The causes of 1975 military coup de 'tat in Nigeria were:
(i) Corruption: The government was corrupt and it encouraged corrupt practices by contractors, government officials etc.
(ii) The government was not able to arrive at a definite figure for 1973 population census. Government announced only provisional figures which were not generally acceptable.
(iii) There was a change in the proposed date for return to civil rule.
(iv) There was scarcity of essential commodities due to port congestion.
(v) Indecision on the part of the then government on major policies of government e.g. redeployment of governors and permanent secretaries contributed to the coup.
(vi) The government disregarded-public opinion on some major national issues, e.g. creation of more states.
(vii) Members of the armed forces got disillusioned with the government.
(viii) There was mismanagement of public funds.