Full History Of Nigeria In Timeline From 1900

1900: Establishment of the 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.

1901: Anglo-Aro War

In 1901, during the Anglo-Aro War, the British defeated other opponents.

1902: Anglo-Aro War

In 1902, during the Anglo-Aro War, the British defeated other opponents.

1902: British plans to move north into the Sokoto Caliphate

In 1902, the British had begun plans to move north into the Sokoto Caliphate.

March 1903: British victory at the grand market square of Sokoto

On 13 March 1903, at the grand market square of Sokoto, the last vizier of the caliphate officially conceded to British rule.

June 1903: Defeat of Attahiru's forces

In June 1903, the British defeated the remaining northern forces of Attahiru.

1903: Break-up of the Sokoto Caliphate

By 1903, the Sokoto Caliphate broke up into various European colonies.

1906: End of resistance to British rule

By 1906, all resistance to British rule had ended.

1911: Kingdom of Nri lost sovereignty

In 1911, the Kingdom of Nri lost its sovereignty to the British.

January 1914: Unification of Southern and Northern Nigeria Protectorates

On 1 January 1914, the British formally united the Southern Nigeria Protectorate and the Northern Nigeria Protectorate into the Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria.

1914: Merging of the Southern and Northern Nigeria Protectorates

In 1914, the Southern Nigeria Protectorate and the Northern Nigeria Protectorate merged, establishing Nigeria's present territorial shape.

1936: Slavery outlawed in Northern Nigeria

Northern Nigeria did not outlaw slavery until 1936.

1950: Lagos Population

In 1950, the population of Lagos was about 300,000.

1954: Nigeria gained a degree of self-rule

In 1954, Nigeria gained a degree of self-rule.

October 1960: Nigeria became an independent federation

On 1 October 1960, Nigeria became a formally independent federation.

October 1960: Nigeria gained full independence

On 1 October 1960, Nigeria gained full independence from the United Kingdom as the Federation of Nigeria, retaining the British monarch as head of state.

November 1960: Nnamdi Azikiwe replaced the colonial governor-general

In November 1960, Nnamdi Azikiwe replaced the colonial governor-general.

1960: Nigeria's independence

By the eve of independence in 1960, regional differences in modern educational access were marked.

1960: End of British colonisation

In 1960, British colonisation of Nigeria ended.

1960: Nigeria, We Hail Thee used as National Anthem

Nigeria, We Hail Thee, was the country's national anthem from 1960.

1960: Independence and foreign policy

Upon gaining independence in 1960, Nigeria made African unity the centrepiece of its foreign policy.

1961: Southern Cameroons joined the Republic of Cameroon

In 1961, Southern Cameroons opted to join the Republic of Cameroon while Northern Cameroons chose to join Nigeria, leading to an imbalance in the polity.

January 1966: First military coup

In January 1966, a military coup led by Majors Emmanuel Ifeajuna, Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu and Adewale Ademoyega resulted in assassinations of prominent leaders and the Army taking control.

1966: Pogroms against Igbos

In 1966, continuous and systematically planned attacks against Igbos and those of Eastern extraction, popularly known as 1966 pogroms, occurred.

May 1967: Declaration of the Republic of Biafra

In May 1967, the Governor of the Eastern Region Lt. Colonel Emeka Ojukwu declared the region independent from the federation as a state called the Republic of Biafra.

July 1967: Beginning of the Nigerian Civil War

On 6 July 1967, the Nigerian Civil War began as the official Nigerian government side attacked Biafra at Garkem.

1967: Beginning of the Nigerian Civil War

In 1967, Nigeria experienced a civil war, lasting until 1970.

January 1970: End of the Nigerian Civil War

In January 1970, the 30-month Nigerian Civil War ended with the defeat of Biafra after a long blockade and isolation.

1970: End of the Nigerian Civil War

The Nigerian Civil War, which started in 1967, ended in 1970.

July 1971: Membership in OPEC

In July 1971, Nigeria joined OPEC and has remained a key player in the international oil industry since the 1970s.

1973: Discovery of the Niger Delta Nembe Creek oil field

The Niger Delta Nembe Creek oil field was discovered in 1973.

July 1975: Military coup ousts Gowon

In July 1975, a coup led by Generals Shehu Musa Yar'Adua and Joseph Garba ousted Gowon, who fled to Britain.

