Nigeria spearheaded the formation of ECOWAS during the regime of

Analyze the question: The question asks which Nigerian leader was in power when ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) was formed.

Explain the concept: ECOWAS was established by the Treaty of Lagos on 28 May 1975. Nigeria, together with Togo, led the push for it. The idea had been developed over several years, and the Nigerian government at the time championed the diplomacy that brought 15 West African states to sign the treaty.

Solution, step by step:

1. The treaty was signed in Lagos on 28 May 1975.
2. Who ruled Nigeria in May 1975? General Yakubu Gowon governed from 1966 until he was overthrown on 29 July 1975. So in May 1975, he was still head of state.
3. Murtala Muhammed took over after July 1975, then Olusegun Obasanjo from February 1976. Babangida ruled from 1985 to 1993, which is far too late.

Therefore, ECOWAS was formed during the regime of General Yakubu Gowon.

Why the other options are wrong:

• A. Obasanjo: He came to power in 1976, after ECOWAS was already established. He did help consolidate it later.
• C. Muritala Muhammed: He took power two months after the treaty was signed. He supported the organisation's early development, but it was not formed under his regime.
• D. Babangida: He ruled 1985-1993, about ten years after ECOWAS was founded.

Exam tip: Remember the year 1975 and link it to Gowon, "the last year of Gowon." Also remember that ECOWAS was formed in Lagos, and that Gowon and Gnassingbé Eyadéma of Togo were its key founders. The 1975 Muhammed coup came in July, after the treaty in May. JAMB often tests this timing.