In the early 19th century, the British Empire acquired control over much of West Africa. The region was divided into several territories and each territory had its ruler. In 1851, the king of Benin became the first native African ruler to sign treaties with foreign powers. He signed two treaties in 1852: one with France and another with Britain.
Both treaties granted the French and British influence over their respective territories. These treaties were later used as justification for the creation of the Anglo-French condominium of Lagos Colony. This condominium lasted until 1903 when it was replaced by the colony of Southern Nigeria.
The British and French governments agreed that they would rule jointly over the area. However, there were disagreements between them about how this should be done. After several years of negotiations, the British government decided to create an independent state called Nigeria. It was to be made up of three regions: Northern Nigeria, Eastern Nigeria, and Western Nigeria. Each region was given autonomy within which to govern itself. The three regions were created on 1 October 1914.
Northern Region
The northern part of Nigeria is known as Northern Nigeria. It includes the states of Kano, Katsina, Bauchi, Gombe, Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Taraba, Plateau, Nassarawa, Sokoto, Zamfara, Kaduna, Niger, Katsina State, Jigawa, Kebbi, Kwara, Kaduna State, Bayelsa, and Rivers.
Eastern Region
The eastern part of Nigeria is known as East Nigeria. Its capital city is Port Harcourt. It consists of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo, Ondo, Osun, Owerri, Plateau, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Ekiti, Isiala Ngwa, Kogi, Oyo, Ogun, Ondo, Akure, Ondo State, Oyo State, Ibadan, Osun State, Ogbomosho, Abeokuta, and
Western Region
The western part of Nigeria is known as Western Nigeria. It includes the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja; FCT Local Government Areas; States; and LGA. It also includes the cities of Calabar, Warri, Port Harcourt, Onitsha, and Asaba.
Federal Capital Territory
Abuja is the federal capital of Nigeria. Abuja serves as the seat of power for the Nigerian government. The city has been under the direct control of the federal government since May 1999. Prior to this date, Abuja was governed by local councils.
Local Councils
Abuja’s local council is called the National Assembly Local Government Area. NALGA is responsible for providing services such as water supply, sanitation, roads, and electricity. It is also responsible for enforcing laws and regulations throughout the city.
FCT LGAs
Each of the 36 FCT LGAs is run independently from the national government. They provide basic services like water supply, sanitation, and road maintenance. Some of these LGAs have their police forces while others rely on the national police force.
States
The states of Nigeria are responsible for many aspects of governance including education, health care, and public safety. There are 30 states in Nigeria.
LGA
An LGA is similar to a county in the United States. It provides basic services like water supply and sanitation. Most people live in villages within an LGA. LGA’s are often named after their main town or village. For example, Ife Central is the name of the LGA surrounding Ife Town.
History
Nigeria gained its independence in 1960. From then until now, it has had different leaders who have been either democratically elected or appointed by military dictatorships. In 1979, General Muhammadu Buhari seized power through a coup d’état. He remained president until 1985 when he was ousted by another military dictator, Ibrahim Babangida.
In 1993, Sani Abacha became President. He ruled until 1998 when his death led to the election of Olusegun Obasanjo. Since 1999, Goodluck Jonathan has served as president. His term will end in 2015.
Government
In Nigeria, the head of state is the president. The president appoints ministers who oversee various ministries. The prime minister leads the cabinet. The legislative branch of government is the bicameral parliament. The upper house is the Senate with members elected every four years. Members serve six-year terms. The lower house is the House of Representatives. Members are elected every two years. Members serve three-year terms.
Judicial Branch
The judicial system in Nigeria is divided into courts at all levels: high court, intermediate court, trial court, magistrate court, and district court. Appeals can be made to higher courts. All cases are heard by judges. Judges are selected through a process that requires passing exams.
Education System
In Nigeria, there are three types of schools: primary school, secondary school, and tertiary institution. Primary schools prepare students for middle school. Secondary schools prepare students for universities. Tertiary institutions prepare students for advanced degrees.
Economy
Nigeria’s economy is one of the most diversified economies in Africa. Agriculture makes up about 50% of GDP. Oil production accounts for 21%. Manufacturing is the third-largest sector. Other industries include telecommunications, banking, insurance, construction, transportation, and mining.
Currency
The Nigerian Naira is the official currency of Nigeria. It is pegged against other currencies such as the US Dollar, the Pound Sterling, and the Euro.
Religion
Islam is the predominant religion in Nigeria. Christianity is also practiced throughout the country.
Population
There are approximately 160 million Nigerians. About half of them live in Lagos State.
Language
English is spoken as the first language in Nigeria. Yoruba and Igbo are also widely spoken. Many languages are used in Nigeria.
Climate
Nigeria has a tropical climate. Its average temperature is between 80°F and 90°F. Rainfall varies greatly depending on where you live. Average annual rainfall ranges from 300 millimeters in the north to 1,500 millimeters in the south.
Geography
Nigeria is located in West Africa. It shares borders with Benin and Cameroon. Rivers flow eastward toward Lake Chad and westward toward the Atlantic Ocean.
Early History
Nigeria’s earliest inhabitants were hunter-gatherers. They lived in small groups called “tribes.” These tribes included the Ijaw, Ibibio, Edo, Efik, Idoma, Urhobo, Isoko, Oyo, and others. By the time Europeans arrived in West Africa in the 17th century, many tribes had already developed complex societies. Some of these early settlers came from what is today Sudan and Egypt. Others came from Europe.
European explorers brought diseases to Africa. These diseases killed many people. This caused some tribes to leave their homelands. When Europeans settled in West Africa they encountered more than just disease. They also found great wealth. Gold was discovered in 1851 near present-day Kano. In 1897, oil was discovered in Kaduna. When British forces defeated the Germans in World War II, they took control of Nigeria.
Rise of nationalism
After gaining independence from Great Britain in 1960, Nigeria struggled to develop its own identity. During this period of struggle, nationalists began demanding greater national autonomy. There were several attempts to create an independent nation.
These nationalist movements led to violence. Between 1966 and 1970, there were riots over the status of Biafra. Biafrans wanted to break away from Nigeria. They believed that being part of Nigeria was not fair because it did not allow them equal rights.
Nationalism grew stronger after Nigerian leader Yakubu Gowon declared a military coup in 1975. He said he would rule until a new constitution could be written. Gowon died before his plan could be implemented. His successor, Olusegun Obasanjo, continued the process of writing a new constitution.
In 1979, Obasanjo became president. He promised to hold elections within two years. Obasanjo won those elections and served another term. However, he faced growing opposition to his presidency. Opposition leaders accused him of corruption and mismanagement.
On January 15, 1993, soldiers attacked students at the University of Jos. The students protested Obasanjo’s government. Soldiers fired into the crowd killing hundreds. This sparked protests across Nigeria. The army responded by firing on protesters. More than 2,000 people were killed during the uprising.
A group calling itself the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta claimed responsibility for the attack. MEND demanded better wages and working conditions for local farmers who extract crude oil from the delta region.
The federal government tried to negotiate with MEND. But the rebels refused to meet with federal officials. On August 8, 1999, MEND launched attacks against pipelines. This prompted the Nigerian government to launch Operation Python Dance II. The operation involved the use of U.S. Navy SEALs and other special forces. The goal was to capture or kill key rebel leaders.
MEND agreed to peace talks. A ceasefire agreement was signed in 2003. Under the terms of the deal, MEND agreed to stop attacking oil facilities. However, the fighting between MEND and the Nigerian government has continued since then.
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