About Nigeria

Brief History

Nigeria, formed in 1914 by amalgamating the British Northern and Southern Protectorates, became independent on October 1, 1960. It chose a republican constitution in 1963 while remaining part of the Commonwealth. The region, inhabited for millennia, saw early civilizations like the Nok culture (500 BCE-200 CE) and pre-colonial empires such as Kanem-Bornu, Benin, and Oyo. Notably, the Hausa and Fulani established influential states in this region.

European exploration began in the 15th century, and the area became central to the transatlantic enslaved people trade. The British gradually asserted control, reaching colonial status in 1914. Post-amalgamation, Nigeria experienced ethnic conflicts, leading to military coups and dictatorships between 1966-1979 and 1983-1999. The civil war (1967-1970), involving the secessionist region of Biafra, resulted in over a million deaths.

Nigeria's history features diverse ethnic groups, including Islamic kingdoms in the north (Borno, Kano, Sokoto Caliphate) and the Benin and Oyo Empires in the west. The British amalgamation in 1914 created the Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria. Gaining independence in 1960, Nigeria became a federal republic under President Nnamdi Azikiwe in 1963. However, regional and ethnic tensions escalated, culminating in coups in 1966 and the Biafran Civil War.

Post-war, Nigeria saw continued military rule, notably under leaders like Yakubu Gowon, Olusegun Obasanjo, Ibrahim Babangida, and Muhammadu Buhari. Civilian rule resumed in 1999, with significant elections in 2007 marking the first civilian-to-civilian power transfer. Subsequent elections in 2011, 2015, 2019, and 2023, while marred by irregularities, were largely credible. The 2015 election was notable for the peaceful transition of power between parties.