As per the Constitution of India, the governor is a state's de jure head, but de facto executive authority rests with the chief minister.

Following elections to the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, the state's governor usually invites the party (or coalition) with a majority of seats to form the government.

[1] Since 1963, eleven people belonging to seven parties have served as chief minister of Nagaland.

The first three belonged to the Nagaland Nationalist Organisation, including the inaugural officeholder P. Shilu Ao.

The current incumbent is Neiphiu Rio of the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party, in office since 8 March 2018.