Key Points You Should Know About Nigeria’s Independence

Nigeria obtained its independence on October 1, 1960. This date marks the end of British colonial rule in Nigeria and the establishment of an independent Nigerian government. It is an important milestone in Nigerian history and is celebrated annually as Nigeria’s Independence Day.

On October 1, 1960, at midnight, the Union Jack was lowered and the Nigerian flag was raised for the first time, marking the end of British rule and the beginning of a new era for Nigeria.

The British Union Jack was lowered and replaced by the nation’s Green-white-green flag, and with the independence, a new constitution, establishing a federal system with an elected prime minister and a ceremonial head of state was established.

Under this constitution, Nigeria retained Queen Elizabeth II as titular head of state.

Independence was achieved, after the nationalist movement of some reputable Nigerians like Alhaji (Sir) Ahmadu Bello (first premier of Northern Nigeria), Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Chief Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, etc.

Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa was the Prime Minister of Nigeria when it gained its independence. He served as the country’s First Prime Minister until his assassination in 1966.

Some of the weaknesses, of the 1960 Independence Constitution, were;

1. The Queen remained the constitutional Head of State.

2. The Judicial Committee, of the British House of Lords, in London, was still the highest Court of Appeal.

3. The constitution was not completely put together by Nigerians.

From 1960 to 1963, the head of state under the Constitution of 1960 was the Queen of Nigeria, Elizabeth II who was also the queen of the United Kingdom and the other Commonwealth realms.

Nnamdi Azikiwe was appointed to the honorary post of Governor-General of Nigeria by Queen Elizabeth II, making him the first and only indigenous Governor–General of Nigeria (1960–1963).

Nigeria was declared a republic on 1 October 1963, and Azikiwe was elected as the first President of Nigeria, sharing power with the elected prime minister, Abubakar Balewa.

Since 1960, October 1 has been a day for Nigerians to celebrate. Whether on the streets or in one of those renovated vestiges of the colonial era, it has always been a time to savour independence.