In 1979, civil rule was restored after elections at national and state level. The military again took power in December 1983, though this regime was itself ousted from power in August 1985. The Armed Forces Ruling Council (AFRC) was sworn in and governed the country until it was replaced by a National Defence and Security Council (NDSC) in January 1993. A subsequent Presidential election was declared invalid, and the military government resigned in August, handing over power toa Transitional Council.

A continuation of political instability led the Defence Minister, General Sanni Abacha, to launch a further military coup on 17 November 1993. A Military Provisional Ruling Council and a civilian Federal Executive Council were formed to govern the country, but pro-democracy demonstrations continued.

The National Constitutional Conference (NCC) was convened by the President in June 1994 and it was announced, in the following January, that General Abacha should have an unlimited term of office. An attempted coup was defeated in March 1995 and political activity was restored in June, when the NCC presented a draft constitution to the President. In June 1998, General Abacha died of a heart attack and was replecaed by General Abubakar. A continuation of the return to civilian rule was promised and the release of political prisoners began.

It was expected that Chief Abiola would be released, but in July 1998, he died of a heart attack while still in prison. News of his death led to widespread rioting throughout the country and the President announced that all elections held under General Abacha's rule were considered to be null and void. A general election was held on 20 February 1999 and the Peoples' Democratic Party (PDP) won a majority in both houses of parliament. A presidential election followed and the PDP candidate, General Obasanjo, was elected. The civilian administration assumed power on 29 May 1999.

During the period of General Abacha's rule, Nigeria was suspended from the Commonwealth on 11 November 1995, following the execution of nine Human Rights activists. It was readmitted to membership on 29 May 1999 when the democratically elected government took over the control of the country.

A mail packet ran from 1852, but datestamp and 'Paid at Lagos' hand-stamp did not reach the Postal Agent until March 1859.

After 16 February 1906 used stamps of Southern Nigeria (see below); Lagos stocks on hand were also used up concurrently.

In 1888 a special arrangement was made with the British GPO whereby mail franked with the company's handstamps would be delivered at single rates (instead of double charge). This did not always work.

Used stamps of Britain in 1890-1900; cancellation was by company handstamps at Akassa (1888); Burutu (opened 1896); Lokoja (June 1899); and Abutshi (October 1899).

PO was established at Old Calabar in November 1891 with sub-offices at Brass, Bonny, Opobo, Benin and Warri.

Used stamps of Britain November 1891-July 1892.

Stamps continued in use after the formation of Southern Nigeria until new stamps were ready.

In 1906, when Lagos was amalgamated, stamps of Lagos were valid throughout Southern Nigeria.

Since 1914 has used stamps of Nigeria (see below).

Since 1914 has used stamps of Nigeria (see below).

Mail from Kamerun before 1887 can be identified by shipping marks, sometimes on stamps of Germany supplied on board or on arrival in Hamburg.
Used stamps of Germany from 1 February 1887.

Six POs were opened before 1897: Kamerun (Duala), Victoria (1888), Bibundi (1891), Gross-Batanga (1893), Kribi (1894) and Rio del Rey (1897).

Allied Occupation
Duala was captured by Allied forces on 27 September 1914, but the campaign did not end until February 1916. (The last German PO to be overrun was at Mora on 18 February 1916). On 4 March 1916 the German colony was divided between Britain and France, an arrangement modified in 1919 when France reclaimed to Gabon and Moyen Congo the areas ceded in 1911-12. Two mandates were granted by the League of Nations based on the de facto partition line (see below under British Cameroons, Cameroun).

First British Occupation stamps July 1915. First French Occupation stamps 10 November 1915.

This use can be recognized by cancellations of the following offices (of which those marked* were still open in 1960-1 see Southern Cameroons): *Victoria, Bakeba, Bamenda, *Buea, *Kumba, Malla, Maduri, Mnyuka, Ndjan, *Nsau, Nyasoso, Ossindinge, Rio del Rey, *Tiko and Tinto.

After World War II, divided into Northern and Southern Cameroons.

British West Africa 1914 (Incl. Liberia & Port. Guinea)
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Nigeria 1901
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Cameroons 1920
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