1966 in Nigeria

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
• Vice President: Babafemi Ogundipe, Joseph Edet Akinwale Wey

  Events

January

• January 10, 1966 — Diplomats of the British Commonwealth meet in Lagos to discuss the Rhodesian secession crisis.
• 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.
• 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.