The Military and Economic Development in Nigeria: 1966-1999

Abstract

It is common knowledge that Nigeria has remained in the woods in terms of economic development in spite of enormous human and material resources. Yet, from the country's independence in 1960, its successive governments have been singing the mantra of economic development as being the focal point of their administrations. Typically, the pendulum of governance had swung between the civilian and military regimes. However, from 1966 to 1999, the military ruled for 28 years with the civilians having a shot for only 4 years. Against the backdrop of postulations in some quarters that the military is a corporate institution which is best structurally equipped to manage socio-economic conditions. this paper examines the index of economic development in Nigeria under the military. Deploying narrative and analytical methodology, the paper advances its argument on regime basis. The study is quite significant in the sense that it mirrors the success rate of various strides taken by the military to engender economic development in Nigeria. The paper concludes that in spite of ostensible efforts by the military, Nigeria remained largely underdeveloped economically between 1966 and 1999.