NIGERIA:At a Glance
Government: Federal Republic
- President Olusẹgun Ọbasanjọ
- Vice President Atiku Abubakar
Independence
- Declared
- Recognized From Great Britain
October 1, 1960
October 1, 1960
Area
- Total 923,768 km² (31st)
356,667 sq mi
- Water (%) 1.4%
Population
- 2005 est. 131,530,000 1 (9th)
- 1991 census 88,992,220
- Density 142/km² (71st)
369/sq mi
GDP (PPP) 2005 estimate
- Total $132.1 billion (47th)
- Per capita $1,188 (164th)
HDI (2003) 0.453 (158th) – low
Currency Naira (₦) (NGN)
Time zone (UTC+1)
- Summer (DST) (UTC+2)
Internet TLD .ng
Calling code +234
1.)Note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected.
Nigeria, officially the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is a country in West Africa and the most populous country on the African continent. Nigeria shares land borders with the Republic of Benin in the west, Chad and Cameroon in the east, Niger in the north, and borders the Gulf of Guinea in the south. Since 1991, its capital has been the centrally-located city of Abuja; previously, the Nigerian government was headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria's largest city by population.
The people of Nigeria have an extensive history, and based on archaeological evidence, human habitation of the area dates back to at least 9000 BC. The Benue-Cross River area is thought to be the original homeland of the Bantu migrants who spread across most of central and southern Africa in waves between the 1st millennium BC and the 2nd millennium AD. However, the Nigerian state came into being on October 1, 1960 when Nigeria declared its independence from the British and at present consists of 36 states and the federal capital territory. Nigeria re-achieved democracy in 1999 after a sixteen-year interruption by a series of military dictators. From 1966 until 1999, Nigeria had been ruled (except the short-lived second republic, 1979-1983) by military dictators who seized power in coups and counter-coups.
Etymology
The country's name first appeared in print in The Times in 1897 and was suggested by the paper's colonial editor Flora Shaw who would later marry Frederick Lugard, the first Governor General of the Amalgamated Nigeria. The name comes from a combination of the words "Niger" (the country's longest river) and "Area". Its adjective form is Nigerian, which should not be confused with Nigerien for Niger.
History
Main article: History of Nigeria
Nigeria has had a unique history. More than 2,000 years ago, the Nok people were producing sculptures. In Kano and Katsina, recorded history dates back to around 1000. Hausa kingdoms and the Kanem-Bornu Empire prospered as trade posts between North and West Africa. The Yoruba kingdoms of Ifẹ and Ọyọ were founded about 700-900 and 1400 respectively. The Ifẹ produced the terra cotta and bronze heads, the Ọyọ extended as far as modern Togo. The Kingdom of Benin developed an efficient and renowned army. The Benin (Edos)are related to the Yoruba by history. The southeast produced the Onitsha, Nri, and Arochukwu kingdoms. The Nri kingdom reigned before slavery with Divine priests and powerful Ezenri. There was also the great Ogbunka kingdom which was noted for his ability to repulse every form of aggression. A prominent town they controlled was Igbo Ukwu which was home to Bronze figures and was a burial site for Kings. Other kingdoms also flourished, like the Calabar, Opobo, Bonny, Brass, Elem kalabari and others which were controlled by the Ijaw, Efik, Igbo, and Ibibio.
Beginning in the 17th century Europeans established ports for slave trafficking. In the early 19th century the Fulani leader Usman dan Fodio united most areas in the north under the control of an Islamic Fulani Empire centred in Sokoto.
The 17th century brought Portuguese traders to what is now the Lagos area. In fact, the name Lagos came from the Portuguese word for lagoon, resulting in the name of the area. However, it was the British in the 19th century that established permanent settlement and control over the region. In 1901, Nigeria was made a British protectorate and remained under the control of Britain until its independence in 1960. Nnamdi Azikiwe held the office of Governor-General in 1960, and with the independence of the republic in 1963, he became the first President of Nigeria.
Map of NigeriaEthnic and religious tensions following independence led to the Nigerian Civil War and the start of intermittent democratic and military rule that did not end until 1999, when the democratic republic was permanently re-established with the election of Olusegun Obasanjo as its current president. Recently, supporters of Obasanjo had tried and failed to extend term limits following rejection by the national assembly. New elections are set for 2007.
