History of Nigeria in Timeline

Nigeria, officially the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is a West African country bordered by Niger, Chad, Cameroon, and Benin. With over 230 million people, it is the most populous country in Africa and the sixth most populous globally. It's a federal republic consisting of 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Lagos is its largest city and one of Africa's largest metropolitan areas. It is situated between the Sahel to the north and the Gulf of Guinea in the Atlantic Ocean to the south, covering an area of 923,769 square kilometers.

1900: Establishment of the Southern Nigeria Protectorate

In 1900, the territory of the Royal Niger Company came under the direct control of the British government, which established the Southern Nigeria Protectorate.

1901: Anglo-Aro War

In 1901, the Anglo-Aro War took place.

1902: Defeat of opponents in Anglo-Aro War

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

1902: British plans to move north into the Sokoto Caliphate

In 1902, the British had begun plans to move north into the Sokoto Caliphate with Lord Frederick Lugard tasked to implement the agenda.

March 1903: British victory in the Battle of Kano

In March 1903, the British victory in the Battle of Kano gave them a logistical edge in pacifying the heartland of the Sokoto Caliphate. 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 by the British

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

1903: Break-up of the Sokoto Caliphate

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

1906: End of resistance to British rule

By 1906, all resistance to British rule in Nigeria had ended.

1911: Kingdom of Nri lost sovereignty to the British

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

January 1914: Uniting of the Southern and Northern Nigeria Protectorates

On 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 Southern and Northern Nigeria Protectorates

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

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: Population of Lagos

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: Full independence from the United Kingdom

On 1 October 1960, Nigeria gained full independence from the United Kingdom as the Federation of Nigeria, with Abubakar Tafawa Balewa as Prime Minister and Elizabeth II as Queen of Nigeria.

October 1960: Independence of Nigeria

On October 1960, Nigeria became a formally independent federation.

November 1960: Nnamdi Azikiwe replaced the colonial governor-general

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

1960: Movement towards self-government

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

1960: End of British colonization

In 1960, British colonization ended in Nigeria.

1960: Nigeria, We Hail Thee

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

1960: Independence and Foreign Policy

Upon gaining independence in 1960, Nigeria made African unity the centrepiece of its foreign policy. One exception to the African focus was Nigeria's close relationship with Israel throughout the 1960s.

1961: 1961 plebiscite

An imbalance was created in the polity as a result of the 1961 plebiscite where Southern Cameroons opted to join the Republic of Cameroon while Northern Cameroons chose to join Nigeria.

January 1966: First military coup in Nigeria

In January 1966, the first military coup in Nigeria was led mostly by soldiers under Majors Emmanuel Ifeajuna, Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu and Adewale Ademoyega.

1966: Pogroms against Igbos

In 1966, there were continuous and systematically planned attacks against Igbos and those of Eastern extraction.

May 1967: Declaration of the Republic of Biafra

In May 1967, 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: Start of the Nigerian Civil War

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

1967: Start of the Nigerian Civil War

In 1967, Nigeria experienced the start of a civil war.

January 1970: End of the Nigerian Civil War

In January 1970, the Nigerian Civil War ended.

1970: End of the Nigerian Civil War

In 1970, the Nigerian civil war ended.

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: Coup led by Generals Shehu Musa Yar'Adua and Joseph Garba

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 during which General Murtala Muhammed was assassinated. The coup failed due to lack of support, and General Olusegun Obasanjo became the military head of state, continuing Murtala's policies.

1978: Nigeria, We Hail Thee

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

October 1979: Shehu Shagari Sworn in as President

On 1 October 1979, Shehu Shagari of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) was sworn in as the first President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria after winning the 1979 elections. Obasanjo peacefully transferred power to Shagari.

1979: Political emancipation of women

In 1979, women in Nigeria were politically emancipated, granting them the right to participate in the political process. However, patriarchal norms still influence voting patterns.

1980: Nigeria wins Africa Cup of Nations

In 1980, Nigeria won the Africa Cup of Nations.

