Originally published in 1968, this book is of unique value because it provides first-hand information on Nigerian government and administration in action during the 2^nd half of the 20^th Century. Themes discussed include the evolution, organisation and structure of the civil services; the impact of politics on administration; interest groups; the politics of modernisation and its effect on the Administration; inter-class and inter-departmental conflicts in the public services; the contribution of politicians and administrators to national economic planning and the politics and administration of public corporations. The Nigerian experience is also compared with that of francophone West African countries, and the last chapter examines the future of Nigerian administration against the background of past experience.