History of Nigeria in Timeline
Nigeria, located in West Africa, is the continent's most populous country with over 242 million people and the sixth most populous globally. It shares borders with Niger, Chad, Cameroon, and Benin. A federal republic consisting of 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (Abuja), Nigeria's largest city is Lagos, a major metropolitan hub in Africa. The country's diverse landscape stretches from the Sahel in the north to the Atlantic coast in the south.
4 hours ago : Boko Haram attacks in Nigeria and Chad result in deaths and mourning.
Dozens of Nigerian fishermen are feared dead following Chad air strikes aimed at Boko Haram. Chad declared national mourning after a deadly ambush. Boko Haram militants killed 23 soldiers in Chad post.
1900: Establishment of Southern Nigeria Protectorate
In 1900, the company's territory came under the direct control of the British government and established the Southern Nigeria Protectorate as a British protectorate and part of the British Empire.
1902: British Plans to Move North
In 1902, the British began plans to move north into the Sokoto Caliphate.
1902: Anglo-Aro War
In 1902, the British defeated other opponents in the Anglo-Aro War.
March 1903: British Victory in Sokoto
On March 13, 1903, at the grand market square of Sokoto, the last vizier of the caliphate officially conceded to British rule.
June 1903: Defeat of Remaining Northern Forces
In June 1903, the British defeated the remaining northern forces of Attahiru.
1903: Break-up of Sokoto Caliphate
In 1903, the Sokoto Caliphate was broken up into various European colonies.
1907: Resistance to European Rule Quelled
By 1907, resistance to European rule in the area had been quelled.
1911: Kingdom of Nri Loses Sovereignty
In 1911, the Kingdom of Nri lost its sovereignty to the British.
January 1914: Unification of Nigeria
On January 1, 1914, the British formally united the Southern Nigeria Protectorate and the Northern Nigeria Protectorate into the Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria.
1914: Merging of Southern and Northern Nigeria Protectorates
In 1914, the Southern Nigeria Protectorate and the Northern Nigeria Protectorate merged, creating the present territorial shape of Nigeria.
1936: Slavery outlawed in Northern Nigeria
In 1936 northern Nigeria outlawed slavery whilst in other parts of Nigeria, slavery was abolished soon after colonialism.
1950: Lagos population
In 1950, the population of Lagos was about 300,000.
1954: Nigeria Gained Self-Rule
In 1954, Nigeria gained a degree of self-rule.
October 1960: Nigeria Gained Full Independence
On October 1, 1960, Nigeria gained full independence from the United Kingdom as the Federation of Nigeria.
October 1960: Independence of Nigeria
On October 1960, Nigeria formally became an independent federation.
November 1960: Nnamdi Azikiwe Replaced Colonial Governor-General
In November 1960, Nnamdi Azikiwe replaced the colonial governor-general.
1960: Eve of Independence
By the eve of independence in 1960, regional differences in modern educational access were marked.
1960: Independence and Foreign Policy
In 1960, upon gaining independence, Nigeria prioritized African unity in its foreign policy while maintaining a close relationship with Israel, which sponsored the construction of Nigeria's parliament buildings.
1960: End of British Colonisation
Nigeria selected English as the official language in 1960 to facilitate cultural and linguistic unity after the end of British colonisation.
1960: Nigeria, We Hail Thee National Anthem
Nigeria, We Hail Thee, the national anthem from 1960, was reinstated on 29 May 2024.
1961: Plebiscite Imbalance
In 1961 Southern Cameroons opted to join the Republic of Cameroon while Northern Cameroons chose to join Nigeria, creating an imbalance.
January 1966: Rumors of Government Intervention in the West
As late as Thursday, January 13, 1966, Balewa announced that the federal government was not going to intervene in the West, but activity the next day created rumours that the Balewa government would be forced to crack down on lawlessness in the West using military might.
January 1966: Military Coup
In January 1966, a military coup led by Majors Emmanuel Ifeajuna, Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu and Adewale Ademoyega resulted in assassinations and political instability.
1966: Pogroms Against Igbos
In 1966, continuous and systematically planned attacks against Igbos and those of Eastern extraction took place, known as the 1966 pogroms.
May 1967: Declaration of the Republic of Biafra
In May 1967, Governor Emeka Ojukwu declared the Eastern Region independent as the Republic of Biafra.
July 1967: Start of Nigerian Civil War
On July 6, 1967, the Nigerian Civil War began when the Nigerian government attacked Biafra at Garkem.
