Murtala Ramat Muhammed: 50 Years After His Assassination

Nigeria today paused to honour General Murtala Ramat Muhammed on the 50th anniversary of his assassination, remembering a leader whose brief tenure left an indelible mark on the nation.

Commemorative events were held across the country, including wreath-laying ceremonies at the Murtala Muhammed Arcade in Abuja, national moments of silence, Anti-Corruption Day activities, and lectures organised by the Murtala Muhammed Foundation (MMF).

President Bola Tinubu described the late general as “a moral compass for Africa,” while former heads of state, diplomats, and civil society leaders gathered to reflect on his decisive 200-day leadership that reshaped governance, confronted corruption, and elevated Nigeria’s standing on the global stage.

Aisha Muhammed-Oyebode, the general’s daughter and MMF CEO, captured the mood of the nation: “His sacrifice was worth it. The legacy lives on.”

Dignitaries attending the ceremony at the Murtala Muhammed Arcade included the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, former Chief of Staff to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, the Ambassador of Angola, and other distinguished guests.

The events highlighted the enduring relevance of Murtala’s leadership and his commitment to anti-corruption, national discipline, and African unity.

Early Life

Murtala Ramat Muhammed was born on November 8, 1938, in the Kurawa quarters of Kano, into a family with rich Hausa-Fulani and Kanuri heritage.

His father, Risqua Muhammed, served in the Kano Native Authority, while his mother, Uwani Ramatu, came from a lineage known for its Islamic scholarship and judicial service.

He began his education at Cikin Gida and Gidan Makama primary schools before attending Government College Zaria (now Barewa College), one of Nigeria’s most prestigious institutions.

At 19, he enlisted in the Nigerian Army, training initially in Ghana and later at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom, where he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1961.

Murtala’s military career advanced rapidly. He served in the Congo under the United Nations peacekeeping mission, rose to brigadier general by 1971, and played a crucial role in the Nigerian Civil War as a divisional commander.

His leadership style was defined early on by decisiveness, patriotism, and a reputation for discipline.

His Family

In 1963, Murtala married Hafsatu Ajoke Muhammed, who would later serve as Nigeria’s Fourth First Lady and champion conservation efforts. Together, they had six children: Aisha, Zakari (deceased), Fatima, Abba (Risqua), Zeliha, and Jummai.

Ajoke Muhammed has been a steadfast custodian of her husband’s legacy, establishing the Murtala Muhammed Foundation to promote leadership, anti-corruption initiatives, and development across Africa.

The family has remained committed to preserving his vision and principles decades after his death.

His Legacies

Fifty years after his death, Murtala’s contributions remain deeply ingrained in Nigeria’s identity. The Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos stands as a daily reminder of his forward-looking vision.

The announcement of relocating the nation’s capital to Abuja during his tenure paved the way for a neutral, purpose-built center of governance. His uncompromising stance against corruption established a benchmark for integrity in public service.

Beyond physical infrastructure, Murtala left a lasting intangible legacy: a belief in decisive, bold leadership capable of reshaping a nation. Analysts frequently cite his tenure as evidence that transformative governance is possible even in a short span.

Impact

Murtala’s 200 days in power brought swift and profound changes. He restored discipline in the civil service, overhauled Nigeria’s foreign policy with a Pan-African emphasis, and positioned Nigeria as a leading voice against apartheid and colonialism.

At the 1976 OAU summit in Addis Ababa, he declared that “Africa has come of age,” signaling a new assertiveness in African diplomacy.

Domestically, he created seven new states, addressing regional imbalances and ethnic tensions, and laid the groundwork for a planned transition to civilian rule. His leadership inspired a generation, generating what many referred to as the “Murtala effect”, a surge in national pride, accountability, and hope.

Challenges and Criticisms During His Tenure

No tenure is without controversy. Murtala’s mass civil service purge in 1975, which dismissed over 10,000 officials—including judges, diplomats, and administrators—was seen as heavy-handed and caused social disruption. Critics argue the abrupt approach created insecurity and hardship, even as it sought to cleanse the system of corruption.

His temporary control of major newspapers, including the Daily Times and New Nigerian, drew criticism for perceived authoritarianism. Additionally, some policies were implemented without sufficient planning or resources, highlighting the risks of rapid reform. His casual approach to personal security, often driving with minimal escort, ultimately made him vulnerable.

Achievements

Despite his short tenure from July 29, 1975, to February 13, 1976, Murtala achieved reforms that have endured for decades.

His anti-corruption drive implemented strict accountability measures with public officials facing trials, asset seizures, and in one high-profile case, execution for gross misconduct.

Civil service reform restructured public service, instilling discipline and efficiency.

He created Bauchi, Benue, Gongola (now Adamawa/Taraba), Imo, Niger, Ogun, and Bendel (now Delta/Edo), increasing Nigeria’s states from 12 to 19, promoting balance and reducing ethnic tensions.

The move of the federal capital from Lagos to Abuja established a purpose-built, central capital.

A Constitution Drafting Committee was formed, democratic timelines set, and key government institutions restructured to ensure a smooth transition to civilian rule.

In foreign policy, he championed African liberation movements, recognised the MPLA in Angola, and positioned Nigeria as a leading voice against colonialism and apartheid.

National development initiatives included reviewing the Third National Development Plan, demobilising post-civil war troops, cancelling the 1973 census due to irregularities, and promoting unity by neutralising regional attachments.

Foundations for future national projects and modernization initiatives were also laid.

His swift, decisive reforms showed that even a brief period in office could leave an enduring impact.

At 37, General Murtala Ramat Muhammed became Nigeria’s youngest head of state to die in office, yet his influence persists across generations.

The 50th anniversary commemorations, spanning Abuja, Kano, and beyond, reaffirm that his courage, discipline, and vision remain guiding principles for Nigeria’s ongoing pursuit of good governance, national unity, and African leadership.

The message from today’s events is clear: the spirit of Murtala Muhammed continues to inspire, challenge, and call Nigeria to action.