Originally published in 1968, this book is of unique value because it provides first-hand information on Nigerian government and administration in action during the 2nd half of the 20th Century. Themes discussed include the evolution, organisation and structure of the civil services; the impact of politics on administration; interest groups; the politics of modernisation and its effect on the Administration; inter-class and inter-departmental conflicts in the public services; the contribution of politicians and administrators to national economic planning and the politics and administration of public corporations. The Nigerian experience is also compared with that of francophone West African countries, and the last chapter examines the future of Nigerian administration against the background of past experience.

This volume engages in an in-depth discussion of Nigerian politics. Written by an expert group of Nigerian researchers, the chapters provide an overarching, Afrocentric view of politics in Nigeria, from pre-colonial history to the current federal system. The book begins with a series of historical chapters analyzing the development of Nigeria from its traditional political institutions through the First Republic. After establishing the necessary historical context, the next few chapters shift the focus to specific political institutions and phenomena, including the National Assembly, local government and governance, party politics, and federalism. The remaining chapters discuss issues that continue to affect Nigerian politics: the debt crisis, oil politics in the Niger Delta, military intervention and civil-military relations, as well as nationalism and inter-group relations. Providing an overview of Nigerian politics that encompasses history, economics, and public administration, this volume will be useful to students and researchers interested in African politics, African studies, democracy, development, history, and legislative studies.