History of Nigeria in Timeline
Nigeria, located in West Africa, stands as the continent's most populous nation and the world's sixth-most populous, with over 230 million inhabitants. Bordered by Niger, Chad, Cameroon, and Benin, this federal republic encompasses 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Lagos, its largest city, holds the distinction of being one of the world's largest metropolitan areas. Covering a vast 923,769 square kilometers, Nigeria stretches from the Sahel in the north to the Gulf of Guinea in the south.
1900: Establishment of the Southern Nigeria Protectorate
In 1900, the Royal Niger Company's territories in southern Nigeria were transferred to direct British governmental control, leading to the establishment of the Southern Nigeria Protectorate, solidifying British dominance in the region.
1901: Anglo-Aro War Begins
The Anglo-Aro War, a conflict between the British and the Aro Confederacy in southeastern Nigeria, commenced in 1901, marking a pivotal moment in British expansion in the region.
1902: British Expansion into Northern Nigeria
Taking advantage of existing rivalries and the declining power of local empires, British forces under the command of Lord Frederick Lugard began their advance into the northern regions of what is today Nigeria in 1902, ultimately leading to the subjugation of the Sokoto Caliphate and the establishment of the Northern Nigeria Protectorate.
March 1903: British Capture of Sokoto
On March 13, 1903, British forces captured the city of Sokoto, the heart of the Sokoto Caliphate, effectively ending the Caliphate's resistance and consolidating British control over much of northern Nigeria.
June 1903: Defeat of Muhammadu Attahiru I
The remaining forces of Muhammadu Attahiru I, who had continued to resist British rule after the fall of Sokoto, were defeated by the British in June 1903, quelling the last major opposition to British authority in northern Nigeria.
1903: Dissolution of the Sokoto Caliphate
By 1903, the once-powerful Sokoto Caliphate, weakened by internal struggles and facing British imperial ambitions, was dissolved after a series of military defeats and incorporated into British colonial territories.
1906: End of Resistance to British Rule
By 1906, organized resistance against British rule in Nigeria had effectively ended, marking the consolidation of British colonial authority over the territory.
1911: Fall of the Kingdom of Nri
The Kingdom of Nri, a powerful Igbo kingdom, lost its sovereignty in 1911 after succumbing to British colonial expansion in the region.
January 1914: Formal Unification of Northern and Southern Nigeria
On January 1, 1914, the British formally merged the Northern and Southern Nigeria Protectorates, along with the Lagos Colony, to create the Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria under a single administration.
1914: Formation of Nigeria
In 1914, the Southern Nigeria Protectorate and the Northern Nigeria Protectorate, both under British control, were formally merged to create the Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria.
1936: Abolition of Slavery in Northern Nigeria
While slavery was abolished in most parts of Nigeria soon after British colonization, it persisted in Northern Nigeria until 1936, highlighting the uneven pace of social and legal reforms under British rule.
1950: Lagos Population at 300,000
In 1950, Lagos, Nigeria's largest city, had a population of approximately 300,000.
1954: Nigeria Attains Self-Rule
In 1954, Nigeria took a significant step towards independence by gaining a degree of self-rule.
October 1960: Independence as the Federation of Nigeria
In October 1960, Nigeria achieved full independence from the United Kingdom, becoming the Federation of Nigeria. Abubakar Tafawa Balewa assumed the role of Prime Minister, while Queen Elizabeth II remained the nominal head of state.
October 1960: Nigerian Independence
In October 1960, Nigeria gained its independence, marking the culmination of a growing movement for self-governance and an end to British colonial rule.
November 1960: Azikiwe Becomes Head of State
Following Nigeria's independence, Nnamdi Azikiwe replaced the colonial governor-general in November 1960, becoming the nation's head of state.
1960: Nigeria's Independence and Foreign Policy
After gaining independence in 1960, Nigeria prioritized African unity in its foreign policy, but maintained a close relationship with Israel, who sponsored the construction of Nigeria's parliament buildings.
1960: Nigeria's Linguistic Landscape Post-Colonization
Following the end of British colonization in 1960, English was chosen as Nigeria's official language to foster cultural and linguistic unity within the country.