1967: Start of Nigerian Civil War
In 1967, Nigeria experienced a civil war.
January 1970: End of Nigerian Civil War
In January 1970, the Nigerian Civil War ended after 30 months.
July 1971: Membership in OPEC
In July 1971, Nigeria joined OPEC, solidifying its role in the international oil industry.
1973: Discovery of Nembe Creek Oil Field
The Niger Delta Nembe Creek oil field was discovered in 1973.
July 1975: Coup led by Generals Yar'Adua and Garba
In July 1975, a coup led by Generals Shehu Musa Yar'Adua and Joseph Garba ousted Gowon. The coup plotters aimed to replace Gowon's autocratic rule with a triumvirate, resulting in General Murtala Muhammed becoming military head of state, General Olusegun Obasanjo as his second-in-command, and General Theophilus Danjuma as the third. Austerity measures were introduced, a Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau was established, military governors were replaced, and "Operation Deadwood" was launched, leading to the dismissal of 11,000 officials from the civil service in July 1975.
February 1976: Failed coup attempt and assassination of General Muhammed
In February 1976, Colonel Buka Suka Dimka launched a coup attempt, during which General Murtala Muhammed was assassinated. The coup failed and General Olusegun Obasanjo was appointed military head of state, continuing Murtala's policies. General Shehu Yar'Adua became his replacement and second-in-command as Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters. Obasanjo, Yar'Adua, and Danjuma re-established control over the military regime and organized the military's transfer of power program in February 1976.
1978: Nigeria, We Hail Thee National Anthem
Nigeria, We Hail Thee, the national anthem until 1978, was reinstated on 29 May 2024.
October 1979: Shagari sworn in as President
On October 1, 1979, Shehu Shagari was sworn in as the first President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Obasanjo peacefully transferred power to Shagari, becoming the first head of state in Nigerian history to willingly step down on October 1, 1979.
1979: Political Emancipation of Women
In 1979, women throughout Nigeria were politically emancipated.
1980: Africa Cup of Nations Win
Nigeria won the Africa Cup of Nations in 1980.
August 1983: Shagari and NPN returned to power amidst allegations of vote-rigging
In August 1983, Shagari and the NPN were returned to power in a landslide victory, but the elections were marred by violence and allegations of widespread vote-rigging and electoral malfeasance.
1983: First election since the military coup
The 1993 presidential election held on 12 June was the first since the military coup of 1983.
1984: Military coup led by Muhammadu Buhari
In 1984, a military coup led by Major General Muhammadu Buhari overthrew the government.
1985: Ibrahim Babangida overthrew Buhari in a coup d'état
Ibrahim Babangida overthrew Buhari in the coup d'état of 1985.
1986: Babangida established the Nigerian Political Bureau
In 1986, Babangida established the Nigerian Political Bureau.
1987: Bamako Initiative
Nigeria has been reorganising its health system since the Bamako Initiative of 1987, which formally promoted community-based methods of increasing accessibility of drugs and health care services.
1989: Babangida started planning for the transition to the Third Nigerian Republic
In 1989, Babangida started making plans for the transition to the Third Nigerian Republic.
1990: Small Oil Fields
As of 1990, small oil fields accounted for 62.1% of all Nigerian production.
1990: Annual Deforestation Rate
Between 1990 and 2000, Nigeria lost an average of 409,700 hectares of forest every year equal to an average annual deforestation rate of 2.4%.
1990: Population increase
From 1990 to 2008, Nigeria's population increased by 57 million.
1990: Babangida survived a coup attempt
In 1990, Babangida survived the 1990 Nigerian coup d'état attempt, then postponed a promised return to democracy to 1992.
1991: Ben Okri wins Booker Prize
In 1991, Ben Okri won the prestigious Booker Prize.
1992: Formation of two-party system
In 1992, Babangida legalised the formation of political parties and formed the two-party system with the Social Democratic Party and National Republican Convention.
1992: Postponement of Democracy Return
In 1992, Babangida postponed a promised return to democracy after surviving the 1990 Nigerian coup d'état attempt.
August 1993: Babangida relinquished power
In August 1993, Babangida relinquished power to a civilian government, appointing Ernest Shonekan head of an interim national government.
1993: Shonekan's government overthrown by Abacha
In 1993, Shonekan's interim government was overthrown in a coup d'état led by General Sani Abacha.