February 1976: Coup attempt and assassination of General Murtala Muhammed

In February 1976, Colonel Buka Suka Dimka launched a coup attempt, resulting in the assassination of General Murtala Muhammed. The coup failed due to lack of widespread military support, and Dimka was forced to flee. Subsequently, General Olusegun Obasanjo became the military head of state.

1978: Nigeria, We Hail Thee used as National Anthem

Nigeria, We Hail Thee, was the country's national anthem from 1960 to 1978.

October 1979: Shehu Shagari sworn in as President

On 1 October 1979, Shehu Shagari was sworn in as the first President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, marking the peaceful transfer of power from Obasanjo to a civilian government.

1979: Political Emancipation of Women

In 1979, women in Nigeria were politically emancipated; however, the patriarchal system persisted as husbands often dictated their wives' votes.

1980: Super Eagles win Africa Cup of Nations

In 1980, the Super Eagles won the Africa Cup of Nations.

August 1983: Shagari and NPN returned to power amid allegations of vote-rigging

In August 1983, Shagari and the NPN were returned to power with a landslide victory. However, the elections were marred by violence and allegations of widespread vote-rigging and electoral malfeasance.

1983: Military coup d'état

In 1983, a military coup d'état was coordinated by key officers of the Nigerian military, leading to the overthrow of the government and the installation of Major General Muhammadu Buhari as head of state.

1984: Military coup of Muhammadu Buhari

The military coup of Muhammadu Buhari in 1984 was generally viewed as a positive development.

1985: Ibrahim Babangida overthrew Buhari

In 1985, Ibrahim Babangida overthrew Buhari in a coup d'état.

1986: Establishment of the Nigerian Political Bureau

In 1986, Babangida established the Nigerian Political Bureau which made recommendations for the transition to the Third Nigerian Republic.

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 to the population.

1989: Plans for transition to the Third Nigerian Republic

In 1989, Babangida started making plans for the transition to the Third Nigerian Republic.

1990: Small oil fields accounted

As of 1990, small oil fields accounted for 62.1% of all Nigerian production.

1990: 1990 Nigerian coup d'état attempt

Babangida survived the 1990 Nigerian coup d'état attempt, then postponed a promised return to democracy to 1992.

1990: Deforestation

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 Growth Start

From 1990 to 2008, Nigeria's population increased by 57 million.

1991: Ben Okri wins Booker Prize

In 1991, Ben Okri was awarded the Booker Prize for his literary work.

1992: Formation of two-party system

In 1992, Babangida legalized the formation of political parties and formed the two-party system with the Social Democratic Party and National Republican Convention ahead of the 1992 general elections.

1992: Postponement of return to democracy

In 1992, Babangida postponed a promised return to democracy.

August 1993: Babangida relinquished power to a civilian government

In August 1993, Babangida finally kept his promise to relinquish power to a civilian government but not before appointing Ernest Shonekan head of an interim national government.

1993: Coup d'état led by General Sani 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

In April 1994, Nigeria's national football team, the Super Eagles, achieved their highest FIFA World Rankings, placing fifth.

1995: Temporary expulsion from the Commonwealth of Nations

In 1995, Nigeria was temporarily expelled from the Commonwealth of Nations due to being ruled by the Abacha regime.

1995: Nigerian doctors practicing in the US

In 1995, an estimated 21,000 Nigerian doctors were practising in the United States alone.

1995: Hanging of Ken Saro-Wiwa and Nigeria's suspension from the Commonwealth

In 1995, the government hanged environmentalist Ken Saro-Wiwa on trumped-up charges, leading to Nigeria's suspension from the Commonwealth.

1996: Nigeria wins gold in Summer Olympics

In 1996, Nigeria won the gold medal for football at the Summer Olympics, becoming the first African football team to achieve this feat.

1998: Super Eagles in FIFA World Cup

In 1998, the Super Eagles participated in the FIFA World Cup.

1998: Death of General Sani Abacha

In 1998, the regime of General Sani Abacha came to an end upon his death.

May 1999: Obasanjo assumes presidency

On 29 May 1999, Abubakar handed over power to former military ruler General Olusegun Obasanjo, who won the 1999 presidential election, as President of Nigeria.

May 1999: Adoption of a new constitution

On 5 May 1999, General Abdulsalami Abubakar adopted a new constitution, which provided for multiparty elections.