With its economy and infrastructure devastated by years of military rule, corruption, and mismanagement, Nigeria is now reforming and rebuilding itself to be a modern, prosperous nation. It is taking advantage of its position as sub-Saharan Africa's most populous country to push for a more prominent role in African and international politics. Such examples are its chairmanship of ECOWAS and the deployment of peace keeping troops to Liberia and Sierra Leone, and the African Union with troop deployments to the Sudan. Nigeria is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations.
Despite these positive developments, problems abound in Nigeria such as endemic corruption and crime such as the 419 scams; ethnic and religious strife, particularly between Christians and Muslims in the northern half of the country, and insurgents in the oil-rich Niger Delta. The Niger Delta conflict is hampering Nigeria's oil production capabilities and is even affecting international oil prices.
Government and politics
Olusegun Obasanjo, the current president of Nigeria.More information on politics and government of Nigeria can be found at the Politics and government of Nigeria series.
Nigeria is a Democratic Republic modelled after the United States, with executive power exercised by the president. The president's power is checked by a Senate and a House of Representatives, which are combined in a body called the National Assembly. There is also a Constitution. The current president of Nigeria is Olusegun Obasanjo who was elected in 1999 following the restoration of democracy after several years of military dictatorship.
The two major parties in Nigerian politics are the People's Democratic Party of Nigeria and the All Nigeria People's Party.
Law
There are four distinct systems of law in Nigeria. English Law which is derived from its colonial past with Britain, common law,also a development of its post colonial independence,customary law) which is derived from indigenous traditional norms and practices, and Sharia law, used only in the predominately Hausa and Muslim north of the country. While there was some controversy with the implementation of Sharia law, the legal systems seemingly work, although the practice of sharia is unconstitutionally forced on non Muslims.
There is a Judicial branch with a Supreme Court which is regarded as the highest court of the land.
Foreign relations and military
Nigerian troops
Foreign relations
Nigeria is currently in better foreign relations due to her current state of democracy and with the help of the current president Obasanjo. It is a member of the African Union and sits on that organization's Peace and Security Council. Since 1960 Nigeria has been a member of the UN and also joined the Commonwealth of Nations the same year, however they were briefly suspended between 1995 and 1999. It currently is the chair of the regional IGO, Economic Community of West African States or ECOWAS and ECOMOG, its military arm. Both are presently headquartered in the capital Abuja.
Military of Nigeria
The military of Nigeria has played a major role in the country's history, often seizing control of the country and ruling it through major periods of its history. Its last period of rule ended in 1999 following the death of the leader of the previous military junta Sani Abacha in 1998.
Taking advantage of its role of sub-saharan Africa's most populated country, Nigeria has repositioned its military as an African peacekeeping force. Since 1995, the Nigerian military through ECOMOG mandates have been deployed as peacekeepers in Liberia (1997), Ivory Coast (1997-1999), Sierra Leone 1997-1999, and presently in Sudan's Darfur region under an African Union mandate.
Active duty personnel in the three Nigerian armed services is total approximately 76,000. The Nigerian Army, the largest of the services, has about 60,000 personnel deployed in two mechanized infantry divisions, one composite division (airborne and amphibious), the Lagos Garrison Command (a division size unit), and the Abuja-based Brigade of Guards. It has demonstrated its capability to mobilize, deploy, and sustain battalions in support of peacekeeping operations in Liberia, former Yugoslavia, Angola, Rwanda, Somalia, and Sierra Leone. The Nigerian Navy (7,000) is equipped with frigates, fast attack craft, corvettes, and coastal patrol boats. The Nigerian Air Force (9,000) flies transport, trainer, helicopter, and fighter aircraft, but most are currently not operational. Nigeria also has pursued a policy of developing domestic training and military production capabilities. Nigeria has continued a strict policy of diversification in her military procurement from various countries. After the imposition of sanctions by many Western nations, Nigeria turned to the People's Republic of China, Russia, North Korea, and India for the purchase of military equipment and training.
States and territories
Map showing Nigerian statesMain articles: States of Nigeria
Nigeria is divided into 36 states and one Federal Capital Territory. It is further sub-divided into 774 local authorities.
The states include: Abia, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Ẹdo, Ekiti, Enụgụ, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nassarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Ọsun, Ọyọ, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, Zamfara, Abuja Federal Capital Territory.
Cities
Nigeria has dozens of major cities, which play an important role in Nigeria's culture, heritage, and economy.
Lagos skylineMain article: List of cities in Nigeria
Lagos - The former capital, and Nigeria's largest city and commercial centre. Based on its estimated population, it is the largest city in sub-saharan Africa and one of the largest in the world.
