The period between 1 October 1960, when the country gained its independence and 15 January 1966, when the first military coup d’état took place, is also generally referred to as the First Republic.

Major-General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi took control as the first Head of the Federal Military Government of Nigeria on January 16, 1966.

After the end of the war, the nation re-unified and military rule continued for another nine years, implementing nationalisation of foreign businesses.

Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa of the Northern People's Congress was the only prime minister during the period of the First Republic.

The Federal Parliament was the legislative branch of the government, consisting of three elements: The President, the Senate and the directly elected House of Representatives.

This raised suspicions among the southern politicians, who resented the idea of a federal government controlled by a regional leader through his designated proxy.

[10] At the same time a top-level security conference in Lagos was taking place which was attended by most of the country's senior army officiers.

All of this activity created rumors that the Balewa government would be forced to crack down on lawlessness in the West using military might.

On 16 January 1966 a military coup brought Major General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi to power, terminating the first period of democratic rule.