April 1994: Super Eagles Ranked Fifth in FIFA World Rankings
In April 1994, Nigeria's national football team, the Super Eagles, ranked fifth in the FIFA World Rankings, the highest ranking ever achieved by an African team.
1995: Execution of Ken Saro-Wiwa
In 1995, Abacha's regime hanged environmentalist Ken Saro-Wiwa, leading to Nigeria's suspension from the Commonwealth.
1995: Expulsion from the Commonwealth of Nations
In 1995, Nigeria was temporarily expelled from the Commonwealth of Nations during the Abacha regime.
1995: Nigerian doctors practicing in the US
In 1995, an estimated 21,000 Nigerian doctors were practising in the United States.
1996: Gold Medal in Football at the Summer Olympics
In 1996, Nigeria won the gold medal for football at the Summer Olympics, becoming the first African football team to win gold in Olympic football.
1998: Death of Abacha
In 1998, the regime of General Sani Abacha came to an end with his death.
1998: Super Eagles at the FIFA World Cup
Nigeria's national football team, known as the "Super Eagles", played in the FIFA World Cup in 1998.
May 1999: Obasanjo assumed power as President
On May 29, 1999, Abubakar handed over power to Olusegun Obasanjo, marking the beginning of the Fourth Nigerian Republic.
May 1999: Adoption of new constitution
On May 5, 1999, General Abdulsalami Abubakar adopted a new constitution, providing for multiparty elections.
1999: Restoration of Democracy
Before 1999, Nigeria's economic development was hindered by military rule, corruption, and mismanagement.
1999: Stable Government Achieved
In 1999, Nigeria achieved a stable government with the Nigerian presidential election.
2000: Annual Deforestation Rate
Between 1990 and 2000, Nigeria lost an average of 409,700 hectares of forest every year equal to an average annual deforestation rate of 2.4%.
2000: Evidence of Iron Smelting at Lejja
In 2000 BC, evidence of iron smelting was excavated at the site of Lejja in the Nsukka region of southeast Nigeria.
2000: Rise in Chinese-Nigerian Trade Relations
Since 2000, there has been an exponential rise in Chinese-Nigerian trade relations.
2001: ICT contribution to GDP
In 2001, Nigeria's ICT sector represented 1% of the nation's GDP.
2002: Chinua Achebe wins Peace Award
In 2002, Chinua Achebe won the Peace Award of the German Book Trade.
2002: Super Eagles at the FIFA World Cup
Nigeria's national football team, known as the "Super Eagles", played in the FIFA World Cup in 2002.
December 2003: Millennium Park opened
In December 2003, Millennium Park in Abuja, designed by Manfredi Nicoletti, was officially opened.
2003: Obasanjo ran for a second term
In 2003, elections allowed Obasanjo to run for a second term, but they were condemned as unfree and unfair.
2003: Establishment of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)
In 2003, the Nigerian Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was created to combat advance-fee scams and other forms of organised financial crime.
2003: Nigeria Airways was over-indebted
Nigeria Airways was over-indebted in 2003 and was bought by the British Virgin Group.
2004: Chinese-origin research reactor opened
In 2004, Nigeria opened a Chinese-origin research reactor at Ahmadu Bello University.
June 2005: Airline renamed to Virgin Nigeria Airways
Since 28 June 2005, the airline formerly known as Nigeria Airways has flown under the name Virgin Nigeria Airways.
2005: Highest rate of deforestation
In 2005, Nigeria had the highest rate of deforestation in the world, with 12.2% of the country forested.
November 2006: Africa-South America Summit
In late November 2006, Nigeria hosted an Africa-South America Summit in Abuja to foster "South-South" linkages across various sectors.
2007: Chinua Achebe wins Booker Prize
In 2007, Chinua Achebe won the prestigious Booker Prize.
2007: President Urged Embrace of Nuclear Power
In 2007, President Umaru Yar'Adua urged Nigeria to embrace nuclear power to meet its growing energy needs.
2007: Yar'Adua came to power in flawed elections
In the 2007 general elections, Umaru Yar'Adua of the People's Democratic Party came to power, but the elections were condemned as seriously flawed.
November 2008: MTV Africa Music Awards in Abuja
In November 2008, Nigeria's music scene received international attention when MTV hosted the continent's first African music awards show in Abuja.
2008: Virgin Group withdrawal announcement
At the end of 2008, the Virgin Group announced its withdrawal from Virgin Nigeria Airways.
