Nigeria's Independence: October 1, 1960

The **Federal Republic of Nigeria** came into existence as a sovereign state on **October 1, 1960**, when it gained independence from the **United Kingdom**.

Key Details

• Instrument: Nigeria Independence Act 1960 (UK Parliament).
• First Prime Minister: **Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa** (Northern People's Congress).
• First Governor-General: **Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe** (ceremonial; became first President 1963).
• Constitution: 1960 Independence Constitution (Westminster model).
• Republic: **October 1, 1963** — Constitution amended; Azikiwe became Executive President; left Commonwealth (rejoined 1960? actually remained).

Pre-Independence

• 1914: Amalgamation of Northern & Southern Protectorates (Lord Lugard).
• 1946: Richards Constitution → regional assemblies.
• 1951: Macpherson Constitution → more autonomy.
• 1954: Lyttleton Constitution → federalism.
• 1957/59: Self-government for Western, Eastern, Northern regions.

Post-Independence

• 1966: First military coup (Jan) → counter-coup (Jul) → pogroms → **Civil War (1967–70, Biafra)**.
• 1979, 1999: Returns to civilian rule (Second, Fourth Republics).
• 2023: Bola Tinubu inaugurated (7th Republic).

October 1 is **Nigeria's National Day**—celebrated with parades, speeches, green-white-green everywhere.