When did Nigeria become a republic?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Nigeria became a republic on October 1, 1963.12

Following its independence from British colonial rule in 1960, the country initially operated under a federal system with a ceremonial head of state. Upon becoming a republic in 1963, Nnamdi Azikiwe assumed the office of president, while Abubakar Tafawa Balewa continued to serve as prime minister.12