2008: Population increase
From 1990 to 2008, Nigeria's population increased by 57 million.
2008: Introduction of the Marriage Rights Act
In 2008, the Marriage Rights Act, banning the marriage of girls under 18, was introduced on a federal level in Nigeria.
September 2009: Airline operating as Nigerian Eagle Airlines
Since September 2009, the airline formerly known as Virgin Nigeria Airways has been operating as Nigerian Eagle Airlines.
2009: Release of "The Figurine"
In 2009, the thriller film "The Figurine" heightened media attention towards the New Nigerian Cinema revolution and became a critical and commercial success.
2009: Eyo carnival
The 2009 Eyo carnival, a yearly festival originating from Iperu Remo, Ogun State, was a step toward Lagos's world city status.
May 2010: Jonathan sworn in as acting president
On May 5, 2010, Yar'Adua died and Vice President Goodluck Jonathan had been sworn in by the Senate three months earlier as acting president to succeed Yar'Adua.
2010: Religion statistics
In 2010, 49.3% of Nigeria's population was Christian, 48.8% was Muslim, and 1.9% were followers of indigenous and other religions or unaffiliated, according to a 2012 Pew Research Center report.
2010: Release of "Ijé"
In 2010, the film "Ijé" by Chineze Anyaene, overtook "The Figurine" to become the highest-grossing Nigerian film.
2010: Lead Poisoning Outbreak in Zamfara
In 2010, thousands of people in Zamfara state were exposed to lead from informal gold mining, resulting in the deaths of approximately 400 children due to acute lead poisoning.
2010: Citigroup Projection
In 2011, Citigroup projected that Nigeria would have the highest average GDP growth in the world between 2010 and 2050.
2010: Super Eagles at the FIFA World Cup
Nigeria's national football team, known as the "Super Eagles", played in the FIFA World Cup in 2010.
2010: Boko Haram and Bandit Conflict
Since mid-2010, Boko Haram and the bandit conflict have been responsible for numerous serious attacks with thousands of casualties.
May 2011: Establishment of Nigeria Security Tracker
In the first 12 months after the establishment of the Nigeria Security Tracker in May 2011, 1,086 deaths were attributed to Boko Haram attacks and 290 to police violence.
2011: Citigroup Projection
In 2011, Citigroup projected that Nigeria would have the highest average GDP growth in the world between 2010 and 2050.
2011: Jonathan won the presidential election
In 2011, Jonathan won the presidential election.
2012: Pew Research Center report on religion and public life
A 2012 report on religion and public life by the Pew Research Center stated that in 2010, 49.3% of Nigeria's population was Christian, 48.8% was Muslim, and 1.9% were followers of indigenous and other religions or unaffiliated.
2012: Nigeria Qualifies for Summer Olympics in Basketball
In 2012, Nigeria qualified for the Summer Olympics in basketball, beating world elite teams such as Greece and Lithuania.
2012: Bone marrow donor program launched
In 2012, a new bone marrow donor program was launched by the University of Nigeria to help people with leukaemia, lymphoma, or sickle cell disease.
2012: Air Peace founded
In 2012, the largest airline in Nigeria, Air Peace, was founded.
June 2013: Shell Strategic Review
In June 2013, Shell announced a strategic review of its operations in Nigeria, suggesting potential divestments.
2013: Release of "Half of a Yellow Sun"
"Half of a Yellow Sun" film was released in 2013.
2013: Record-Breaking Revenue for Film Industry
By the end of 2013, the Nigerian film industry reportedly hit a record-breaking revenue of ₦1.72 trillion (US$4.1 billion).
2013: Africa Cup of Nations Win
Nigeria won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2013.
August 2014: Shell Finalizing Interests in Oil Fields
In August 2014, Shell announced it was finalizing its interests in four Nigerian oil fields.
2014: Value of Film Industry
As of 2014, the Nigerian film industry was worth ₦853.9 billion (US$5.1 billion), making it the third most valuable film industry in the world.
2014: "Half of a Yellow Sun" Overtakes "Ijé"
In 2014, "Half of a Yellow Sun" (2013) overtook the 2010 film "Ijé" to become the highest-grossing Nigerian film.
2014: Boko Haram insurgency: Chibok schoolgirls kidnapping
In 2014, Jonathan's tenure saw the emergence of a wave of terror by the Boko Haram insurgency, including the Chibok schoolgirls kidnapping.
