Nigeria practised the Westminster system of government between

Nigeria practised the Westminster system of government between 1960 and 1966. The Westminster system is a democratic system of government that originated in the United Kingdom and is characterized by having a parliamentary system, where the executive branch (the Prime Minister and Cabinet) is accountable to the legislative branch (the Parliament). Nigeria gained independence from British colonial rule in 1960 and adopted the Westminster system of government, with a Prime Minister as the head of government and a ceremonial President as the head of state. However, Nigeria's experience with the Westminster system was short-lived. In 1966, the government was overthrown in a military coup and the country was ruled by a series of military dictatorships for several decades. Therefore, Nigeria practiced the Westminster system of government for only six years, from 1960 to 1966.