1966 in Nigeria

This article is about the particular significance of the year 1966 to Nigeria and its people.

See also: Timeline of Nigerian history

Years in Nigeria:	1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969
Centuries:	19th century · 20th century · 21st century
Decades:	1930s 1940s 1950s 1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s
Years:	1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969

Incumbents

• President:
  • until 16 January: Nnamdi Azikiwe
  • 16 January-12 July: Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi
  • 12 July-1 August: vacant
  • starting 1 August: Yakubu Gowon
• Prime Minister: Abubakar Tafawa Balewa (until 15 January)
• Vice President: Babafemi Ogundipe (until 29 July), Joseph Edet Akinwale Wey (starting 29 July)

Events

January

• January 10, 1966 — Diplomats of the British Commonwealth meet in Lagos to discuss the Rhodesian secession crisis.[1]
• January 15, 1966 — The first of many military coups in Nigeria deposes the Nigerian First Republic; Prime Minister Tafawa Balewa, was assassinated along with the premier of Northern Nigeria, Ahmadu Bello, and the Finance Minister, Festus Okotie-Eboh
• January 16, 1966 — The Federal Military Government is formed, with General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi as the Head of State and Supreme Commander of the Federal Republic.

July

• July 16, 1966 —The "Lagos Convention" calls for Nigeria's entry to the Common Market of the European Economic Community. Babafemi Ogundipe signs on behalf of the government. The Convention will remain unratified and no agreement will go into effect until the signing of the Lomé Convention in 1976.[2]
• July 29, 1966 — A counter-coup by military officers of northern extraction, deposes the Federal Military Government; General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi is assassinated along with Adekunle Fajuyi, Military Governor of Western Region. General Yakubu Gowon becomes Head of State.

References

1. "Anti-Rhodesia Plan Is Sought At Lagos Talk: Crush Riots Barring Diplomats Route", Chicago Tribune, 11 January 1966.
2. Victor A. O. Adetula, "Nigeria and the European Union: The Lome Years and Beyond"; in Europe at the Crossroads, ed. Basil R. Jones; New York: Nova Science Publishers, 2007; pp. 134–137.