1999: Hindrance of economic development

Before 1999, economic development was hindered by years of military rule, corruption, and mismanagement.

1999: Stable government achieved after presidential election

In 1999, Nigeria achieved a stable government following the Nigerian presidential election.

2000: Deforestation

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 in Nsukka region

In 2000 BC, evidence of iron smelting was discovered 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 sector contribution to GDP

In 2001, the ICT sector only contributed 1% to Nigeria's GDP, showing the potential for growth in the sector.

2002: Chinua Achebe wins Peace Award of the German Book Trade

In 2002, Chinua Achebe was awarded the Peace Award of the German Book Trade.

2002: Super Eagles in FIFA World Cup

In 2002, the Super Eagles played in the FIFA World Cup.

December 2003: Opening of Millennium Park

In December 2003, Millennium Park in Abuja, designed by architect Manfredi Nicoletti, was officially opened to the public.

2003: Nigeria Airways over-indebted

In 2003, Nigeria Airways was over-indebted and bought by the British Virgin Group.

2003: Second term presidential elections

In 2003, Nigeria made significant progress in democratization under Obasanjo after the presidential elections that brought Obasanjo to power.

2003: Creation of EFCC

In 2003, the Nigerian Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was created to combat financial crime.

2004: Chinese-origin research reactor

Nigeria opened in 2004 a Chinese-origin research reactor at Ahmadu Bello University.

June 2005: Nigeria Airways renamed to Virgin Nigeria Airways

Since June 28 2005, Nigeria Airways has been flying under the name Virgin Nigeria Airways.

2005: Highest rate of deforestation

In 2005, Nigeria had the highest rate of deforestation in the world, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

November 2006: Africa-South America Summit in Abuja

In November 2006, Nigeria organized an Africa-South America Summit in Abuja to promote South-South linkages on a variety of fronts.

2007: Chinua Achebe Wins Booker Prize

In 2007, Chinua Achebe won the Booker Prize, adding to his literary accolades.

2007: President Urges Nuclear Power

In 2007, President Umaru Yar'Adua urged the country to embrace nuclear power to meet its growing energy needs.

2007: Umaru Yar'Adua came to power

In the 2007 general elections, Umaru Yar'Adua of the People's Democratic Party came to power.

November 2008: MTV Africa Music Awards in Abuja

In November 2008, Nigeria's music scene gained international attention when MTV hosted the first African music awards show in Abuja.

2008: Virgin Group withdrawal from Virgin Nigeria Airways

At the end of 2008, the Virgin Group announced its withdrawal from Virgin Nigeria Airways.

2008: Population Growth End

From 1990 to 2008, Nigeria's population increased by 57 million, a 60% growth rate in less than two decades.

2008: Introduction of the Marriage Rights Act

In 2008, the Marriage Rights Act banning marriage of girls under 18 was introduced on a federal level in Nigeria.

September 2009: Virgin Nigeria Airways operating as Nigerian Eagle Airlines

Since September 2009, Virgin Nigeria Airways has been operating as Nigerian Eagle Airlines.

2009: Eyo carnival as a step towards world city status

In 2009, the Eyo carnival in Lagos was seen as a step towards achieving world city status.

2009: Release of The Figurine

In 2009, the thriller film 'The Figurine' was released, heightening media attention towards the New Nigerian Cinema revolution. It achieved critical and commercial success.

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May 2010: Death of President Yar'Adua

Yar'Adua died on 5 May 2010, and Vice President Goodluck Jonathan had been sworn in by the Senate three months earlier as acting president.

2010: Religious distribution in Nigeria

According to the 2010 census of Association of Religion Data Archives, 48.8% of the total population was Christian, slightly larger than the Muslim population of 43.4%, while 7.5% were members of other religions.

2010: Super Eagles in FIFA World Cup

In 2010, the Super Eagles competed in the FIFA World Cup.

2010: Release of Ijé

In 2010, the film 'Ijé', directed by Chineze Anyaene, was released and overtook 'The Figurine' as the highest-grossing Nigerian film.

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2010: Lead poisoning outbreak in Zamfara

In 2010, thousands of people were inadvertently exposed to lead-containing soil from informal gold mining within the northern state of Zamfara, leading to the deaths of upwards of 400 children.

2010: Citigroup Projection for Nigeria's GDP Growth

In 2011, Citigroup projected that Nigeria would have the highest average GDP growth in the world between 2010 and 2050.

