Nigerian region governors and premiers in the First Republic
Nigeria became independent on 1 October 1960 and became a republic on 1 October 1963.
On 16 January 1966 a military coup brought Major General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi to power, terminating the first period of democratic rule.
During this period an appointed governor was nominal head of state while an elected premier led the government.
| Region | Period | Governor | Premier | Notes |
| Eastern Region | Oct 1960 - Jan 1966 | Francis Akanu Ibiam | Michael Okpara | |
| Mid-Western Region | Aug 1963 - Feb 1964 | Dennis Osadebay | Dennis Osadebay | Region created from part of Western Region on 8 August 1963 |
| Mid-Western Region | Feb 1964 - Jan 1966 | Jereton Mariere | Dennis Osadebay | |
| Northern Region | Oct 1960 - 1962 | Gawain Westray Bell | Ahmadu Bello | |
| Northern Region | 1962 - Jan 1966 | Kashim Ibrahim | Ahmadu Bello | |
| Western Region | Oct 1960 - May 1962 | Adesoji Aderemi | Samuel Akintola | |
| Western Region | May 1962 - Dec 1962 | Adesoji Aderemi | Moses Majekodunmi | Administrator appointed during political crisis |
| Western Region | Jan 1963 - Jan 1966 | Joseph Fadahunsi | Samuel Akintola |