1960: Nigerian Independence and Regional Disparities
On the eve of Nigeria's independence in 1960, significant regional disparities, particularly in education and economic development, were evident, legacies of British colonial policies that continued to influence post-independence Nigeria.
1961: Plebiscite and Territorial Changes
A plebiscite held in 1961 resulted in Southern Cameroons joining the Republic of Cameroon and Northern Cameroons becoming part of Nigeria, making the northern region larger than the southern region.
January 1966: First Military Coup
In January 1966, a military coup led by Majors Emmanuel Ifeajuna, Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu, and Adewale Ademoyega resulted in the assassination of key political leaders, including Prime Minister Abubakar Tafawa Balewa. Major General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi assumed control of the government.
1966: Persecution of Igbos
Following the 1966 coups, tensions between northern and southern Nigeria escalated, leading to the persecution of Igbos in northern cities, prompting many to flee to the eastern region.
May 1967: Declaration of Biafran Independence
Lt. Colonel Emeka Ojukwu, Governor of the Eastern Region, declared the region's independence as the Republic of Biafra in May 1967, following ethnic tensions and violence.
July 1967: Outbreak of the Nigerian Civil War
The Nigerian Civil War commenced in July 1967 when the Nigerian government launched an attack on Biafra, marking the beginning of a brutal conflict.
1967: Outbreak of the Nigerian Civil War
The Nigerian Civil War, also known as the Biafran War, began in 1967 following the secession of the southeastern region, which declared itself the Republic of Biafra.
January 1970: End of the Nigerian Civil War
After thirty months of conflict, the Nigerian Civil War concluded in January 1970, resulting in the reintegration of Biafra into Nigeria.
1970: End of the Nigerian Civil War
The Nigerian Civil War ended in 1970 with the defeat of Biafra and its reintegration into Nigeria. The war had a devastating impact, resulting in widespread suffering and loss of life.
July 1971: Nigeria Joins OPEC
Nigeria joined OPEC in July 1971, solidifying its position as a major player in the international oil industry.
1973: Discovery of the Niger Delta Nembe Creek Oil Field
This year marked a pivotal moment in Nigeria's oil history with the discovery of the Niger Delta Nembe Creek oil field.
July 1975: Coup Led by Yar'Adua and Garba
Generals Shehu Musa Yar'Adua and Joseph Garba spearheaded a coup in July 1975, leading to the ousting of General Gowon, who sought refuge in Britain. This coup aimed to replace Gowon's rule with a more collective military leadership and implement reforms.
February 1976: Assassination of Murtala Muhammed and Rise of Obasanjo
Colonel Buka Suka Dimka's coup attempt in February 1976 resulted in the assassination of General Murtala Muhammed. Following the failed coup, General Olusegun Obasanjo assumed the position of military head of state, aiming to continue Murtala's policies and ensure stability.
October 1979: Transition to Civilian Rule and Shagari's Presidency
In October 1979, Nigeria transitioned to civilian rule after a period of military governance. Shehu Shagari of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) was elected president, marking a significant moment in Nigerian history.
1979: Political Emancipation of Women
Nigerian women achieved political emancipation in 1979, marking a significant step towards gender equality in the country.
1980: Super Eagles Win Africa Cup of Nations
The Nigerian national football team, the Super Eagles, emerged victorious in the Africa Cup of Nations in 1980, demonstrating their dominance in African football.
August 1983: Shagari's Re-election and Electoral Controversies
Shehu Shagari and the NPN secured a landslide victory in the August 1983 elections, but the process was marred by violence, allegations of vote-rigging, and concerns about the government's ability to govern effectively.
1983: Buhari's Coup and Military Intervention
A military coup led by Major General Muhammadu Buhari in 1983 resulted in the overthrow of the civilian government, reflecting ongoing instability and dissatisfaction with the previous administration.
1984: Public Perception of Buhari's Coup
The 1983 coup led by Muhammadu Buhari, which occurred shortly after the regime's re-election in 1984, was generally perceived by the public as a positive step towards addressing corruption and instability.
