohibits online fraud, hacking, identity theft, and spreading false information. If you send a fake bank alert to deceive someone in a transaction, you could be arrested by the EFCC or police and face jail time if convicted.

5. Respect the Right to Peaceful Coexistence

According to the Nigerian Constitution, every citizen has a right to life, dignity, and freedom from discrimination. This means you must not engage in religious or ethnic violence, hate speech, or unlawful assembly. For example, instigating a mob attack on someone based on false accusation can lead to charges of assault or murder.

Conclusion: Knowing and obeying the laws of Nigeria not only protects you from penalties but also helps build a safer, more lawful society. As a responsible citizen, your daily actions should reflect the spirit of these laws.