Describe six achievements of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) between 1979 and 1983.

Answer Details

The National Party of Nigeria (NPN), led by President Shehu Shagari, governed at the centre during the Second Republic (1979-1983) and recorded the following achievements.

1. Maintenance of democratic civilian rule: It sustained the presidential system of government after thirteen years of military rule, keeping the democratic experiment alive.
2. The Green Revolution programme: It launched agricultural schemes aimed at boosting food production and achieving self-sufficiency in food.
3. Housing programme: It embarked on a low-cost housing scheme to provide affordable homes for Nigerians across the country.
4. Expansion of infrastructure: It embarked on the construction of roads, and continued work on projects such as the Ajaokuta Steel Complex and other industries.
5. Promotion of national unity: Through its policy of spreading appointments and projects across the country, it fostered a sense of belonging among the various groups (the "federal character" principle).
6. Active foreign policy: It pursued an Africa-centred foreign policy and contributed to regional cooperation through ECOWAS and support for liberation movements.

It also won re-election in 1983, and promoted universal primary education and expanded the frontiers of tertiary education.