Abuja - Nigeria's current capital and newest city.
Ibadan - The third largest indigenous city in sub-Saharan Africa. Know for its local industries include food processing and cigarette manufacture.
Kano - The second largest city in northern Nigeria and an industrial centre.
Port Harcourt - As well as being the fourth largest city in Nigeria. Port Harcourt has two of the four refineries in Nigeria and it is the place where most oil business transaction takes place. This makes it one of the most important cities in Nigeria as oil is the most important commodity in Nigeria and the main source of foreign exchange in Nigeria.
[edit]
Geography of Nigeria
Satellite image of Nigeria, generated from raster graphics data supplied by The Map Library.
Map of vegetation in NigeriaLocated in western Africa on the Gulf of Guinea, Nigeria has a total area of 356,669 square miles (923,768 km²); of that around 5,000 square miles (13,100 km²) is water. Nigeria has a 2,515 mile (4,047 km) border that it shares with Benin, Cameroon, Chad and Niger.
The highest point in Nigeria is Chappal Waddi at 7,936 feet (2,419 m).
Nigeria has a varied landscape. From the Obudu Hills in the southeast through the beaches in the south, the rainforest, the Lagos estuary and savanna in the middle and southwest of the country and the Sahel and the encroaching Sahara Desert in the extreme north.
Nigeria's main rivers are the Niger, the Benue which converge and empty out in the Niger Delta, one of the world's largest river deltas.
Nigeria is also an important centre for biodiversity. It is widely believed that the areas surrounding Calabar, Cross River State contain the world's largest diversity of butterflies. The drill monkey is only found in the wild in Southeast Nigeria and neighbouring Cameroon.
Economy
Main article: Economy of Nigeria
Years of military rule, corruption, and mismanagement have hobbled economic activity and output in Nigeria and continue to do so, despite the restoration of democracy and subsequent economic reform. According to the Economist Intelligence Unit and the World Bank, Nigerian GDP at purchasing power parity was only at $170.7 billion as of FY 2005. The GDP per head is at $692. [1]
Nigeria is a leading petroleum producer and exporter. It is the 12th largest producer of petroleum in the world and the 8th largest exporter. Nigeria also has one of the world's largest proven natural gas and petroleum reserves and is a founding member of OPEC. However, due to crumbling infrastructure, ongoing civil strife in the Niger Delta- its main oil producing region- and corruption, oil production and export is not at 100% capacity.
More mineral resources that are present in Nigeria but not yet fully exploited are coal and tin. Other natural resources in the country include iron ore, limestone, niobium, lead, zinc, and arable land. Agricultural products include groundnuts, palm oil, cocoa, coconut, citrus fruits, maize, millet, cassava, yams and sugar cane. It also has a booming leather and textile industry, with industries located in Kano, Abeokuta, Onitsha, and Lagos.
Like many third world nations, Nigeria has accumulated a significant foreign debt. However many of the projects financed by these debts were inefficient, bedevilled by corruption or failed to live up to expectations. Nigeria defaulted on its debt as arrears and penalty interest accumulated and increased the size of the debt. However, after a long campaign by the Nigeria authorities, in October 2005 Nigeria and its Paris Club creditors reached an agreement that will see Nigeria's debt reduced by approximately 60%. Nigeria will use part of its oil windfall to pay the residual 40%. This deal will free up at least $1.15 billion annually for poverty reduction programmes. As of April 2006, Nigeria became the first African Country to fully pay off her debt (estimated $30billion) owed to the Paris Club.
The currency unit of Nigeria is the Nigerian Naira.
Nigeria also has significant production and manufacturing facilities such as factories for Peugeot the French car marker, Bedford the English truck manufacturer, now a subsidiary of General Motors, and also manufactures t-shirts and processed food.
Demographics
Main article: Demographics of Nigeria
Population density in NigeriaNigeria is the most populous country in Africa but exactly how populous is the subject of speculation. The United Nations estimates that the population in 2004 was at 131,530,000 [2], with the population distributed as 48.3% Urban and 51.7% rural and population density at 139 people per square km. National census results in the past few decades have been disputed.
According to the United Nations, Nigeria has been undergoing explosive population growth and one of the highest growth and fertility rates in the world. By their projections, Nigeria will be one of the countries in the world that will account for most of the world's total population increase by 2050. [3]. According to current data, one out of every four Africans are Nigerian. [4] Presently, Nigeria is the ninth most populous country in the world, and even conservative estimates conclude that more than 20% of the world's black population lives in Nigeria.