2010: Escalation of 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: Nigeria Security Tracker Establishment

In the first 12 months of the Nigeria Security Tracker's establishment in May 2011, there were 1,086 deaths from Boko Haram attacks and 290 deaths from police violence.

2011: Jonathan won the presidential election

Goodluck Jonathan won the 2011 presidential election.

2011: Citigroup Projection for Nigeria's GDP Growth

In 2011, Citigroup projected that Nigeria would have the highest average GDP growth in the world between 2010 and 2050.

2012: Pew Research Center report on religion

A 2012 report 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: Founding of Air Peace

In 2012, Air Peace, which is privately owned, was founded. It is now the largest airline in Nigeria.

2012: Nigeria Qualifies for Summer Olympics

In 2012, Nigeria's national basketball team qualified for the Summer Olympics, defeating heavily favored world elite teams.

2012: Launch of bone marrow donor program

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 to find a compatible donor.

June 2013: Shell's Strategic Review of Nigerian Operations

In June 2013, Shell announced a strategic review of its operations in Nigeria, hinting that assets could be divested.

2013: Record-Breaking Revenue for the 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: Super Eagles win Africa Cup of Nations

In 2013, the Super Eagles won the Africa Cup of Nations.

2013: Release of Half of a Yellow Sun

The movie Half of a Yellow Sun was released in 2013.

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August 2014: Shell Finalizes Interests in Oil Fields

In August 2014, Shell said it was finalising its interests in four Nigerian oil fields.

2014: Film Industry Valued at ₦853.9 Billion

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: Nigeria's containment of Ebola

During the 2014 Ebola outbreak, Nigeria was the first country to effectively contain and eliminate the Ebola threat in West Africa.

2014: Boko Haram insurgency

In 2014, Jonathan's tenure saw the emergence of a wave of terror by the Boko Haram insurgency, such as the Gwoza massacre and Chibok schoolgirls kidnapping.

2014: Super Eagles in FIFA World Cup

In 2014, the Super Eagles participated in the FIFA World Cup.

2014: Half of a Yellow Sun Becomes Highest-Grossing Film

In 2014, the film 'Half of a Yellow Sun' (2013) overtook 'Ijé' to become the highest-grossing Nigerian film.

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February 2015: Establishment of Multinational Joint Task Force

In February 2015, the Boko Haram-affected states agreed to establish an 8,700-strong Multinational Joint Task Force to jointly fight Boko Haram.

April 2015: Talks with Russia's 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, the first of which will be in operation by 2025.

June 2015: Sites Selected for Nuclear Plants

In June 2015, Nigeria selected two sites for the planned construction of the nuclear plants. Neither the Nigerian government nor Rosatom would disclose the specific locations of the sites, but it is believed that the nuclear plants will be sited in Akwa Ibom State and Kogi State.

October 2015: Boko Haram Driven Out of Cities

By October 2015, Boko Haram had been driven out of all the cities it controlled and almost all the counties in northeastern Nigeria.

2015: Estimate from 2015

According to an estimate from 2015, there are 20 cities in Nigeria with more than 500,000 inhabitants, including ten cities with a population of one million.

2015: Buhari won the election

In 2015, Muhammadu Buhari won the election.

2015: Ban on female genital mutilation implemented

In 2015, a ban was implemented in Nigeria on female genital mutilation.

2015: Pew Research Center estimate of Muslim population

In a 2015 report released by Pew Research Center, the Muslim population was estimated to be 50%.

2015: Gold Production

Nigeria's gold production in 2015 was 8 metric tons.

2016: The Wedding Party Sets New Record

By 2016, 'The Wedding Party', directed by Kemi Adetiba, held the record for the highest-grossing Nigerian film.

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2016: Increase in Total Trade between China and Nigeria

By 2016, the total trade between China and Nigeria had increased by over 10.3 billion dollars since 2000, leading to a trade imbalance where Nigeria imports ten times more than it exports to China.

2016: Split within Boko Haram

In 2016, Boko Haram split into factions.

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 saw intense attacks on oil infrastructure by militant groups such as the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), the Niger Delta People's Volunteer Force (NDPVF), the Ijaw National Congress (INC) and the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF).

2016: Nigerian Federal Government contract to militant groups

In late 2016, the Nigerian federal government offered militant groups a 4.5 billion naira (US$144 million) contract to guard oil infrastructure.