August 1983: Shagari Returned to Power Amidst Allegations of Corruption and Electoral Malfeasance

In August 1983, Shagari and the NPN were returned to power in a landslide victory, securing a majority in the National Assembly and control of 12 state governments. 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 coordinated by key officers of the Nigerian military led to the overthrow of the government, and the installation of Major General Muhammadu Buhari as head of state.

1984: Buhari's Regime Re-election

Shortly after the regime's re-election in 1984, a military coup led by Muhammadu Buhari was generally viewed as a positive development.

1985: Babangida Overthrows Buhari in a Coup d'état

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: Babangida Plans Transition to the Third Nigerian Republic

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

1990: Prevalence of Small Oil Fields

As of 1990, small oil fields accounted for 62.1% of all Nigerian oil production, contrasting with the sixteen largest fields which produced 37.9% of Nigeria's petroleum at that time.

1990: 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%. Between 1990 and 2005, in total Nigeria lost 35.7% of its forest cover or around 6,145,000 hectares.

1990: Nigeria population increase

From 1990 to 2008, Nigeria's population increased by 57 million, reflecting a 60% growth rate.

1990: Coup Attempt and Postponement of Democracy

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 for literature.

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: Postponed Return to Democracy

In 1992, Babangida postponed a promised return to democracy following a coup attempt in 1990.

August 1993: Babangida Relinquishes Power to Interim Government

In August 1993, Babangida finally relinquished power to a civilian government, appointing Ernest Shonekan head of an interim national government after annulling the 1993 elections.

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, who used military force on a wide scale to suppress the continuing civilian unrest.

April 1994: Super Eagles ranked fifth in FIFA World Rankings

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

1995: Expulsion from the Commonwealth of Nations

In 1995, Nigeria was temporarily expelled from the Commonwealth of Nations when it was ruled by the Abacha regime.

1995: Nigerian doctors practising in the US

In 1995, it was estimated that around 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 medal in Olympic football

In the 1996 Summer Olympics, Nigeria won the gold medal for football, becoming the first African football team to win gold in Olympic football.

1998: Nigeria participates in the FIFA World Cup

In 1998, Nigeria's national football team, the "Super Eagles", played in the FIFA World Cup.

1998: Death of General Sani Abacha

In 1998, the regime of General Sani Abacha came to an end with his death. His successor, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, adopted a new constitution on 5 May 1999, which provided for multiparty elections.

May 1999: Obasanjo Assumes Presidency

On 29 May 1999, Abubakar handed over power to former military ruler General Olusegun Obasanjo, as President of Nigeria, marking the beginning of the Fourth Nigerian Republic.

May 1999: Adoption of 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 in the 1999 Nigerian presidential election

Nigeria achieved a stable government in the 1999 Nigerian presidential election.

2000: 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 found at the site of Lejja in the Nsukka region of southeast Nigeria.

2000: Rise in Chinese-Nigerian trade relations

Since 2000, Chinese–Nigerian trade relations have risen exponentially, leading to a trade imbalance where Nigeria imports ten times more than it exports to China.

2001: ICT sector represents 1% of Nigeria's GDP

In 2001, Nigeria's ICT sector represented only 1% of the nation's GDP.

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

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

2002: Nigeria participates in the FIFA World Cup

In 2002, Nigeria's national football team, 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, officially opened.

2003: Obasanjo's Second Term Election

In 2003, Obasanjo ran for a second term in the presidential elections which were condemned as unfree and unfair.

2003: Creation of the EFCC

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

2003: Nigeria Airways over-indebted

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

2004: Opening of Chinese-Origin Research Reactor

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

June 2005: Virgin Nigeria Airways

Since June 28, 2005, Nigeria Airways has flown under the name Virgin Nigeria Airways after being bought by the British Virgin Group.

2005: Highest Deforestation Rate in the World

In 2005, Nigeria had the highest rate of deforestation in the world, with 12.2% of its forested land lost.

November 2006: Africa-South America Summit in Abuja

In late November 2006, Nigeria organized an Africa-South America Summit in Abuja to promote "South-South" linkages.

