An Interview with Dr. Samuel Okotie-Eboh, Grandson of Nigeria’s First Minister of Finance
Sixty years after Nigeria’s independence, the legacy of Chief Festus Samuel Okotie-Eboh—Nigeria’s first post-independence Minister of Finance and Development—remains largely absent from national memory. In this interview with Emma Arubi, his grandson, Dr. Samuel Okotie-Eboh, reflects on the life, achievements, and enduring contributions of a man whose vision helped lay Nigeria’s economic foundations, yet whose name is missing from the nation’s hall of fame.
Question: Dr. Okotie-Eboh, many Nigerians know the name Festus Okotie-Eboh only vaguely. Who was he to Nigeria beyond what history books briefly mention?
Answer:
Chief Festus Samuel Okotie-Eboh was not just Nigeria’s first Minister of Finance after independence; he was one of the central architects of the nation’s economic foundation. He was a bold, charismatic, and visionary leader who played a key role in shaping Nigeria at a time when resources were limited and the future uncertain. Within Prime Minister Abubakar Tafawa Balewa’s cabinet, he was a relentless go-getter—someone who believed Nigeria could stand shoulder to shoulder with the world if the right economic structures were put in place.
Question: Can you highlight an example that best captures his ingenuity and problem-solving approach to governance?
Answer:
A classic example is the Eko Bridge project in Lagos. At the time, Nigeria had no oil wealth and limited financial capacity, yet the bridge was recognised as critical to national development. When funding became a challenge, my grandfather took the initiative to leverage Nigeria’s diplomatic relationships. He travelled to West Germany and successfully negotiated financing on the condition that the German government could nominate the construction firm. That agreement brought Julius Berger into Nigeria, with the Eko Bridge as its first major project. Decades later, the bridge still stands as a symbol of foresight and strategic leadership.
Dr. Samuel Okotie-Eboh
Question: What would you describe as his most enduring national legacies as Minister of Finance?
Answer:
His legacies cut across the entire nation. He played pivotal roles in the establishment of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the introduction of Nigeria’s first indigenous currency system, and the drafting of post-independence national budgets. He also represented Nigeria on major international diplomatic and economic platforms, helping to position the country as a serious and credible new nation. These were foundational achievements that continue to shape Nigeria’s economy today.
Question: Beyond national economic policy, how did he contribute to infrastructure and regional development, particularly in the Niger Delta?
Answer:
His impact in infrastructure and regional development was extensive. He was instrumental in the development of Koko Port Phases I and II, the construction of the Ologbo–Koko Road, and the planning of the Koko–Ogheye and Ughelli–Port Harcourt road networks. He facilitated the construction of a floating jetty at Ode-Itsekiri, the ancestral home of the Itsekiri people, and played a strategic role in the siting of Gulf Oil Company—now Chevron—at Escravos. He also championed the Escravos Bar Project, which enabled deep-sea access for maritime activities.
Question: He is also credited with industrial and educational initiatives. Can you speak to those?
Answer:
Yes, he was deeply committed to industrialization and education. He established the Omimi Cement Factory in Koko, as well as Omimi Plastics and Omimi Shoe Factories in Sapele. He supported early cocoa-processing initiatives in the Niger Delta, provided numerous educational scholarships, and founded or supported several schools and institutions. One notable example is the establishment of the Memorial Baptist Church in Sapele, which became both a religious and community institution.
Question: Politically, what role did Chief Okotie-Eboh play in Nigeria’s independence and minority representation?
Answer:
He was a founding member of the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC), a loyal ally of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, and a key figure in Nigeria’s independence struggle and constitutional development. Importantly, he was a tireless advocate for minority rights, serving as a critical bridge between southern minority groups and the federal government. He consistently spoke up for inclusion, fairness, and national unity.
Question: His life ended tragically during the January 1966 coup. How has that affected the remembrance of his legacy?
Answer:
His assassination during Nigeria’s first military coup was a devastating loss, not just to our family but to the nation. Unfortunately, history moved on quickly, and his contributions were gradually sidelined. Nearly sixty years later, it is painful that no major federal institution, infrastructure, or monument bears his name. This silence represents a profound national oversight.
Question: What, in your view, should Nigeria do now to correct this historical injustice?
Answer:
Nigeria must deliberately restore his place in national memory. Chief Festus Okotie-Eboh deserves national honours and visible recognition. His name should be crested on Nigeria’s currency, associated with universities, economic institutions, and major infrastructure projects. His contributions should be taught in civic education curricula so future generations understand who helped build this country. He gave his all to Nigeria; it is only right that Nigeria gives something back—by remembering him.