2017: World Bank report on logistics hubs in Africa

A 2017 World Bank report on logistics hubs in Africa placed Nigeria in fourth place, behind Côte d'Ivoire, Senegal, and Sao Tome.

2017: Percentage of Nigerians in extreme poverty

According to the International Monetary Fund, as of 2017, 32% of Nigeria's population lived in extreme poverty.

2017: Lagos Population increase

By 2017, Lagos had grown to an estimated 13.4 million people.

2017: Scrabble as an Official Sport

By the end of 2017, Scrabble had become an official sport in Nigeria with around 4,000 players.

2017: UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons

In 2017, Nigeria signed the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. Agreements were signed for the construction of the Itu nuclear power plant.

2017: Defense Spending

In 2017, Nigeria spent just under 0.4 per cent of its economic output, or US$1.6 billion, on its armed forces.

2017: Nigeria Median Age

In 2017, the median age in Nigeria was 18.4 years, and Nigeria accounted for about 17% of the continent's total population.

2017: Increase in rice production

Nigeria's rice production increased by 10% from 2017/18 to 2021/22 to 5 million tonnes a year, but could hardly keep up with the increased demand.

2018: CIA estimate of religious distribution

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 sector growth

In 2018, Nigeria's ICT sector experienced substantial growth, contributing 10% to the nation's GDP, a significant increase from just 1% in 2001.

2018: Super Eagles in FIFA World Cup

In 2018, Nigeria's Super Eagles participated in the FIFA World Cup.

2018: Nigeria Competes in Beach Volleyball Continental Cup

In 2018, Nigeria's women's and men's national teams in beach volleyball competed at the CAVB Beach Volleyball Continental Cup.

2018: Nigerian Curling Federation Established

In 2018, the Nigerian Curling Federation was established to introduce curling as a sport to the country.

June 2019: Nigeria EduSat-1 Deployed

In June 2019, Nigeria EduSat-1 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 into the country as part of efforts to boost local production.

December 2019: Announcement regarding the Eco currency

On December 21, 2019, Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara, Emmanuel Macron, and multiple other UEMOA states announced that they would merely rename the CFA franc instead of replacing the currency as originally intended, undermining Nigeria's plan for the Eco currency.

2019: HIV prevalence rate

As of 2019, the HIV prevalence rate among adults of ages 15–49 in Nigeria was 1.5 per cent.

2019: Nigeria Wins First International Curling Match

At the 2019 World Mixed Doubles Curling Championship in Norway, Nigeria secured their first international win, beating France 8–5.

2019: Forest Landscape Integrity Index mean score

In 2019 Nigeria had a Forest Landscape Integrity Index mean score of 6.2/10, ranking it 82nd globally out of 172 countries.

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 contribution to GDP

In 2019, the Nigerian aviation industry generated 198.62 billion naira (€400 million), representing a contribution of 0.14% to the GDP and becoming the fastest-growing sector of the economy.

2019: Buhari re-elected

In the 2019 presidential election, Buhari was re-elected.

2020: Troop Numbers

In 2020, Nigeria had 143,000 troops in the armed forces and another 80,000 personnel for gendarmerie & paramilitary.

2020: Road network contribution to GDP

In 2020, Nigeria's road network contributed N2.4trn ($6.4bn) to the country's GDP.

2020: Nigeria Competes in Beach Volleyball Continental Cup

In 2020, Nigeria's women's and men's national teams in beach volleyball competed at the CAVB Beach Volleyball Continental Cup.

2020: Passenger traffic

In 2020, total freight volumes in the Nigerian aviation sector were 191 tonnes.

October 2021: Reported Deaths from Police Violence

In the 12 months after October 2021, 2,193 people died from police violence and 498 from Boko Haram and ISWAP, according to the NST.

December 2021: Start of operations at Anambra International Cargo Airport

In December 2021, the Anambra International Cargo Airport commenced operations.

2021: Delay of the Eco Currency

As of 2021, the implementation of the Eco currency has been delayed to 2027.

2021: Pharmaceutical production capacity in Africa

In 2021, Nigeria hosts about 60 percent of the pharmaceutical production capacity in Africa, the larger pharmaceutical companies are located in Lagos.