Ethnic groups
Main article: Ethnic groups in Nigeria
Ethno-linguistic map of NigeriaNigeria has more than 250 ethnic groups, with varying languages and customs, creating a country of rich ethnic diversity. The largest ethnic groups are the Hausa-Fulani , Yoruba , Igbo (Ibo) , Ijaw , Kanuri , Ibibio , Tiv , Other . [1]
There are small minorities of Afrikaners, English, Americans, East Indians, Chinese, Japanese, Lebanese and refugees and immigrants from other West African nations. These minorities mostly reside in major cities such as Lagos and Abuja, or in the Niger Delta as employees for the major oil companies. A number of Cubans settled Nigeria as political refugees following the Cuban Revolution. A number of them include Afro-Cubans and mixed-raced Cubans.
Language
Main article: Languages of Nigeria
There are a total of 250 languages spoken in Nigeria which correspond with the estimated number of ethnic groups in Nigeria. To facilitate cultural and lingusitic unity, English was chosen as the official language. The major languages spoken in Nigeria are Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo.
Religion
Main article: Religion in Nigeria
Nigerians adhere to a variety of religions which tend vary regionally, this situation accentuates regional and ethnic distinctions but has often times been seen as a major source of sectarian conflict amongst the population. All religions represented in Nigeria were practised in every major city in 1990s. Islam dominates in the north with some northern states having incorporated Shari'a law amid much controversy. Nigeria also has one of the largest Shi'a populations in Africa.
Protestantism and local syncretic Christianity predominate in Yoruba areas, while Catholicism has a strong historical presence amongst the Igbo and closely-related ethnic groups. Indigenous Beliefs such as Orisha and Voodou are still practised and widely worshipped amongst the Yoruba and other ethnic groups in the southwest of the country. Recently however, such worship has displayed significant decline, as many adherents are being converted to Christianity. Christianity is undergoing a major resurgence in the country, particularly following visits by Pope John Paul II in the 1990s.
Judaism is also present in Nigeria, practised largely by people of the Igbo ethnic group (see Jews of Nigeria) and are believed to be one of the Lost tribes of Israel.
Culture
Main article: Culture of Nigeria
Nigerian literature
Author, Chinua Achebe
Wole SoyinkaNigeria has a rich literary history, both prior to British imperialism and after, as Nigerians have authored several monumental works of post-colonial literature in the English language. The first African Nobel Laureate, Wole Soyinka is Nigeria's most well known writer and playwright. Other Nigerian writers and poets that are well known on the international stage are Chinua Achebe, John Pepper Clark, Ben Okri, and Ken Saro Wiwa who was executed in 1995 by the military regime.
Nigeria has the largest newspaper market in Africa with an estimated circulation of at least 3.3 million copies daily in 2003.
Entertainment in Nigeria
Music of Nigeria
Nigerian music includes many kinds of folk and popular music, some of which are known worldwide. Styles of folk music are related to the multitudes of ethnic groups in the country, each with their own techniques, instruments and songs. As a result, there are many different types of music that come from Nigeria. Many late 20th century musicians such as Fela Kuti have famously fused cultural elements of various tribal music with American Jazz and Soul to form Afrobeat music. JuJu music which is percussion music fused with traditional music from the Yoruba tribe and made famous by King Sunny Ade, is also from Nigeria. There is also a budding hip hop movement. World famous musicians that come from Nigeria Fela Kuti,Femi Kuti,King Sunny Ade,Ebenezer Obey. Nigeria has been called "the heart of African music" because of its role in the development of West African highlife and palm-wine music, which fuses native rhythms with techniques imported from the Congo, Brazil, Cuba and elsewhere.
Cinema of Nigeria
The Nigerian Film Industry also known as Nollywood is famous throughout Africa. Many of the film studios are based in Lagos and Abuja and the industry is now a very lucrative income for these cities. As opposed to cinemas, the industry relies heavily on selling VCD's or what are often known as home movies. The movies are normally based around domestic issues though some have ventured further, this has led to some commentators branding the story lines as being trite.
Sport
Football in Nigeria
Like many nations football is Nigeria's national sport. There is also a local Premier League of football. Nigeria's national football team has made the World Cup on three occasions (1994,1998 and 2002), won the African Nations Cup in 1994 and 1980 and also hosted the Junior World Cup. They also won the gold for football in the 1996 Atlanta Summer Olympic Games and various other junior international competitions. According to the official FIFA world rankings, Nigeria are currently the highest rated football nation in Africa and 11th in the world.
