The Effect of Military Rule on Nigeria’s Political Economy (A Case Study of Abacha Regime 1993 – 1998)
CHAPTER ONE
OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY
The main objective of this study is to examine the effect of military rule on Nigeria’s political economy, using the Abacha regime (1993–1998) as a case study.
The specific objectives are to:
- Examine the nature of political governance and institutional structure under the Abacha military regime.
- Analyze the economic policies implemented during the Abacha regime and their impact on national development.
- Assess the extent and implications of corruption, resource mismanagement, and international sanctions during the regime.
- Investigate the long-term effects of the Abacha regime on democratic institutions and political accountability in Nigeria.
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATUIRE
Military Rule
Military rule refers to a system of governance in which the armed forces control the political power of a state, often following a coup d’état or the collapse of civilian authority. Unlike democratic regimes characterized by pluralism, elections, and civil liberties, military regimes are typically authoritarian, with centralized decision-making, suppression of opposition, suspension of constitutions, and limited public participation in governance (Omede, 2020).
In its classical form, military rule involves the direct control of the state by military officers, often under the justification of restoring order, fighting corruption, or safeguarding national security. The military’s involvement in governance is usually extralegal, meaning it does not derive from the constitutional order but rather from force or coercion. Military regimes often dissolve democratic institutions like parliaments and courts and replace them with military councils or decrees (Adebanwi, 2022).
In many post-colonial African states, military rule became a recurring phenomenon, especially during the 1960s–1990s, when weak state institutions, ethnic conflicts, and corruption created environments ripe for military intervention. In Nigeria, for example, the first military coup took place in 1966, leading to a long history of alternating military and civilian governments until 1999, when civilian rule was restored and has since been maintained (Agbaje & Adejumobi, 2021).
One key feature of military rule is centralization of power, which often eliminates checks and balances. Military leaders tend to operate under command structures, with decisions made by a few senior officers rather than through democratic deliberation. This has often led to human rights abuses, lack of accountability, and economic mismanagement, as seen in the regimes of General Yakubu Gowon, General Ibrahim Babangida, and General Sani Abacha in Nigeria (Oloruntoba, 2021).
Another characteristic of military rule is the suspension or alteration of constitutions. In Nigeria, for instance, military governments often ruled by decrees rather than laws passed through a legislature. These decrees typically had overriding authority and could not be challenged in court, thereby undermining the principle of rule of law (Ihonvbere, 2020).
Despite these authoritarian tendencies, some military regimes have claimed to pursue reform agendas, particularly in areas of anti-corruption and national unity. However, many of these promises have historically been unmet or overshadowed by personal enrichment, lack of transparency, and suppression of dissent. The Abacha regime (1993–1998), for example, was marked by massive looting of public resources, state-sponsored violence, and diplomatic isolation, despite initial claims of restoring order (Transparency International, 2023).
The transition from military to civilian rule is often difficult, especially where military institutions have become entrenched in governance. Scholars argue that the legacies of military rule—such as impunity, centralized power structures, and weak democratic institutions—continue to affect post-military democracies like Nigeria today (Eze & Ogundiya, 2023).
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Research Design
This study adopted a qualitative historical-descriptive research design. This approach is appropriate for exploring past events, institutional dynamics, and policy decisions within the context of military rule. It enables the researcher to critically analyze the nature of political governance, institutional structures, and economic policies under the Abacha regime from 1993 to 1998, using historical documents, scholarly analyses, and official records.
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Area of the Study
The area of study is Nigeria, with specific attention to the Federal Government’s central administrative activities under General Sani Abacha’s regime (1993–1998). The study focuses on national-level governance, economic policies, and institutional frameworks as implemented from the seat of power in Abuja, with implications across all regions of Nigeria.
Population of the Study
The population comprises archival records, government policy documents, scholarly journal articles, non-governmental reports, media publications, and international institutional reports (e.g., from the World Bank, UNODC, and Transparency International) that provide information about the Abacha regime’s governance and economic performance.
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
This chapter presents and analyzes data based on the two research questions:
What was the nature of political governance and institutional structure under the Abacha regime?
What economic policies were implemented during the Abacha regime, and how did they affect national development?
The analysis is qualitative in nature and drawn from historical records, scholarly publications, policy documents, and reports from international and national organizations. The chapter is organized thematically according to each research question.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Summary of Findings
This study examined the effects of military rule on Nigeria’s political economy, with specific focus on the Abacha regime (1993–1998). The research explored the nature of political governance and institutional structure during the regime and analyzed the economic policies adopted and their implications for national development.
From the findings presented in Chapter Four, several critical issues were identified:
Authoritarian Governance and Institutional Erosion:
The Abacha regime was characterized by autocratic rule, the dissolution of democratic institutions, and the domination of state power by a closed circle of military elites. Democratic processes were suspended, and the judiciary, media, and civil society were significantly weakened. The regime ruled largely by decrees, which undermined the rule of law and reduced checks and balances (Ihonvbere, 2020; Adebanwi, 2021).
Corruption and Resource Mismanagement:
The period witnessed massive looting of public funds, with over $5 billion embezzled by Abacha and his associates (UNODC & World Bank, 2020). This diverted resources away from development projects and contributed to infrastructure collapse, rising poverty, and economic stagnation.
Economic Policies and Development Outcomes:
Despite initiatives like the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF) and Vision 2010, economic policy implementation was inconsistent and lacked transparency. The dual exchange rate system and rent-seeking practices fueled inflation, widened inequality, and discouraged foreign investment. Sanctions following human rights abuses further isolated Nigeria from the global community and limited economic growth (Olukoshi, 2022; Lewis, 2007).
Long-Term Effects on Democratic Institutions:
The authoritarian legacy of the regime continues to impact Nigeria’s democratic development. Institutional distrust, elite dominance, and systemic corruption remain significant challenges even in the Fourth Republic, reflecting the enduring impact of the military era (Omotola & Ogunnubi, 2020).
Conclusion
The Abacha regime represents a critical period in Nigeria’s political and economic history. While it operated within a context of global and domestic instability, the regime entrenched a governance style marked by repression, corruption, and economic mismanagement. Its impact on the political economy was largely negative, weakening democratic institutions, discouraging foreign investment, and deepening structural inequalities.
The legacies of military rule—particularly those established during the Abacha years—continue to affect governance in Nigeria. Despite the transition to democratic rule in 1999, the residue of authoritarianism, elite capture of state institutions, and economic misgovernance still manifest in various forms. These challenges underline the need for sustained institutional reform, civic empowerment, and political accountability.
Recommendations
Based on the findings, the following recommendations are proposed:
Nigeria must prioritize rebuilding strong, independent, and accountable democratic institutions, particularly the judiciary, legislature, and anti-corruption agencies. These institutions must operate free from political interference to sustain democratic governance.
The fight against corruption should go beyond asset recovery. There should be stronger enforcement of anti-corruption laws, protection of whistleblowers, and open government initiatives to increase public trust.
There is a need to educate citizens especially the youth on democratic values, civic responsibility, and political participation. A politically aware population is less likely to tolerate authoritarian tendencies.
The over-reliance on oil revenue, which was exploited during the Abacha regime, must be addressed. Nigeria should diversify its economy and ensure that national resources benefit a broader segment of the population through targeted investment in health, education, and infrastructure.
REFERENCES
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