1985: Babangida Overthrows Buhari
Ibrahim Babangida seized power from Muhammadu Buhari through a coup d'état in 1985, marking another shift in Nigeria's leadership and political landscape.
1986: Establishment of the Nigerian Political Bureau
In 1986, under Babangida's rule, the Nigerian Political Bureau was established to provide recommendations for a transition to a democratic Third Nigerian Republic.
1987: Bamako Initiative Reshapes Nigerian Healthcare
In 1987, the Bamako Initiative, promoting community-based healthcare delivery, was introduced in Nigeria, leading to the reorganization of the country's health system.
1989: Babangida's Plans for Transition to Democracy
By 1989, Babangida initiated preparations for a return to democratic rule in Nigeria, aiming to establish the Third Nigerian Republic.
1990: Coup Attempt Against Babangida
Babangida faced a coup attempt in 1990, which he successfully survived, highlighting the persistent challenges to his authority.
1990: Start of Significant Forest Loss
Between 1990 and 2005, Nigeria lost a substantial 35.7% of its forest cover.
1990: Small Oil Fields Dominate Nigerian Production
By 1990, a large number of small, dispersed oil fields accounted for a significant portion of Nigeria's total oil production, highlighting a unique characteristic of the country's oil industry.
1990: Start of Population Boom
The year 1990 marked the beginning of a significant population surge in Nigeria.
1991: Ben Okri Wins Booker Prize
Nigerian author Ben Okri was awarded the prestigious Booker Prize in 1991 for his literary work.
1992: Postponement of Democratic Transition
Despite promises of a return to democracy, Babangida postponed the transition to the Third Nigerian Republic to 1992, further delaying the restoration of civilian rule.
1992: Two-Party System Introduced
In 1992, Babangida legalized political parties and established a two-party system with the Social Democratic Party and National Republican Convention.
August 1993: Babangida Relinquishes Power
In August 1993, after annulling election results and facing protests, General Ibrahim Babangida stepped down, appointing Ernest Shonekan to lead an interim government.
1993: Shonekan Overthrown in Coup
General Sani Abacha led a coup in 1993, overthrowing Shonekan's interim government and using military force to quell civilian unrest.
April 1994: Super Eagles Achieve Highest FIFA Ranking
In a historic moment for African football, the Nigerian national football team, known as the "Super Eagles," reached the fifth position in the FIFA World Rankings in April 1994, marking the highest ranking ever achieved by an African team.
1995: Brain Drain: Nigerian Doctors Emigrate
By 1995, an estimated 21,000 Nigerian doctors were practicing in the United States alone, a figure roughly equivalent to the number of doctors working in the Nigerian public health sector, highlighting the issue of "brain drain."
1995: Temporary Expulsion from the Commonwealth
Nigeria experienced a temporary expulsion from the Commonwealth of Nations in 1995 during the Abacha regime.
1995: Execution of Ken Saro-Wiwa
The execution of environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa on dubious charges in 1995 led to Nigeria's suspension from the Commonwealth.
1996: Super Eagles Win Gold at the Olympic Games
In a historic triumph for African football, Nigeria's Super Eagles clinched the gold medal at the 1996 Summer Olympics, defeating Argentina in the final. This victory marked the first time an African football team had won gold at the Olympic Games.
1998: Super Eagles Participate in FIFA World Cup
Nigeria's national football team, the Super Eagles, competed in the FIFA World Cup in 1998.
1998: Death of Sani Abacha
Sani Abacha, known for corruption and suppression of dissent, died in 1998, bringing an end to his regime.
May 1999: New Constitution and Abubakar's Transition
General Abdulsalami Abubakar, Abacha's successor, adopted a new constitution on May 5, 1999, paving the way for multiparty elections.
May 1999: Obasanjo's Inauguration and the Fourth Republic
Olusegun Obasanjo, a former military ruler, won the 1999 presidential election and was inaugurated on May 29, 1999, marking the start of the Fourth Nigerian Republic.
1999: Impact of Military Rule on Economy
Before 1999, Nigeria's economic growth was hampered by prolonged military rule, corruption, and mismanagement. However, the return to democracy and subsequent economic reforms have helped unlock the country's economic potential.