2021: Nigeria joined the World Logistics Passport

In 2021, Nigeria joined the World Logistics Passport, a private sector group aimed at increasing the efficiency of global trade.

2021: Contribution of Agriculture to GDP

In 2021, about 23.4% of Nigeria's GDP was contributed by agriculture, forestry, and fishing combined.

2021: Nigeria Population

In 2021, the United Nations estimated Nigeria's population to be 213,401,323, distributed as 51.7% rural and 48.3% urban, with a population density of 167.5 people per square kilometre.

2021: Increase in rice production

Nigeria's rice production increased by 10% from 2017/18 to 2021/22 to 5 million tonnes a year, but could hardly keep up with the increased demand.

2021: Petrol was Nigeria's main import commodity

Until 2021, Petrol was Nigeria's main import commodity until 2021, accounting for 24% of import volume.

January 2022: Nigeria Hosts Unicorn Companies

As of January 2022, Nigeria hosts 5 out of the 7 unicorn companies in Africa.

March 2022: Increase in poor Nigerians during Covid period

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 the second terminal of the 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 natural gas to Europe

As of May 2022, projects to transport Nigerian natural gas via pipelines to Morocco or Algeria are being considered due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, but there are no results yet.

June 2022: Massacre at St. Francis Xavier Church in Owo

In June 2022, a massacre took place in the St. Francis Xavier Church in Owo, with the government blaming ISWAP for the murder of over 50 parishioners, but locals suspecting Fulani herdsmen's involvement.

August 2022: Contract Renewal

In August 2022, the contract for militant groups to guard oil infrastructure was renewed, leading to disputes among the groups over fund distribution.

October 2022: Casualties from Boko Haram and Bandit Conflict

As of October 2022, over 41,600 lives have been lost to the Boko Haram and bandit conflict, according to the Council on Foreign Relations' Nigeria Security Tracker.

2022: Budget for Nigerian Armed Forces

For 2022, US$2.26 billion has been budgeted for the Nigerian armed forces.

2022: Fighters Surrender

In 2022, 40,000 Boko Haram fighters surrendered.

2022: Deaths from explosions at local, illegal refineries

In 2022, Nigeria suffered 125 deaths from explosions at local, illegal refineries.

2022: GDP (PPP) per capita

In 2022, Nigeria's GDP (PPP) per capita was US$9,148.

2022: Completion of the Second Niger Bridge

In 2022, the Second Niger Bridge near Onitsha was largely completed, representing an improvement in transport infrastructure.

2022: Rice mill in Imota

The rice mill in Imota, near Lagos, is intended to handle the corresponding processing at home, improve the balance of trade and the labour market, and save unnecessary costs for transport and middlemen. When fully operational at the end of 2022, the plant, the largest south of the Sahara, is expected to employ 250,000 people and produce 2.5 million 50-kg bags of rice annually.

May 2023: Bola Tinubu won disputed election

In May 2023, Bola Tinubu, of the ruling party, won the disputed election.

2023: Economy classification

As of 2023, Nigeria's economy is classified as lower-middle-income.

2023: Nigerian presidential election

In 2023, the Nigerian president is elected in a modified two-round system.

2023: Most expensive election

In 2023, the general election of 2015 was surpassed only by the elections of 2019 and 2023.

2023: Religious and ethnic diversity in leadership ignored

In the 2023 General Elections, the candidate for the All Progressives Congress, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a Muslim, selected another Muslim, Senator Kashim Shettima, as running mate.

May 2024: Re-adoption of Nigeria, We Hail Thee as the national anthem

On 29 May 2024, Tinubu signed into law an act readopting Nigeria, We Hail Thee, which was the country's national anthem from 1960 to 1978, as its national anthem, replacing Arise, O Compatriots.

2024: Top five highest grossing Nigerian films

As of 2024, a list of the top five highest-grossing Nigerian films exists.

2024: Nigeria Ranked 113th in the Global Innovation Index

In 2024, Nigeria was ranked 113th in the Global Innovation Index.

2025: Collaboration 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, the first of which will be in operation by 2025.

2027: Delayed Implementation of Eco Currency

As of 2021, the Eco currency's implementation is delayed to 2027.

2027: Nigeria's Nuclear Capacity

Nigeria has sought the support of the International Atomic Energy Agency to develop plans for up to 4,000 MWe of nuclear capacity by 2027.

2035: Collaboration 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, the first of which will be in operation by 2025.