General Murtala Muhammed, who served as Nigeria’s Head of State for just 200 days (July 1975 – February 1976), is remembered for his dynamic, action-oriented leadership that significantly reshaped the nation. Despite his short tenure, his major achievements include:
⦁ Creation of New States: On February 3, 1976, his administration increased the number of states in Nigeria from 12 to 19. The new states created were Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Imo, Niger, Ogun, and Ondo.
⦁ Initiating the New Federal Capital (Abuja): He set up the Justice Akinola Aguda Panel, which recommended moving the federal capital from Lagos due to overcrowding. He officially announced the decision to create a new Federal Capital Territory in Abuja on February 3, 1976.
⦁ Civil Service Reform (“The Murtala Spirit”): He launched a massive, often ruthless, purge of the public sector to address corruption, incompetence, and inefficiency. Over 10,000 public officials were dismissed “with immediate effect,” a phrase that became associated with his leadership style.
⦁ Decisive Foreign Policy: He shifted Nigeria’s foreign policy toward a more assertive “Nigeria First” stance, making Africa the centrepiece of diplomacy. He is highly regarded for supporting the independence of Angola and taking a strong stand against apartheid in South Africa.
⦁ Transition to Civilian Rule: He initiated a clear, detailed political program, including a new constitution and a timetable to hand over power to a civilian government by October 1, 1979.
⦁ Restructuring the Military: He began the reorganization and demobilization of about 100,000 troops from the armed forces to reduce the size and cost of the military post-civil war.
⦁ Increased Federal Control of Media: His government took federal control of the country’s two largest newspapers, Daily Times and New Nigerian, to ensure national interest was prioritized.
General Murtala Muhammed was assassinated in an abortive coup attempt on February 13, 1976.