Societal issues
Despite its vast government revenue from the mining of petroleum, Nigeria is beset by a number of societal problems due primarily to a history of inept governance. Some of these problems are listed below.
Crime
Nigeria is widely associated with international 419 scams or advance fee fraud, a fraudulent scheme to extract money from victims after making them believe they will gain an immense fortune. As an example, one of these scams would start out as saying "The former president of such-and-such just died and his wife needs a way of wiring money into an American bank for her use...She will give 10% of the funds to you for using YOUR bank account specifically as long as you give her $5,000 up front so she knows you are trustworthy...blah blah blah." Many of them are complimenting of the person reading the message and use phrases such as "your keen business sensibilities", "we heard you are a trustworthy business partner", and more. People still frequently fall for scams such as this, unfortunate though it may be. The origin of the 419 scam is currently debated, but the term "419" is based on the section it is written under in Nigerian law(section 419). Many critics believe that the scam slowly began in Nigeria, possibly developing from earlier forms of fraud practised by Nigerian petroleum companies, criminal gangs, and government agencies in the 1970s or 1980s, particularly in areas populated by the Igbo. The modern 419 scam well predated the widespread use of e-mail, and earlier variants were often sent via fax or even Telex. In recent years the 419ers as they are also known, have come to use the internet as a major tool for their scam, whereas before letters or phone calls were used. [5]
The failure of the Federal Government to meet its responsibility to exercise effective law enforcement has led to the emergence of numerous popular vigilante groups. Some, such as the Bakassi Boys in southeastern Nigeria, enjoy the open endorsement of state governments.
Public health
While the HIV/AIDS rate in Nigeria is much lower compared to the other African nations, because of its large population, Nigeria has a much higher percentage of total HIV/AIDS patients worldwide as it currently the third highest in the world. [6] Nigeria, like many developing countries, also suffers from a Polio crises as well as periodic outbreaks of Cholera, Malaria, and Sleeping Sickness. As of 2004, there has been an vaccination drive spearheaded by the W.H.O to combat Polio and Malaria that was met with controversy in some regions. [7]
Environmental degradation
See also: Environmental issues in Nigeria
[edit]
Strife and sectarian violence
See also: Conflict in the Niger Delta
Due to its multitude of diverse, sometimes competing ethno-linguistic groups, Nigeria has been beset since prior to independence with sectarian tensions and violence. This is particularly true in the oil-producing Niger Delta region, where both state and civilian forces employ varying methods of coercion in attempts gain control over regional petroleum resources. The civilian population, and especially certain ethnic groups like the Ogoni, has experienced severe environmental degradation due to petroleum extraction. However, when these groups have attempted to protest these injustices, they have been met with repressive measures by Nigerian government and military forces. As a result, strife and deterioration in this region continues as of 2006.
There are also significant tensions on a national scale, especially between the primarily Islamic, highly conservative northern population and the more liberal Christianized and indigenous groups who reside in the south. Extant animosity between major social groupings was exacerbated during the colonial era, as the British utilized divide and rule tactics to subdue and facilitate governance over a diverse and agitated population. Following the victory of the Nigerian state in the Nigerian Civil War during the 1960s, when the largely Igbo southeast attempted to secede and form the independent nation of Biafra.
However, when these groups have attempted to protest these injustices, they have been met with repressive measures by Nigerian government and military forces. As a result, strife and deterioration in this region continues as of 2006.
Education
Main article: Education in Nigeria
Courtesy of the oil boom years of the 1970s, tertiary education was expanded to reach every subregion of Nigeria. The Federal Government and the State Governments were previously the only bodies licensed to operate universities in Nigeria. Recently, licenses have also been granted to individuals, corporate bodies and religious bodies to establish private universities in Nigeria. The National Universities Commission (NUC) is the major accreditation body that enforces uniform standard and sets admissions capacity of every university in Nigeria. List of Nigerian universities
References
^ CIA - The World Factbook-- Nigeria. Retrieved June 29, 2006.
Government
Nigerian Government official site
National Population Commission of Nigeria
Non-Nigerian Overviews
BBC Nigeria Profile - Nigeria
CIA World Factbook - Nigeria
US State Department — Nigeria includes Background Notes, Country Study and major reports
Directories
Culled from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
