On August 30, 1957, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, ex-transport minister was sworn in as Nigeria’s first Prime Minister, a major milestone on the road from colonial rule to independence.
Addressing federal lawmakers, traditional rulers and dignitaries, Balewa promised unity and stability as the country prepared for self-government.
“We stand at the threshold of nationhood,” he said. “This coalition of leaders from the North, South, East and West shows Nigerians can govern together. Our work now is to build a nation where every tribe and every language has a voice.”
Governor-General Sir James Robertson also congratulated Balewa, calling the coalition evidence of “the maturity of Nigerian political leadership at this critical time.”
Since the 1954 Constitution, Nigeria has been moving steadily toward internal self-rule. Under Balewa, the Federal Government will now assume greater control from London over finance, trade and foreign affairs.