2014: Ebola Outbreak
In the 2014 Ebola outbreak, Nigeria was the first country to effectively contain and eliminate the Ebola threat.
2014: Super Eagles at the FIFA World Cup
Nigeria's national football team, known as the "Super Eagles", played in the FIFA World Cup in 2014.
February 2015: Multinational Joint Task Force Established
In February 2015, Boko Haram-affected states agreed to establish an 8,700-strong Multinational Joint Task Force to jointly combat Boko Haram.
April 2015: Nigeria began talks with Rosatom
In April 2015, Nigeria began talks with Russia's state-owned Rosatom to collaborate on the design, construction and operation of four nuclear power plants by 2035, with the first to be operational by 2025.
June 2015: Nuclear plant sites selected
In June 2015, Nigeria selected two sites for the planned construction of nuclear plants, believed to be in Akwa Ibom State and Kogi State, to house two plants each.
October 2015: Boko Haram Driven Out of Cities
By October 2015, Boko Haram had been driven out of all the cities it controlled and nearly all the counties in northeastern Nigeria.
2015: Buhari won the presidential election
In 2015, Muhammadu Buhari won the election, marking the first time an incumbent president had lost re-election in Nigeria.
2015: Ban on Female Genital Mutilation and Maternal Mortality Statistics
In 2015, a ban on female genital mutilation was implemented in Nigeria, and maternal mortality was at 814 per 100,000 live births.
2015: Urbanization in Southern Nigeria
In 2015, it was estimated that Nigeria had 20 cities with populations exceeding 500,000, including ten cities with over one million inhabitants, primarily located in the south.
2015: Muslim population estimation
In a report released by Pew Research Center in 2015, the Muslim population was estimated to be 50%.
2015: Gold Production in Nigeria
Nigeria's gold production in 2015 was 8 metric tons.
2016: "The Wedding Party" Becomes Highest-Grossing Nigerian Film
By 2016, "The Wedding Party" by Kemi Adetiba held the record for highest grossing Nigerian film.
2016: Trade Imbalance Concerns
By 2016, Chinese exports accounted for around 80% of the total bilateral trade volume, resulting in a trade imbalance where Nigeria imported ten times more than it exported to China.
2016: Boko Haram Split
In 2016, Boko Haram experienced a split, leading to further fragmentation.
2016: Leading cement producer
In 2016, Nigeria was the leading cement producer south of the Sahara, ahead of South Africa.
2016: Attacks on Oil Infrastructure in the Niger Delta
In 2016, the Niger Delta experienced intense attacks on oil infrastructure by militant groups, leading to the Buhari government pursuing a dual strategy of repression and negotiation.
2016: Government Contract for Oil Infrastructure
In late 2016, the Nigerian government offered militant groups a contract to guard oil infrastructure for 4.5 billion naira (US$144 million).
2017: World Bank report on logistics hubs
A 2017 World Bank report on logistics hubs in Africa placed Nigeria in fourth place.
2017: Poverty Rate
According to the International Monetary Fund, in 2017, 32% of Nigeria's population lived in extreme poverty, surviving on less than US$2.15 a day.
2017: Scrabble as an Official Sport
By the end of 2017, there were around 4,000 Scrabble players in more than 100 clubs in Nigeria, where Scrabble was made an official sport in the early 1990s.
2017: Signed UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons
In 2017, Nigeria signed the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.
2017: Defense Spending
In 2017, Nigeria spent just under 0.4% of its economic output, or US$1.6 billion, on its armed forces.
2017: Lagos population
In 2017, the estimated population of Lagos was 13.4 million.
2017: Median age and percentage of Africa's total population
In 2017, the median age in Nigeria was 18.4 years, accounting for about 17% of Africa's total population.
2017: Increase in rice production
Nigeria's rice production increased by 10% from 2017/18 to 2021/22, reaching 5 million tonnes per year.
2018: CIA World Factbook estimate
According to a 2018 estimate in The World Factbook by the CIA, the population is estimated to be 53.5% Muslim, 45.9% Christian (10.6% Catholic and 35.3% Protestant and other Christian), and 0.6% as other.
2018: ICT contribution to GDP
In 2018, Nigeria's ICT sector represented 10% of the nation's GDP.
2018: Establishment of the Nigerian Curling Federation
In 2018, the Nigerian Curling Federation was established to introduce curling to the country's schools and universities.
