Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa (1912-January 15, 1966) was the first prime minister of an independent Nigeria. Born in the north of colonial Nigeria, he trained as a teacher, continuing his education at London University from 1944 to 1946. Upon returning to Nigeria, he entered politics, and was elected that same year to the colony's Northern House of Assembly, and to the Legislative Assembly in 1947. As a legislator, he was a vocal advocate of the rights of northern Nigeria, and together with Ajhaji Ahmadu Bello, hereditary ruler (sardauna) of Sokoto, he founded the Northern People's Congress (NPC).

Balewa entered the governement in 1952 as Minister of Works, and later served as Minister of Transport. In 1957, he was elected Chief Minister, forming a coalition government between the NPC and the National Council for Nigeria and the Cameroons, led by Nnamdi Azikiwe. He retained the post as prime minister, when Nigeria gained independence in 1960, and was reelected in 1964. His term in office was turbulent, however, with regional factionalism constantly threatening his government. He was overthrown and killed in a military coup on January 15, 1966, as were many other leaders, including his old companion Ahmadu Bello. His body was discovered by a roadside near Lagos six days after he was ousted from office.