1999: Election of Olusegun Obasanjo
The 1999 Nigerian presidential election marked a significant turning point, bringing Olusegun Obasanjo of the Peoples Democratic Party to power and ushering in a period of relative stability after years of military rule.
2000: Iron Age in the Nsukka Region
Archaeological evidence from the Nsukka region of southeast Nigeria points to iron smelting activities as early as 2000 BC at the site of Lejja, highlighting the technological advancements of early societies in the region.
2000: Continuing Deforestation
Between 1990 and 2000, Nigeria lost an average of 409,700 hectares of forest annually.
2000: Growth of Chinese-Nigerian Trade
Since 2000, trade between China and Nigeria has grown significantly, exceeding $10.3 billion by 2016. However, this has created a trade imbalance, with Nigeria importing far more from China than it exports.
2001: Nigeria's ICT Sector at the Turn of the Millennium
At the beginning of the 21st century, Nigeria's ICT sector constituted a small fraction of the nation's GDP, representing a nascent but rapidly evolving industry.
2002: Chinua Achebe Receives Peace Prize of the German Book Trade
In 2002, Chinua Achebe, a prominent figure in Nigerian literature, was honored with the Peace Prize of the German Book Trade.
2002: Super Eagles Participate in FIFA World Cup
The Nigerian national football team, the Super Eagles, participated in the FIFA World Cup in 2002.
December 2003: Millennium Park Opens in Abuja
Designed by renowned architect Manfredi Nicoletti, Abuja's largest green space, Millennium Park, was officially inaugurated in December 2003, adding to the city's attractions.
2003: Establishment of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission
In 2003, the Nigerian government established the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to combat advance-fee scams, confidence tricks, and other forms of organized financial crime.
2003: Obasanjo's Second Term
Obasanjo ran for and won a second term in the 2003 presidential election, although the election was criticized for irregularities.
2003: Nigeria Airways Faces Financial Troubles
The year 2003 marked a difficult period for Nigeria Airways as the state-owned airline grappled with significant debt.
2004: Nigeria Opens Chinese-Built Research Reactor
Marking a significant step in its nuclear development, Nigeria inaugurated a research reactor at Ahmadu Bello University in 2004.
June 2005: Virgin Nigeria Airways Takes Flight
Following its acquisition by the British Virgin Group, the over-indebted Nigeria Airways was rebranded as Virgin Nigeria Airways and took to the skies on June 28, 2005.
2005: Nigeria's Deforestation Crisis
In 2005, Nigeria had the world's highest deforestation rate, with 12.2% of its forests lost, according to the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization.
November 2006: Africa-South America Summit
In November 2006, Nigeria hosted the Africa-South America Summit in Abuja to strengthen ties between the two continents.
2007: Chinua Achebe Wins Booker Prize
Chinua Achebe, a renowned Nigerian author, received the Booker Prize in 2007, further solidifying the global recognition of Nigerian literature.
2007: President Yar'Adua Advocates for Nuclear Power
In 2007, President Umaru Yar'Adua publicly championed the adoption of nuclear power as a solution to address Nigeria's increasing energy demands.
2007: Yar'Adua's Election
Umaru Yar'Adua of the People's Democratic Party won the 2007 presidential election, which was widely condemned as flawed by international observers.
November 2008: MTV Africa Music Awards
In a landmark event for African music, MTV hosted the continent's first-ever African music awards show in Abuja, Nigeria, in November 2008.
2008: End of Population Boom
By 2008, Nigeria had experienced a substantial population increase of 57 million from its 1990 figure, representing a remarkable 60% growth rate in less than two decades.
2008: Marriage Rights Act
In 2008, Nigeria introduced the Marriage Rights Act at the federal level, prohibiting the marriage of girls under the age of 18.
2008: Virgin Group Announces Withdrawal
The end of 2008 brought about a significant change for Virgin Nigeria Airways as the Virgin Group revealed its decision to withdraw from the airline.
