Nigeria

Nigeria, officially the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is a large country in West Africa. It lies between the Sahel to the north and the Gulf of Guinea in the Atlantic Ocean to the south. With many people, Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa. The country borders Niger, Chad, Cameroon, and Benin.

Nigeria is home to many different ethnic groups and cultures. The three largest groups are the Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo. English is the official language, helping people from different backgrounds communicate. The country is roughly split between Muslims, who mainly live in the north, and Christians, who mainly live in the south.

Nigeria has a strong economy and plays an important role in Africa and the world. It is often called the "Giant of Africa" because of its large population and economy. Nigeria is a member of many international groups, including the African Union and the United Nations.

Etymology

The name Nigeria comes from the Niger River that flows through the country. A British journalist named Flora Shaw suggested this name in 1897. The nearby country, the Republic of Niger, also gets its name from the same river. The word "Niger" may have come from an old phrase used by people near the river. Other names were considered before Nigeria was chosen.

History

Main articles: History of Nigeria and Timeline of Nigerian history

Prehistory

Main article: Prehistory of Nigeria

Excavations near the Kainji Dam showed that people were using iron as early as the 2nd century BC. The shift from ancient times to the Iron Age happened without using bronze in between. Some think the technology came from the Nile Valley, but it looks like iron working started on its own in Africa much earlier than in other places.

The Nok civilisation lived between 1500 BC and 200 AD. They made large figures from terracotta, some of the earliest known sculptures in Africa. They also discovered how to smelt iron around 550 BC, maybe even earlier. Evidence of iron smelting has been found in southeast Nigeria, dating back to 2000 BC at Lejja and 750 BC at Opi.

Early history

Main article: History of Nigeria before 1500

The Kano Chronicle talks about the Hausa city state of Kano going back to around 999 AD. Other important Hausa cities like Daura, Biram, Katsina, Zazzau, Rano, and Gobir also have histories going back to the 10th century.

The Kingdom of Nri of the Igbo people started in the 10th century and lasted until the British took control in 1911. Nri was ruled by the Eze Nri, and the city of Nri is seen as the beginning of Igbo culture. The oldest bronzes made using the lost wax process came from Igbo-Ukwu, a city influenced by Nri.

The Yoruba had one of the first city-states in Africa by the 8th century, called Ile Ife. This became the heart of the Ife Empire, while Oyo and other Yoruba states grew more important in the 12th and 14th centuries. Signs of people living at Ife go back to the 9th century, and their culture included terracotta and bronze figures.

Pre-colonial era

Further information: History of Nigeria (1500–1800)

In the 16th century, Portuguese explorers were the first Europeans to trade with people in southern Nigeria, at a port they named Lagos in Yoruba land and at Calabar along the Slave Coast. Europeans traded goods with people on the coast, and this trade marked the start of the Atlantic slave trade. Calabar became one of the biggest slave-trading places in West Africa. Other major slave ports were in Badagry, Lagos, and Bonny Island. Most of the people taken were captured in raids and wars.

Several kingdoms, like the Benin Empire, Oyo Empire, and Aro Confederacy, were involved in the Atlantic slave trade. In the north, the Hausa states and the Kanem-Bornu Empire were linked to the Trans-Saharan slave trade.

In the north, fighting among the Hausa city-states and the decline of the Bornu Empire let the Fulani people move into the area. At the start of the 19th century, Usman dan Fodio led a successful campaign against the Hausa Kingdoms. He said the Hausa were not true Muslims and set up the Sokoto Caliphate. This empire grew quickly and tried to push into Yoruba land but was stopped by the Yoruba forces of Ibadan.

British colonisation and independence

Main articles: Colonial Nigeria and Federation of Nigeria

Britain got involved in a power struggle in Lagos by bombing the city in 1851, removing a leader who supported the slave trade, and installing a new leader. Britain made Lagos a colony in 1861. British missionaries went further inland. In 1885, Britain’s claims to West Africa were recognised at the Berlin Conference. In 1886, the Royal Niger Company was set up. By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the company took control of southern kingdoms along the Niger River. Britain took over Benin in 1897 and defeated other opponents in the Anglo-Aro War from 1901 to 1902.

