Inauguration is the process of officially inducting a person(s) into a position or an office. It can also refer to the process of introducing something into use with a formal ceremony. In government and politics, inauguration is the process of swearing a person into office and thus making that person the incumbent. Such an inauguration commonly occurs through a formal ceremony or special event, which may also include an inaugural address by the new official.

Presidential Inauguration Day is the day when the president-elect and vice president-elect are sworn in to assume their respective offices.

The inauguration of the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is a ceremony to mark the commencement of a new four-year term for the president of Nigeria.

During this ceremony, as mandated in the Nigerian Constitution, the president will take the presidential oath of office, to be administered by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

An inauguration ceremony is held for every new presidential term, even if the president is continuing in office for a second term.

In Nigeria, the day set aside for the inauguration of an administration is May 29. This has been since the fourth republic in 1999. Since 1999, the inauguration ceremony has been held at the Eagle Square, Abuja and so far, oath of office has been taken at six public inaugurations by five Chief Justices.

The Process of Inauguration in Nigeria

The Inaugural events in Nigeria include the swearing-in ceremony and the inaugural address:

1.      The swearing-in-ceremony

The Constitution of Nigeria specifies an oath of office for the President of the Federation (Schedule VII, CFRN 1999). The oath is administered by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria or the person for the time being appointed to exercise the functions of that office:

“I, ….......... do solemnly swear/affirm that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to the Federal Republic of Nigeria; that as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I will discharge my duties to the best of my ability, faithfully and in accordance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the law, and always in the interest of the sovereignty, integrity, solidarity, well-being and prosperity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; that I will strive to preserve the Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy contained in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; that I will not allow my personal interest to influence my official conduct or my official decisions; that I will to the best of my ability preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; that I will abide by the Code of Conduct contained in the Fifth Schedule to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; that in all circumstances, I will do right to all manner of people, according to law, without fear or favour, affection or ill-will; that I will not directly or indirectly communicate or reveal to any person any matter which shall be brought under my consideration or shall become known to me as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, except as may be required for the due discharge of my duties as President; and that I will devote myself to the service and well-being of the people of Nigeria.

So, help me God.”

2.      Inaugural Address 

The President is expected to give an inaugural address. Most Presidents use their inaugural addresses to present their vision of the country and set forth their goals for the nation.

Inaugural speeches set the tone for the incoming administration. Past presidents had sometimes spoken directly to the nation’s concerns, and sometimes what they intended to persuade. The inaugural address is usually unifying, as it gives the President the opportunity to introduce his vision to the nation and the world.

The next Presidential Inauguration in Nigeria is scheduled for May 29, 2023.