2007: Chinua Achebe wins Booker Prize

In 2007, Chinua Achebe won the prestigious Booker Prize for literature.

2007: President Urges Adoption of Nuclear Power

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

2007: Umaru Yar'Adua Comes to Power

In the 2007 general elections, Umaru Yar'Adua of the People's Democratic Party came to power, though the elections were condemned as seriously flawed.

November 2008: MTV Africa Music Awards in Abuja

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

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2008: Virgin Group announced its withdrawal from Virgin Nigeria Airways

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

2008: Nigeria population increase

From 1990 to 2008, Nigeria's population increased by 57 million, reflecting a 60% growth rate.

2008: Introduction of Marriage Rights Act

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

September 2009: Nigerian Eagle Airlines

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

2009: Eyo carnival as a step toward world city status

In 2009, the Eyo carnival, a yearly festival originating from Iperu Remo, Ogun State, was a step toward world city status for Lagos.

2009: Release of 'The Figurine'

In 2009, the release of the thriller film 'The Figurine' heightened media attention towards the New Nigerian Cinema revolution. The film was a critical and commercial success in Nigeria.

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May 2010: Death of Yar'Adua and Inauguration of Goodluck Jonathan

On 5 May 2010, Yar'Adua died, and Vice President Goodluck Jonathan was sworn in as acting president.

2010: Nigeria participates in the FIFA World Cup

In 2010, Nigeria's national football team, the "Super Eagles", played in the FIFA World Cup.

2010: Release of 'Ijé'

In 2010, the film 'Ijé' by Chineze Anyaene overtook 'The Figurine' to become 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, resulting in an outbreak where upwards of 400 children died of acute lead poisoning.

2010: Start of Projected Period of High GDP Growth

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

2010: Start of Increased Attacks by Boko Haram and Bandits

Since mid-2010, Boko Haram and the bandit conflict have been responsible for numerous serious attacks with thousands of casualties in Nigeria.

May 2011: Establishment of Nigeria Security Tracker

In the first 12 months of its establishment in May 2011, the Council on Foreign Relations' Nigeria Security Tracker counted 1,086 deaths from Boko Haram attacks and 290 deaths from police violence.

2011: Citigroup's 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.

2011: Jonathan Wins Presidential Election

Jonathan won the 2011 presidential election, with the polls proceeding smoothly and with relatively little violence or electoral fraud.

2012: Pew Research Center Report on religion and public life

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: Foundation of Air Peace

In 2012, Air Peace, the largest airline in Nigeria, was privately founded.

2012: Nigeria qualifies for Summer Olympics

In 2012, Nigeria's national basketball team qualified for the Summer Olympics.

2012: Launch of bone marrow donor program

In 2012, the University of Nigeria launched a new bone marrow donor program to aid individuals with leukaemia, lymphoma, or sickle cell disease in finding a compatible donor for a life-saving bone marrow transplant.

June 2013: Shell's Strategic Review of 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 reached a record-breaking revenue of ₦1.72 trillion (US$4.1 billion).

2013: Nigeria wins Africa Cup of Nations

In 2013, Nigeria won the Africa Cup of Nations.

2013: Release of 'Half of a Yellow Sun'

The film 'Half of a Yellow Sun' was released in 2013.

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August 2014: Shell Finalizing Interests in Nigerian Oil Fields

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

2014: Nollywood worth over ₦853.9 billion

As of 2014, the Nigerian film industry, known as Nollywood, was worth ₦853.9 billion (US$5.1 billion), making it the third most valuable film industry in the world.

2014: Nigeria contains and eliminates the Ebola threat

During the 2014 Ebola outbreak, Nigeria became the first country to effectively contain and eliminate the Ebola threat, employing a unique contact tracing method.

2014: 'Half of a Yellow Sun' becomes highest-grossing Nigerian film

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

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2014: Boko Haram Insurgency

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

2014: Nigeria participates in the FIFA World Cup

In 2014, Nigeria's national football team, the "Super Eagles", played in the FIFA World Cup.

