Soldiers and Oil: The Political Transformation of Nigeria

Soldiers and Oil (1978) explores Nigeria under military rule from 1966 to 1978, a period of political change and economic growth, with the oil industry becoming the greatest source of public revenue and fundamentally changing the economics of the federated states.

Format: Hardback
Length: 376 pages
Publication date: 12 October 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Soldiers and Oil (1978) delves into the political and economic landscape of Nigeria during the military rule from 1966 to 1978. This transformative era witnessed a significant shift in the country's political landscape, accompanied by substantial economic growth. Notably, during this period, Nigerian oil revenues experienced a remarkable twenty-fold increase, solidifying the oil industry as the primary source of public revenue. This pivotal development had far-reaching consequences, as it fundamentally altered the economics of the federated states, which were established by the military government with a strong emphasis on financial autonomy. The distribution of oil wealth by the central federal government played a crucial role in shaping these states' economies, leading to significant changes in their economic structures and development trajectories.

The military government's control over the oil industry during this period was marked by a deliberate effort to centralize power and resources. The government established a national oil corporation, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), to oversee the exploration, production, and distribution of oil. This move aimed to ensure efficient management of the country's oil wealth and prevent corruption and misappropriation. However, the centralization of power also led to concerns about the distribution of benefits and the potential for regional imbalances.

Despite these challenges, the oil industry's growth had a profound impact on Nigeria's economy. The country's GDP grew at an impressive rate, and the oil revenue generated helped to fund infrastructure development, education, and healthcare. The oil industry also created job opportunities for millions of Nigerians, both in the oil sector and in related industries such as transportation and construction.

However, the distribution of oil wealth was not without its controversies. Critics argued that the central government's distribution of oil revenue was unfair and skewed in favor of the northern region, which had the majority of the country's oil resources. This led to tensions and protests in some parts of the country, particularly in the Niger Delta region, where oil production was concentrated.

In conclusion, Soldiers and Oil (1978) provides a valuable insight into the political and economic dynamics of Nigeria during the military rule. The period witnessed a significant increase in oil revenues, which transformed the country's economy and led to significant changes in the distribution of wealth. While the oil industry's growth brought about many benefits, it also highlighted the need for fair and equitable distribution of resources and the importance of regional cooperation. The book serves as a reminder of the complex and multifaceted nature of the Nigerian political and economic landscape and the challenges that the country continues to face in the 21st century.

Weight: 880g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032571669