Federation of Nigeria

The Federation of Nigeria was a predecessor to modern-day Nigeria from 1954 to 1963. It was an autonomous region until independence on 1 October 1960.

For the autonomous British territory named Federation of Nigeria from 1954 to 1960, see Colonial Nigeria.
Federation of Nigeria

1960–1963
Motto: "Unity and Faith"
CapitalLagos
GovernmentFederal parliamentary constitutional monarchy
Queen 
• 1954–1963
Elizabeth II
Governor-General 
• 1955-1960
Sir James Wilson Robertson
• 1960–1963
Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe
Prime Minister 
• 1960–1963
Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa
LegislatureParliament[1]
• Upper house
Senate
• Lower house
House of Representatives
Historical eraCold War
• Independence
1 October 1960
• Republic
1 October 1963
Area
923,768 km2 (356,669 sq mi)
CurrencyNigerian pound
Preceded by		Succeeded by
Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria
First Nigerian Republic

British rule of Colonial Nigeria ended in 1960, when the Nigeria Independence Act 1960[2] made the federation an independent sovereign state. Elizabeth II remained head of state as the Queen of Nigeria, as well as other independent states. Her constitutional roles in Nigeria were exercisable by the Governor-General of Nigeria. Two people held the office of governor-general:

  1. Sir James Wilson Robertson October 1960 - 16 November 1960
  2. Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe 16 November 1960 – 1 October 1963

Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa held office as prime minister (and head of government).

The Federal Republic of Nigeria came into existence on 1 October 1963.[3] The monarchy was abolished and Nigeria became a republic within the Commonwealth. Following the abolition of the monarchy, former Governor-General Nnamdi Azikiwe became President of Nigeria, as a ceremonial post under the 1963 constitution.

Elizabeth II visited Nigeria in 1956 (28 January–16 February).

See also

References
  1. "The Constitution of the Federation of Nigeria (1960)" (PDF). Worldstatemen.org. Retrieved 2017-01-26.
  2. Nigeria Independence Act 1960, 8 & 9 Eliz. 2 c.55
  3. Nigeria Republic Act 1963, c. 57
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