February 2015: Agreement to Establish 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: Selection of Sites for Nuclear Plants

In June 2015, Nigeria selected two sites for the planned construction of nuclear plants, believed to be 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: Urbanization in Nigeria

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 Wins Presidential Election

In 2015, Muhammadu Buhari won the election after the biggest opposition parties in Nigeria merged and formed the All Progressives Congress. It marked the first time an incumbent president had lost re-election in Nigeria.

2015: Female genital mutilation ban

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

2015: Pew Research Center Report estimated the Muslim population to be 50%

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

2015: Gold Production

In 2015, the country's gold production 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 the highest-grossing Nigerian film.

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2016: Significant Increase in Trade Between Nigeria and China

By 2016, the total trade between Nigeria and China had increased by over 10.3 billion dollars since 2000, exacerbating a trade imbalance.

2016: Split Within Boko Haram

In 2016, Boko Haram split, leading to the emergence of ISWAP (Islamic State in West Africa).

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. In response, the Buhari government pursued a dual strategy of repression and negotiation.

2016: Government Offer 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: Poverty Rate

According to the International Monetary Fund, 32% of Nigeria's population lives in extreme poverty (as of 2017), living on less than US$2.15 a day.

2017: Population statistics

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

2017: Scrabble made an official sport in Nigeria

By the end of 2017, Scrabble was made an official sport in Nigeria.

2017: Increase in rice production

From 2017/18 to 2021/22, Nigeria's rice production increased by 10% to 5 million tonnes a year.

2017: Signing of UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons

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

2017: Military Expenditure

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 placed fourth in World Bank report

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

2017: Estimated population of Lagos

In 2017, the estimated population of Lagos had grown to 13.4 million.

2018: CIA estimated religious demographics

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% Roman Catholic and 35.3% Protestant and other Christian), and 0.6% as other.

2018: ICT sector represents 10% of Nigeria's GDP

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: Nigeria participates in the FIFA World Cup

In 2018, Nigeria's national football team, the "Super Eagles", played in the FIFA World Cup.

2018: Beach volleyball teams compete at CAVB Continental Cup

In 2018, Nigeria's women's and men's national teams in beach volleyball competed at the 2018–2020 CAVB Beach Volleyball Continental Cup.

2018: Establishment of the Nigerian Curling Federation

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

June 2019: Deployment of Nigeria EduSat-1

In June 2019, Nigeria EduSat-1 was deployed from the International Space Station. It is the first satellite that was built in Nigeria.

August 2019: Border Closure to Stop Rice Smuggling

In August 2019, Nigeria closed its border with Benin and other neighbouring countries to stop rice smuggling into the country as part of efforts to boost local production.

December 2019: Announcement Regarding the CFA Franc

On 21 December 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.

2019: HIV prevalence rate among adults in Nigeria

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: Revenue from natural rubber exports

In 2019 Nigeria generated $20.9 million from natural rubber exports.

2019: U21 national teams qualify for FIVB Beach Volleyball U21 World Championships

In 2019, Nigeria's U21 national teams qualified for the 2019 FIVB Beach Volleyball U21 World Championships.

2019: Nigerian aviation industry generated 198.62 billion naira

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

2019: Buhari Re-elected

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

2019: Forest Landscape Integrity Index

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

2020: Troop numbers in the Nigerian armed forces

In 2020, Nigeria had 143,000 troops in the armed forces and an additional 80,000 personnel in "gendarmerie & paramilitary", according to the International Institute for Strategic Studies.

2020: Road network contributes N2.4trn to GDP

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

2020: Beach volleyball teams compete at CAVB Continental Cup

In 2020, Nigeria's women's and men's national teams in beach volleyball competed at the 2018–2020 CAVB Beach Volleyball Continental Cup.

2020: Passenger traffic in Nigeria

In 2020, passenger traffic in Nigeria was at 9,358,166 and total freight volumes were 191 tonnes.

October 2021: Casualties from Police Violence Exceed Boko Haram Deaths

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

December 2021: Anambra International Cargo Airport started its operation

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

2021: Delay of the Eco Currency

As of 2021, the introduction of the Eco currency for West Africa has been delayed to 2027.