2018: Super Eagles at the FIFA World Cup
Nigeria's national football team, known as the "Super Eagles", played in the FIFA World Cup in 2018.
2018: Nigeria competes at the CAVB Beach Volleyball Continental Cup
Nigeria's women's and men's national teams in beach volleyball competed at the 2018–2020 CAVB Beach Volleyball Continental Cup.
June 2019: Nigeria EduSat-1 deployed
In June 2019, Nigeria EduSat-1, the first satellite built in Nigeria, was deployed from the International Space Station.
August 2019: Border Closure to Stop Rice Smuggling
In August 2019, Nigeria closed its border with Benin and other neighboring countries to stop rice smuggling as part of efforts to boost local production.
December 2019: Eco Currency Announcement
On December 21, 2019, Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara, Emmanuel Macron, and other UEMOA states announced they would rename the CFA franc instead of replacing it with the Eco currency.
2019: HIV prevalence rate
As of 2019, the HIV prevalence rate among adults of ages 15–49 was 1.5 per cent in Nigeria.
2019: Nigeria Wins First International Curling Match
At the 2019 World Mixed Doubles Curling Championship in Norway, Nigeria won their first international match, beating France 8–5.
2019: Buhari was elected in the 2019 presidential election
Buhari was elected in the 2019 presidential election
2019: Natural Rubber Exports
In 2019, Nigeria was one of the world's top twenty exporters of natural rubber, generating $20.9 million.
2019: Nigeria Qualifies for FIVB Beach Volleyball U21 World Championships
In 2019, Nigeria's U21 national teams qualified for the FIVB Beach Volleyball U21 World Championships.
2019: Aviation industry GDP contribution
In 2019, The Nigerian aviation industry generated 198.62 billion naira (€400 million), representing a contribution of 0.14% to GDP and was the fastest-growing sector of the Nigerian economy.
2019: Forest Landscape Integrity Index score
Nigeria had a 2019 Forest Landscape Integrity Index mean score of 6.2/10, ranking it 82nd globally out of 172 countries.
2020: Pew Research Center report
As of 2020, the Pew Research Center reported that Nigeria's Muslim majority numbered around 56.1% while the country's Christian share had declined to 43%.
2020: Troop Numbers
In 2020, Nigeria had 143,000 troops in the armed forces and an additional 80,000 personnel in "gendarmerie & paramilitary,".
2020: Road network contribution to GDP
In 2020, Nigeria's road network contributed N2.4trn ($6.4bn) to GDP.
2020: Passenger traffic and freight volumes
In 2020, passenger traffic was at 9,358,166 and total freight volumes were 191 tonnes.
2020: Nigeria competes at the CAVB Beach Volleyball Continental Cup
Nigeria's women's and men's national teams in beach volleyball competed at the 2018–2020 CAVB Beach Volleyball Continental Cup.
October 2021: Police Violence Deaths
In the 12 months after October 2021, 2,193 people died from police violence, while 498 died from Boko Haram and ISWAP attacks, according to the Nigeria Security Tracker.
December 2021: Anambra International Cargo Airport Started Operations
In December 2021, the Anambra International Cargo Airport started its operation.
2021: Eco Currency Delay
As of 2021, the implementation of the Eco currency has been delayed to 2027.
2021: Pharmaceutical production capacity in Africa
In 2021, Nigeria hosted approximately 60 percent of the pharmaceutical production capacity in Africa, with larger companies located in Lagos.
2021: Nigeria joined the World Logistics Passport
In 2021, Nigeria joined the World Logistics Passport, a private sector group working to increase the efficiency of global trade.
2021: Agriculture's Contribution to GDP
In 2021, agriculture, forestry, and fishing contributed about 23.4% of Nigeria's GDP; Nigeria is the world's largest producer of cassava.
2021: Nigeria population
In 2021, the United Nations estimates that the population of Nigeria was at 213,401,323.
2021: Increase in rice production
Nigeria's rice production increased by 10% from 2017/18 to 2021/22, reaching 5 million tonnes per year.
2021: Petrol as Main Import Commodity
Until 2021, petrol was Nigeria's main import commodity, accounting for 24% of the import volume.
January 2022: Host to unicorn companies in Africa
As of January 2022, Nigeria hosted 5 out of the 7 unicorn companies in Africa.
March 2022: Increase in the Number of Poor Nigerians
In March 2022, The World Bank stated that the number of poor Nigerians had increased by 5 million to 95.1 million during the Covid period.