By 1902, Britain started moving north into the Sokoto Caliphate. General Lord Lugard was tasked with this. The British defeated the forces in Sokoto and took control. In 1903, Britain defeated the city of Kano and took over more areas. On 13 March 1903, the last leader of the caliphate gave in to British rule. Britain kept the title of sultan but as a symbolic role. In June 1903, Britain defeated the remaining northern forces.

On 1 January 1914, Britain combined the Southern Nigeria Protectorate and the Northern Nigeria Protectorate into the Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria. Nigeria was split into Northern and Southern Protectorates and Lagos Colony. The southern region had more contact with British and other Europeans because of the coastal economy. Christian missions set up schools in the protectorates. Britain did not encourage Christian missions in the northern, Islamic part of the country.

By the mid-20th century, after World War II, many parts of Africa were pushing for independence. Nigeria moved toward self-government. By 1960, Nigeria became independent from the United Kingdom as the Federation of Nigeria with Abubakar Tafawa Balewa as Prime Minister, while keeping the British monarch as the symbolic head of state. Nnamdi Azikiwe took over from the colonial governor-general in November 1960. At independence, there were big differences among Nigeria’s main groups: the Hausa in the north, Igbo in the east, and Yoruba in the west. The Westminster system of government was kept, with the President’s powers mostly ceremonial.

Early republic and civil war

When Nigeria became independent in 1960, the British handed more power to the Northern elites because they had worked better with the Hausa-Fulani leaders. The Northern Region got more seats in parliament than the Eastern and Western regions together, which kept Northern dominance in Nigerian politics for years. This made southern politicians unhappy and led to political trouble. Obafemi Awolowo, the Premier of the Western Region, was accused of trying to overthrow the government and was put in prison. Samuel Akintola took over as premier of the West. Because Akintola was an ally of Ahmadu Bello, he was seen as a tool of the North.

Tension grew between the north and south. Igbos in northern cities faced trouble and many fled to the Eastern Region.

In May 1967, the Governor of the Eastern Region, Lt. Colonel Emeka Ojukwu, declared the region independent as the Republic of Biafra. This started the Nigerian Civil War, which began on 6 July 1967. The war lasted 30 months, with a long blockade of Biafra. It ended in January 1970. Britain and the Soviet Union supported the Nigerian government, while France and Israel helped Biafra. The Congolese government supported the Nigerian federal government and sent troops to fight against the separatists.

After the war, Nigeria had an oil boom in the 1970s and joined OPEC. Despite this, the military government did not improve people’s lives much. As oil money increased, the government depended more on oil revenues. A coup in July 1975 led by Generals Shehu Musa Yar’Adua and Joseph Garba removed Gowon. They wanted to replace his rule with a group of three generals. General Murtala Muhammed became head of state, with General Olusegun Obasanjo as his second-in-command, and General Theophilus Danjuma as the third. They made changes to reduce inflation, fight corruption, and reorganise the government.

Colonel Buka Suka Dimka tried to take over in February 1976, during which General Murtala Muhammed was killed. Dimka did not have enough support, and his attempt failed. After that, General Olusegun Obasanjo became head of state. He promised to continue Murtala’s policies and brought in General Shehu Yar’Adua as his replacement.

Military dictatorship and coups

Main articles: Military dictatorship in Nigeria and Military coups in Nigeria

The military planned to return to civilian rule and set up rules to make sure political parties had more support. In 1979, five parties competed, and Alhaji Shehu Shagari of the National Party of Nigeria was elected president. Power was handed over to Shagari peacefully, making Obasanjo the first head of state to step down willingly.

In August 1983, Shagari and the NPN won again, but the elections were violent and many thought they were rigged. The military took over in 1983, led by Major General Muhammadu Buhari. Ibrahim Babangida took over in 1985. Babangida set up the Nigerian Political Bureau in 1986 to help move to a Third Republic. In 1989, he started plans for the transition. He allowed political parties and created a two-party system before the 1992 elections. The 1993 election showed Moshood Abiola and Baba Gana Kingibe winning, but Babangida cancelled the results. This led to protests. In August 1993, Babangida stepped down but appointed Ernest Shonekan as head of an interim government.