2021: Increase in rice production

From 2017/18 to 2021/22, Nigeria's rice production increased by 10% to 5 million tonnes a year.

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, Forestry and Fishing to GDP

In 2021, about 23.4% of Nigeria's GDP was contributed by agriculture, forestry and fishing combined. Nigeria is the world's largest producer of cassava.

2021: Population of Nigeria estimated

In 2021, the United Nations estimated Nigeria's population to be 213,401,323, with 51.7% rural and 48.3% urban distribution.

2021: Petrol as Main Import Commodity

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

January 2022: Hosting Unicorn Companies in Africa

As of January 2022, Nigeria is the host to 5 out of the 7 unicorn companies in Africa.

March 2022: Increased Poverty

The World Bank stated in March 2022 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: Projects to Transport Natural Gas to Europe

As of May 2022, the supply of natural gas to Europe, threatened by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, is pushing projects to transport Nigerian natural gas via pipelines to Morocco or Algeria, however there are no results on this yet.

June 2022: Massacre at St. Francis Xavier Church

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.

August 2022: Renewal of Oil Infrastructure Guarding Contract

In August 2022, the Nigerian federal government renewed a contract for militant groups to guard oil infrastructure, leading to disputes over fund distribution.

September 2022: University workers strike

In the 23 years leading up to September 2022, university workers in Nigeria went on strike 17 times, totaling 57 months. Consequently, the 2022 summer semester was cancelled nationwide.

October 2022: Casualties from Boko Haram and Bandit Conflicts

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

2022: Surrender of Boko Haram Fighters

In 2022, 40,000 Boko Haram fighters surrendered, while the splinter group ISWAP remains active.

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, which is less than South Africa, Egypt and Morocco, but slightly higher than Ghana and Ivory Coast.

2022: Budget for Nigerian Armed Forces

In 2022, US$2.26 billion was budgeted for the Nigerian armed forces, which is just over a third of Belgium's defense budget.

2022: Completion of the Second Niger Bridge

In 2022, the Second Niger Bridge near Onitsha was largely completed, marking a significant improvement in Nigeria's transport infrastructure.

2022: Full Operation of Rice Mill in Imota

When fully operational at the end of 2022, the rice mill in Imota, near Lagos, is expected to employ 250,000 people and produce 2.5 million 50-kg bags of rice annually.

May 2023: Bola Tinubu Wins Disputed Election

In May 2023, Bola Tinubu of the ruling party won the disputed election with 36.61% of the vote, but both runners-up claimed victory and litigation is ongoing in an election tribunal. Bola Tinubu's inauguration was held on 29 May 2023.

2023: Nigeria's Economic Classification

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

2023: Most Expensive Election Ever to be Held on the African Continent

At the time, the election of 2015 was the most expensive election ever to be held on the African continent (being surpassed only by the elections of 2019 and 2023).

2023: Presidential Election System

In 2023, the presidential election system remains in a modified two-round system, where a candidate must receive a relative majority of the votes and more than 25% of the votes in at least 24 of the 36 states to be elected in the first round.

2023: Disregard for Religious and Ethnic Diversity in Leadership

In the 2023 General Elections, the principle of religious and ethnic diversity in leadership was ignored when the candidate for the All Progressives Congress, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a Muslim, selected another Muslim, Senator Kashim Shettima, as running mate.

May 2024: Nigeria Readopts "Nigeria, We Hail Thee" as 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

In 2024, The top five highest grossing Nigerian films were recorded.

2024: Nigeria was ranked 113th in the Global Innovation Index

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

2025: Planned Operation of First Nuclear Power Plant

Nigeria began talks with Russia's Rosatom in 2015 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: Scheduled Introduction of the Eco Currency

As of 2021, the Eco currency for West Africa is scheduled to be introduced in 2027.

2027: Nuclear capacity goal

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 according to the National Program for the Deployment of Nuclear Power for Generation of Electricity.