Managing International Treaty Obligations in Nigeria’s Federal System: Institutional Challenges and Reform Options

This study examines the institutional challenges confronting Nigeria's federal system in managing its international treaty obligations, focusing on the coordination gaps between the executive, legislature, and sub-national governments that impede effective treaty implementation. Nigeria has ratified numerous international treaties across human rights, trade, environment, and security domains, yet domestication and implementation remain inconsistent. Drawing on a professional assessment methodology, the research analyses the constitutional framework for treaty-making under the 1999 Constitution, the role of the National Assembly in domesticating treaties, and the mechanisms for ensuring state-level compliance with federal international obligations. It draws on case studies from the VAPP Act, the Trafficking in Persons Act, and the Climate Change Act to illustrate implementation dynamics. The paper identifies structural bottlenecks including insufficient inter-ministerial coordination, limited treaty affairs capacity within the Federal Ministry of Justice, and the absence of a standing parliamentary committee dedicated to treaty oversight. It also evaluates international best practices in federal treaty management from Australia, Germany, and Canada. Findings indicate that Nigeria requires a formal national treaty management framework establishing clear institutional roles and accountability mechanisms. Recommendations include the establishment of a Treaty Coordination Council, mandatory inter-ministerial treaty impact assessments, and dedicated training programmes for treaty compliance officers in key ministries. Keywords: treaty obligations, Nigeria, federal system, domestication, institutional reform.