In 1975, Nigeria experienced one of the most extensive administrative actions in its post independence history. The event, widely known as the Great Public Service Purge of 1975, involved the sudden removal of thousands of public officials across federal and state governments. The purge altered the structure of governance, disrupted careers, and transformed the functioning of public institutions across the country.
It was a defining episode that changed how power, authority, and public service operated in Nigeria.
Nigeria’s Political Environment Before 1975
By the mid 1970s, Nigeria was under military rule led by General Yakubu Gowon. His administration had governed since 1966, overseeing the civil war and the early years of post war reconstruction. Despite economic growth driven by oil revenue, dissatisfaction grew over prolonged military rule, delayed transition plans, and an expanding bureaucracy.
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Public institutions became associated with slow procedures and centralized authority. The civil service, once known for stability and professionalism, increasingly appeared distant from public expectations.
On July 29, 1975, a bloodless coup removed Gowon from office while he was outside the country.
The Emergence of Murtala Mohammed
Following the coup, Brigadier Murtala Ramat Mohammed assumed leadership as Head of State. His government moved quickly to reorganize the structure of authority and administration. From the outset, emphasis was placed on speed, control, and direct action.
Reorganizing the public service became a central feature of this new direction. The civil service was identified as a critical institution through which government authority and reform would be exercised.
What the Public Service Purge Involved
The Great Public Service Purge unfolded rapidly. Senior and mid level public servants across ministries, departments, and agencies were affected. Those removed included permanent secretaries, senior administrators, judges, ambassadors, heads of parastatals, and military officers holding administrative roles.
Dismissals and compulsory retirements were communicated through official circulars and national broadcasts. In many instances, affected officers were not formally charged or subjected to disciplinary hearings. Reasons given for removal were broad, including inefficiency, abuse of office, loss of confidence, or administrative unsuitability.
The scope of the purge was nationwide and cut across federal and state levels, making it one of the most extensive administrative restructurings in Nigeria’s history.
The Judiciary and Institutional Disruption
The purge extended beyond the executive arm into the judiciary. Several judges were dismissed or retired without formal judicial proceedings. This development generated unease within legal and professional circles, as it removed long established institutional boundaries.
The removal of judicial officers demonstrated the reach of executive authority during the period and altered the relationship between governance and legal institutions.
Public Response and National Mood
At the early stage of the purge, public reaction was largely positive. Many Nigerians viewed the removals as a decisive break from an era associated with privilege and bureaucratic distance. The speed and visibility of the actions reinforced the image of a government determined to act.
As the purge continued, the effects became more visible. Families were affected, ministries were reorganized, and experienced personnel exited the system abruptly. Public opinion evolved as the administrative consequences unfolded.
Effects on Government Operations
The immediate impact on governance was significant. Ministries and agencies lost experienced leadership and institutional memory built over decades. Vacancies were filled quickly, often through accelerated promotions.
This restructuring altered internal processes. Decision making became more cautious, as remaining officials adjusted to a new administrative climate. Government operations continued, but with noticeable changes in pace and structure.
Long Term Impact on the Civil Service
The purge reshaped the culture of Nigeria’s civil service. Career stability was reduced, and administrative authority became more closely linked to political power. Civil servants operated within a system where tenure and advancement were less predictable.
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The event also influenced future administrative actions. Subsequent governments retained the ability to restructure the public service through mass removals, reinforcing executive dominance over bureaucratic institutions.
The Place of the Purge in Nigerian History
The Great Public Service Purge of 1975 occupies a central place in Nigeria’s governance history. It marked a decisive moment when administrative authority was exercised on a national scale. The purge reshaped institutions, altered professional trajectories, and redefined how power interacted with public service.
Its effects extended beyond the individuals removed, influencing administrative practice and governance structures for decades.
Author’s Note
The Great Public Service Purge of 1975 illustrates how deeply administrative decisions can reshape a nation’s institutions. It remains a reminder that public service reforms affect not only systems and structures, but also people, continuity, and the long term character of governance.
References
Federal Military Government of Nigeria Official Gazette, 1975
Toyin Falola and Matthew Heaton, A History of Nigeria
Oyeleye Oyediran, Nigerian Government and Politics Under Military Rule
Akin Mabogunje, The Nigerian Civil Service and Administrative Reform
Obaro Ikime, Groundwork of Nigerian History