Shonekan’s government was short and was taken over by General Sani Abacha in a coup in 1993. Abacha’s rule ended in 1998 when he died. His successor, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, adopted a new constitution in 1999 for multiparty elections.

1999–present

Main article: Fourth Nigerian Republic

On 29 May 1999, Abubakar handed over power to Olusegun Obasanjo, who won the 1999 election as President of Nigeria. This started the Fourth Nigerian Republic, ending 39 years of short democracies, civil war, and military rule. Nigeria made progress in democratisation under Obasanjo, though the elections were not perfect.

In the 2007 elections, Umaru Yar’Adua won. These elections were criticised as flawed. Yar’Adua died in 2010, and Vice President Goodluck Jonathan became acting president. Jonathan won the 2011 election, which was smoother. His time saw economic growth but also rising corruption and the emergence of Boko Haram, which caused violence.

Before the 2015 election, several opposition parties formed the All Progressives Congress, led by Muhammadu Buhari. Buhari won the election, marking the first time an incumbent president lost re-election in Nigeria. Insecurity increased under Buhari with banditry, insurgency, and separatist movements. The economy faced recessions and global oil shocks from the COVID-19 pandemic. Buhari died two years after leaving office.

In the 2023 election, Bola Tinubu won a disputed election. He was inaugurated on 29 May 2023. His government faced challenges like kidnappings. On 29 May 2024, Tinubu reinstated Nigeria, We Hail Thee as the national anthem. The United States carried out a strike against Islamic State militants in northwest Nigeria in December 2025 at Tinubu’s request.

Geography

Main articles: Geography of Nigeria, Climate change in Nigeria, Geology of Nigeria, and Wildlife of Nigeria

Nigeria is a country in western Africa, near the Gulf of Guinea. It is the world's 32nd-largest country. Nigeria shares borders with Benin, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon. The highest point is Chappal Waddi, which is very tall.

The main rivers are the Niger and the Benue. They meet and flow into the Niger Delta, a big area with many mangroves.

The far south of Nigeria has a tropical rainforest climate with lots of rain each year. There are coastal plains along the southwest and southeast, and mangrove swamps near the coast.

The area near Cameroon has special animals, like the drill primate, found only there and in Cameroon.

Between the south and north, the land is mostly savannah, with grasses and some trees. The savannah has different types, such as the Guinean forest-savanna mosaic, Sudan savannah, and Sahel savannah.

Hydrology

Nigeria has two main water areas: one around Lake Chad and the other around the Niger River. The Niger River covers much of the country. Its main tributary is the Benue River, which extends into Cameroon and Chad.

In the far north-east, near Lake Chad, rain is very scarce, and the Sahara Desert is moving closer. Lake Chad has changed size many times over the past million years.

Vegetation

Nigeria has three main types of plants: forests, savannahs, and montane land. Forests are in the south, savannahs in the middle, and montane land near the Cameroon border.

The forest zone includes mangrove swamp near the Niger and Cross River deltas, freshwater swamps, and rainforests.

The savannah zone has three parts: Guinean forest-savanna mosaic with tall grass and trees, Sudan savannah with shorter grass and trees, and Sahel savannah with patches of grass and sand in the northeast.

Environmental issues

Further information: Deforestation in Nigeria and Environmental issues in the Niger Delta

Big problems in Nigeria include waste management, deforestation, soil degradation, and climate change.

Climate change

Deforestation

In 2005, Nigeria had one of the highest rates of deforestation in the world. Nigeria lost a lot of its forest cover between 1990 and 2005.

Pollution

Major cities like Lagos have trouble with waste management. In the Nigeria's Delta region, pollution from oil industry activities has caused environmental damage.

