A BILL FOR AN ACT TO AMEND FLAGS AND COAT OF ARMS ACT
Bill · Technology
A Bill amends the Flags and Coat of Arms Act to update protections for Nigeria's national symbols. It targets individuals and entities using these symbols, including government agencies and manufacturers. This prevents misuse in modern contexts like digital media.
A BILL FOR AN ACT TO AMEND FLAGS AND COAT OF ARMS ACT
What Is This Policy?
A proposed legislative bill to update provisions of the Flags and Coat of Arms Act, which governs the use and protection of Nigeria's national flag, coat of arms, and other national symbols.
Who Does It Target?
All Nigerians and entities using national symbols Federal Government agencies and diplomatic missions Manufacturers of goods bearing national symbols Law enforcement bodies
What Does It Aim to Achieve?
Update protections for Nigerian national symbols to reflect modern uses including digital media, merchandise licensing, and emerging forms of symbol misuse.
Key Features
Updated Protections: Proposes stronger protections against commercial misuse of the national flag and coat of arms. Digital Media: Seeks to extend protections to digital use of national symbols. Licensing Framework: May introduce a licensing regime for authorised commercial use of national symbols. Penalties Update: Proposes updated penalties reflecting current economic conditions.
Current Status
Rollout Stage: Bill stage — awaiting enactment Coverage: Nationwide use of national symbols Beneficiaries: National identity; proper use of national symbols Funding: Not applicable
How to Access
Current Flags and Coat of Arms Act remains operative Do not use the national flag or coat of arms commercially without authorisation Application method: Monitor National Assembly for progress on the Bill.
Important Terms
The current Act prohibits unauthorised commercial use of the coat of arms The national flag may not be mutilated or used disrespectfully Bill provisions may change before final enactment
Official Resources
Website: https://www.nass.gov.ng Contact: National Assembly
Legal Framework
Introduced under the legislative powers of the National Assembly vested by Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) as an amendment to the Flags and Coat of Arms Act (Cap F27 LFN 2004), which is the principal statute. The Act operates within the constitutional framework governing national symbols and the Public Seal Act. Enforcement is under the Criminal Code Act and relevant federal regulations. Aligns with international protocol conventions on national symbols.