On October 7, 1960, the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which attained independence on October 1, 1960, was admitted into the United Nations as its 99th member.
The admission took place at the 15th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, six days after Nigeria gained independence from Britain.
Nigeria’s admission was unanimously endorsed by the General Assembly following a recommendation by the UN Security Council.
The new nation was represented at the historic session by Prime Minister, Alhaji Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, who delivered Nigeria’s maiden address to the world body.
In his address, Tafawa Balewa declared Nigeria’s foreign policy of non-alignment and friendship with all nations, as well as its commitment to the total decolonization of Africa.
Nigeria’s flag was subsequently hoisted at the UN Headquarters alongside those of other member nations, marking the country’s formal entry into the comity of nations.
Nigeria becomes the 25th African nation to join the world organization.