Politics

Main articles: Politics of Nigeria, Political parties in Nigeria, and Elections in Nigeria

Government

Nigeria is a federal republic like the United States. It has 36 states and a capital city called Abuja. The president is the leader of the country and is both the head of state and government. People vote for the president, who can serve up to two terms of four years each. State governors also serve four-year terms and can be re-elected once. The president’s power is balanced by a Senate and a House of Representatives, called the National Assembly. The Senate has 109 members, with each state and Abuja sending three members. The House has 360 members, depending on the population of each state.

Administrative divisions

Main article: Subdivisions of Nigeria

Nigeria is divided into thirty-six states and one Federal Capital Territory, split into 774 local government areas. The states are sometimes grouped into six areas: North West, North East, North Central, South West, South East, and South South.

Nigeria has five big cities with over a million people: Lagos, Kano, Ibadan, Benin City and Port Harcourt. Lagos is the biggest city in Africa, with over 12 million people.

Law

Main article: Law of Nigeria

The Constitution of Nigeria is the most important law. Nigeria uses four types of law: English law, common law, customary law, and Sharia law. English law comes from old British rules. Common law is based on past court decisions. Customary law comes from old local traditions. Sharia law, also called Islamic Law, is used mainly in the north where most people follow Islam, and also in some other states by Muslims.

Foreign relations

Main article: Foreign relations of Nigeria

After gaining independence in 1960, Nigeria focused on supporting unity in Africa. It built strong ties with other African countries and helped groups fighting for freedom in places like Southern Africa. Nigeria played a big role in West Africa and across the continent. It joined groups like the Organisation for African Unity (now the African Union) and helped start regional efforts in West Africa.

Nigeria has been important in the global oil industry since the 1970s and is part of OPEC. Its oil wealth affects its relationships with other countries, including the United States. In recent years, trade with China has grown a lot.

Military

The Nigerian Armed Forces include the army, navy, and air force. The president is the top leader of the military. In 2020, Nigeria had over 223,000 soldiers.

Communal conflicts

Some groups have caused trouble in Nigeria. Many people have been hurt or had to leave their homes because of these conflicts. Efforts have been made to fight these groups, but challenges remain. There have also been disputes over oil and resources, and tensions between different groups.

Economy

Nigeria has the fourth largest economy in Africa and the 31st largest in the world. In 2023, it was called a lower-middle-income country.

Before 1999, Nigeria's economy had trouble because of military rule, corruption, and poor management. After democracy returned, economic changes helped the economy grow. In 2011, experts thought Nigeria would have one of the fastest-growing economies in the world from 2010 to 2050.

Main article: Economy of Nigeria

Nigeria is important in several industries, such as energy, financial markets, medicines, and entertainment. Its financial sector is strong, with many local and international banks and investment firms. Besides oil, money sent home by Nigerians living abroad is a big source of income.

Nigeria has many natural resources like coal, bauxite, gold, and tin that are not fully used yet. The mining industry is still small. In 2015, Nigeria produced 8 metric tons of gold.

Agriculture

Further information: Agriculture in Nigeria

In 2021, agriculture, forestry, and fishing made up about 23.4% of Nigeria's economy. Nigeria is the world's largest producer of cassava. Other important crops are maize, rice, millet, yam beans, and guinea corn. Cocoa is a major export and one of the country's key products besides oil. Nigeria is also among the top twenty exporters of natural rubber.

Before the Nigerian Civil War and the oil boom, Nigeria grew enough food for itself. Agriculture was the main source of money coming into the country. But it has not kept up with the fast-growing population, so Nigeria now imports food.

Nigeria’s rice production went up by 10% from 2017/18 to 2021/22, reaching 5 million tonnes each year, but it still could not meet demand. So, Nigeria still imports rice.

Until recently, Nigeria exported rice without husks but had to import rice with husks. The rice mill in Imota, near Lagos, is meant to process rice locally. When it works fully, it should employ many people.

Oil and natural gas

Further information: Petroleum industry in Nigeria and Oil theft in Nigeria

Nigeria is the 15th largest producer of oil in the world, the 6th largest exporter, and has the 9th largest known reserves. Oil is very important to Nigeria's economy and politics, making up about 80% of government money. Nigeria also has the 9th largest known reserves of natural gas. Natural gas could help bring big change to the Niger River area. But Nigeria loses money each year to burning gas and theft of oil, which has caused delays in oil production.

