The Federation of Nigeria was a predecessor to modern-day Nigeria from 1954 to 1963. It was a British protectorate until its independence on 1 October 1960. The Federation consisted of three regions: Northern Region of Nigeria Western Region of Nigeria Eastern Region of Nigeria
British rule of Colonial Nigeria ended in 1960, when the Nigeria Independence Act 1960Nigeria Independence Act 1960, 8 & 9 Eliz. 2 c.55 made the federation an independent sovereign state. Elizabeth II remained head of state as the Queen of Nigeria, as well as other dominions and commonwealth realms. Her constitutional roles in Nigeria were exercisable by the Governor-General of Nigeria. Three people held the office of governor-general during the whole existence of the Federation of Nigeria:
Sir John Stuart Macpherson 1954 – 15 June 1955 Sir James Wilson Robertson 15 June 1955 – 16 November 1960 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.Nigeria Republic Act 1963, c. 57 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.Nigeria's Forgotten Heroes: Nnamdi Azikiwe – "Father of the Nation" (Part 2).
Elizabeth II visited Nigeria in 1956 (28 January – 16 February).
Stamps of the Federation
See also Federalism in Nigeria
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