Supreme Military Council (Nigeria 1966)

The Supreme Military Council was the body that ruled Nigeria after the coup d'état in 1966, which was followed by several Military Coups in Nigeria between 1966 and 1999.

According to a Constitutional Decree, published in Lagos on March 17, 1967 legislative and executive power was vested in the Supreme Military Council. The Chairman of the Council was the head of the Military Government.

The Supreme Military Council consisted of the Regional Military Governors and the Military Administrator of the Federal Territory, the Heads of the Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force, the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces and the Inspector-General of Police or his Deputy.

The Supreme Military Council could delegate powers to a Federal Executive council, predominantly composed of civilian Commissioners.

President of the Supreme Military Council was Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Gowon, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.

Members (in 1970)
The Military Governors of the twelve states of the federation were ex-offcio members of the committee.