Nigeria has 159 oil fields and 1,481 wells. The Niger Delta Basin, in the south-south region, has many of these oil fields. Most fields are small.

In August 2014, Shell said it was finishing selling its parts in four Nigerian oil fields.

Plans to send Nigerian natural gas to Europe were affected by the war in Ukraine.

Energy

Main article: Energy in Nigeria

Nigeria uses more energy than it can make. Most energy comes from fossil fuels, and the rest from hydropower. Since independence, Nigeria has tried to build nuclear power for energy. In 2004, it opened a research reactor from China and wanted to build up to 4,000 MWe of nuclear power by 2027. In 2017, Nigeria agreed to work with Russia to build four nuclear power plants by 2035. In 2017, agreements were signed to build the Itu nuclear power plant.

Electricity

According to studies, most Nigerians are connected to the national electricity grid, but only a few have their usage recorded by a meter. Only 1% have electricity all day. Over two-thirds would pay more for electricity that never stops. Many Nigerians own generators, and some use solar power.

Manufacturing and technology

Further information: Automotive industry in Nigeria and Pharmaceutical industry in Nigeria

Nigeria makes things like leather, textiles, plastics, and food products. Ogun State is the main industrial area, with many factories there and more companies moving in. Lagos follows. Aba in the southeast is famous for handmade shoes. Nigeria sells many cars each year, but less than 20% are made there.

In 2016, Nigeria became the top cement maker below the Sahara. Aliko Dangote, Nigeria's richest person, made his money from cement and farming. In 2016, Nigeria EduSat-1 was launched from the International Space Station. It was the first satellite made in Nigeria. In 2021, Nigeria had about 60% of Africa's medicine-making ability. Nigeria also makes electronic gadgets. As of January 2022, Nigeria is home to 5 of Africa's 7 unicorn companies.

Internet and telecommunications

Main article: Telecommunications in Nigeria

Nigeria’s mobile phone market is one of the fastest-growing in the world. Big companies like MTN, 9mobile, Airtel, and Globacom have their biggest and most successful centers there. The technology part of Nigeria’s economy grew to 10% of the total in 2018. Lagos is a major technology center in Africa.

Tourism

Main article: Tourism in Nigeria

Nigeria’s tourism is mostly about events because of its many different groups of people, but it also has rainforests, savannahs, waterfalls, and other natural beauty. Abuja has several parks and green spaces. Lagos is becoming a major tourist spot. It is working to become a global city. Lagos has sandy beaches along the Atlantic Ocean, like Elegushi Beach and Alpha Beach. It also has private beach resorts and many hotels. Other places to visit are Tafawa Balewa Square, Festac town, the Nike Art Gallery, Freedom Park, and the Cathedral Church of Christ.

Transport

Main article: Transport in Nigeria

Because Nigeria is in the middle of West Africa, transport is very important to its service sector. The government has been improving roads and building new ones.

Roads

Main article: Roads in Nigeria

Four major roads cross Africa pass through Nigeria:

• Lagos-Mombasa Highway
• Algiers-Lagos Highway
• Dakar-Lagos Highway
• Dakar-Ndjamena Highway

Nigeria has the biggest road network in West Africa. Nigeria’s roads carry most passengers and goods.

Rail transport

Main article: Rail transport in Nigeria

Railways are being improved with projects like the Lagos-Kano Standard Gauge Railway, connecting Kano, Kaduna, Abuja, Ibadan, and Lagos. Lagos Rail Mass Transit runs two services: the Red Line and the Blue Line. Abuja Light Rail runs the Blue Line service.

Air transport

Main article: List of airports in Nigeria

Nigeria’s airline industry made money in 2019. Passenger numbers went up from 2020 to 2021. In December 2021, the Anambra International Cargo Airport opened. In April 2022, the second terminal at Murtala Muhammed International Airport opened.