April 2022: Inauguration of Murtala Muhammed International Airport
In April 2022, the second terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport was inaugurated, increasing the airport's capacity to 14 million passengers per year.
May 2022: Nigerian Gas Projects
As of May 2022, projects to transport Nigerian natural gas to Europe via pipelines to Morocco or Algeria have not yielded results amid the Russo-Ukrainian war.
June 2022: Massacre at St. Francis Xavier Church
In June 2022, a massacre occurred at St. Francis Xavier Church in Owo, with the government blaming ISWAP for the deaths of over 50 parishioners, while locals suspect Fulani herdsmen's involvement.
August 2022: Renewal of Oil Infrastructure Guarding Contract
In August 2022, the contract for militant groups to guard oil infrastructure was renewed, leading to disputes over fund distribution.
October 2022: Casualties of Conflict
As of October 2022, over 41,600 lives have been lost to Boko Haram and bandit conflicts since mid-2010, according to the Council on Foreign Relations' Nigeria Security Tracker.
2022: Defense Budget
For 2022, US$2.26 billion was budgeted for the Nigerian armed forces.
2022: Explosions at illegal refineries
In 2022, Nigeria suffered 125 deaths from explosions at local, illegal refineries.
2022: Nigeria's GDP (PPP) per capita
In 2022, Nigeria's GDP (PPP) per capita was US$9,148, lower than South Africa, Egypt, and Morocco.
2022: Fighters Surrender
In 2022, approximately 40,000 Boko Haram fighters surrendered, though the splinter group ISWAP remains active.
2022: Second Niger Bridge largely completed
The Second Niger Bridge near Onitsha was largely completed in 2022.
2022: Imota Rice Mill Completion
The rice mill in Imota, near Lagos, was expected to be fully operational at the end of 2022 and designed to improve the balance of trade, create jobs, and save costs.
May 2023: Tinubu won the disputed election
In May 2023, Bola Tinubu of the ruling party won the disputed election.
2023: Nigeria's Economy Classification
As of 2023, Nigeria's economy is classified as lower-middle-income.
2023: Presidential Election Conventions
In 2023, presidential candidates in Nigeria have typically chosen a running mate of a different ethnicity and religion, but this is by convention and not legally mandated.
2023: Imota Rice Mill Inauguration
In 2023, the Imota rice mill was inaugurated with the commencement of full production.
2023: APC Candidate Selection in General Elections
In the 2023 General Elections, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, chose another Muslim, Senator Kashim Shettima, as his running mate, diverging from the established principle of religious and ethnic diversity in leadership.
2023: 2023 presidential election
In the 2023 presidential election, four major candidates vied for the presidency, marking a strengthening of democracy and faith in the multiparty constitution as no former military ruler ran for president.
2023: Most Expensive Election Ever
The election of 2015 was at the time, the most expensive election ever to be held on the African continent (being surpassed only by the elections of 2019 and 2023).
May 2024: Reinstatement of old national anthem
On May 29, 2024, Tinubu signed a law reinstating Nigeria, We Hail Thee, the national anthem from 1960 to 1978, replacing Arise, O Compatriots.
2024: Top five highest grossing Nigerian films
As of 2024, here are the top five highest grossing Nigerian films.
December 2025: US strike against Islamic State militants
On December 25, 2025, the United States carried out a strike against Islamic State militants in northwest Nigeria at the request of Tinubu's government.
2025: Global Innovation Index Ranking
In 2025, Nigeria was ranked 105th in the Global Innovation Index.
2025: First nuclear plant operation target
Nigeria plans to have the first of four nuclear power plants in operation by 2025.
2027: Eco Currency Delay
As of 2021, the implementation of the Eco currency has been delayed to 2027.
2027: Target nuclear capacity
Nigeria aims to develop plans for up to 4,000 MWe of nuclear capacity by 2027.
2030: Nigeria's commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
By 2030, Nigeria has committed to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 20% on its own, and by 47% if it receives international support.
2035: Target for nuclear power plants operation
Nigeria has plans to collaborate with Rosatom to construct four nuclear power plants by 2035.
2050: Citigroup Projection
In 2011, Citigroup projected that Nigeria would have the highest average GDP growth in the world between 2010 and 2050.
2060: Projected Muslim population
By 2060, Muslims will account for about 60% of the country.
2060: Nigeria's commitment to net zero emissions
By 2060, Nigeria has committed to net zero greenhouse gas emissions.
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