Nigeria has 54 airports. The main ones are:

• Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos,
• Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja,
• Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano,
• Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu and
• Port Harcourt International Airport in Port Harcourt.

Nigeria used to have a state-owned airline called Nigeria Airways, which was bought by the British Virgin Group. The biggest airline in Nigeria is privately owned Air Peace, started in 2012.

Demographics

Main article: Demographics of Nigeria

See also: Social class in Nigeria

The United Nations says that in 2021, Nigeria had about 213 million people. Most live in villages or towns, but many also live in big cities. Nigeria is the most crowded country in Africa and one of the most crowded in the world.

Nigeria has many different groups of people, each with their own languages and traditions. The three biggest groups are the Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo. There are also many smaller groups and some people from other countries living there.

Languages

Main article: Languages of Nigeria

Nigeria has many languages. English is the official language, used in schools and government. Many people also speak Nigerian Pidgin English, a mix of English and local languages. Other common languages include Yoruba and Igbo.

Religion

Religion in Nigeria (2018 estimate in The World Factbook of CIA)

1. Islam (53.5%)
2. Protestant (35.3%)
3. Catholic (10.6%)
4. Other (0.60%)

Main article: Religion in Nigeria

See also: Secularism in Nigeria

Nigeria has both Muslim and Christian people. Islam is most common in the north, while Christianity is more common in the south. There are also a few people who follow older African religions.

Health

Further information: Health in Nigeria

Health services in Nigeria are provided by the government and private groups. Many people get sick from diseases like malaria and typhoid fever. The country works hard to improve health care for everyone.

Education

Main article: Education in Nigeria

Education in Nigeria includes kindergarten, primary school, secondary school, and university. Many children do not go to school, especially in some parts of the country. The government is trying to improve education for all children.

Crime

Main articles: Crime in Nigeria and List of massacres in Nigeria

Some people in Nigeria feel unsafe because of theft and other crimes. The government is working to make the country safer.

Poverty

Main article: Poverty in Nigeria

Many people in Nigeria live in poverty, meaning they do not have enough money for basic needs like food and shelter. The government and other groups are trying to help these people.

Human rights

Main articles: Human rights in Nigeria and LGBT rights in Nigeria

Nigeria has issues with human rights, meaning some people are treated unfairly. The government is working to improve these situations, but there is still much to do.

Culture

Main articles: Culture of Nigeria, Mass media in Nigeria, and Censorship in Nigeria

Literature

Most stories in Nigeria are written in English because many people understand it. There are also stories in Yoruba, Hausa, and Igbo languages. A famous writer, Wole Soyinka, won the Nobel Prize. Other well-known writers are Ben Okri, Chinua Achebe, and Lola Shoneyin.

Music

Main article: Music of Nigeria

Nigeria has many kinds of music. In the 1920s, people loved palm-wine music. Later, Highlife music became popular. In the 1970s, Fela Kuti created Afrobeat music. Today, many people enjoy Afrobeats, with artists like Davido, Wizkid, and Burna Boy becoming famous around the world.

Cinema

Main article: Cinema of Nigeria

Nigeria makes a lot of movies, and its film industry is called Nollywood. It makes more movies each year than almost any other country. Nigerian films are popular in Nigeria and around the world. Some popular movies are Everybody Loves Jenifa and A Tribe Called Judah.

Festival

Main article: Festivals in Nigeria

Nigeria has many colorful festivals. Some of these festivals have been celebrated for many years. They are important to the people and attract many visitors.

Cuisine

Nigerian food is rich and full of flavor. People use many spices and herbs to make tasty soups and sauces. A popular food is suya, often sold in markets and on the streets.

Fashion

Main article: Fashion in Nigeria

Nigeria has a lively fashion industry. People wear casual clothes most of the time, but they also dress in traditional styles for special occasions. Many Nigerian fashion designers are becoming famous around the world.

Sports

Main article: Sports in Nigeria

Football is very popular in Nigeria, and the national team is called the Super Eagles. They have played in many big tournaments and have won several prizes. Nigeria is also good at other sports like basketball and track and field. The country even sent a bobsled team to the Winter Olympics, which was a first for Africa.