September 2009: Transformation into Nigerian Eagle Airlines
After the Virgin Group's withdrawal from the airline in late 2008, it was rebranded once again in September 2009, this time as Nigerian Eagle Airlines.
2009: Release of "The Figurine"
The thriller film "The Figurine" was released in 2009, attracting significant media attention and praise for the New Nigerian Cinema movement. The film achieved both critical acclaim and commercial success within Nigeria and was screened at various international film festivals.
2009: Eyo Carnival Marks Lagos's Aspiration for Global City Status
The vibrant Eyo carnival, held annually in Lagos, served as a symbolic step in the city's ambition to achieve global city status in 2009, showcasing its cultural dynamism and aspirations.
May 2010: Yar'Adua's Death and Jonathan's Succession
Following the death of President Umaru Yar'Adua in May 2010, Goodluck Jonathan, the vice president, assumed the presidency.
2010: Religious Demographics of Nigeria
According to a 2012 report by the Pew Research Center, the religious makeup of Nigeria in 2010 was as follows: 49.3% Christian, 48.8% Muslim, and 1.9% following indigenous or other religions, or unaffiliated.
2010: Lead Poisoning Outbreak in Zamfara
In 2010, Zamfara state experienced a devastating lead poisoning outbreak due to informal gold mining, resulting in an estimated 400 child deaths.
2010: Super Eagles Participate in FIFA World Cup
Nigeria's Super Eagles competed in the FIFA World Cup in 2010.
2010: Release of "Ijé"
Nigerian filmmaker Chineze Anyaene released the film "Ijé" in 2010, which surpassed "The Figurine" to become the highest-grossing Nigerian film at that time, holding the record for four years.
2010: Boko Haram and Bandit Conflicts Escalate
Since mid-2010, Boko Haram and bandit conflicts have escalated in Nigeria, resulting in numerous attacks and thousands of casualties, leading to a significant humanitarian crisis.
May 2011: Increasing Police Violence
In the year following May 2011, the Council on Foreign Relations' Nigeria Security Tracker recorded 1,086 deaths from Boko Haram attacks and 290 deaths from police violence, highlighting the growing issue of police brutality.
2011: Jonathan's Election Victory
Goodluck Jonathan secured victory in the 2011 presidential election, considered relatively peaceful and fair.
2012: Nigeria's Basketball Team Qualifies for 2012 Summer Olympics
In 2012, Nigeria's national basketball team achieved a historic milestone by qualifying for the Summer Olympics. They secured their spot by defeating strong contenders like Greece and Lithuania, marking a significant achievement for African basketball.
2012: Pew Research Center Report on Religion
In 2012, the Pew Research Center published a report on religion and public life, stating that in 2010, 49.3% of Nigeria's population identified as Christian, 48.8% as Muslim, and 1.9% as followers of indigenous or other religions, or unaffiliated.
2012: New Bone Marrow Donor Program Launched
The University of Nigeria launched a new bone marrow donor program in 2012, aiming to assist individuals with leukemia, lymphoma, or sickle cell disease in finding compatible donors for life-saving bone marrow transplants.
2012: Air Peace Takes Off
The year 2012 witnessed the birth of Air Peace, a privately owned airline that would go on to become the largest in Nigeria.
June 2013: Shell Initiates Strategic Review of Nigerian Operations
In June 2013, Shell, a major player in Nigeria's oil industry, signaled potential changes in its engagement with the country by announcing a comprehensive review of its Nigerian operations, hinting at possible divestments.
2013: Nigerian Film Industry Revenue
By the end of 2013, the Nigerian film industry reached a record-breaking revenue of ₦1.72 trillion (US$4.1 billion), solidifying its position as a major global player in the film industry.
2013: Super Eagles Win Africa Cup of Nations
The Super Eagles secured their third Africa Cup of Nations title in 2013, reaffirming their status as a top footballing nation on the continent.
2013: Release of "Half of a Yellow Sun"
The film adaptation of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's novel, "Half of a Yellow Sun," was released in 2013.
August 2014: Shell Announces Divestment of Nigerian Oil Fields
Citing various challenges including oil theft, Shell finalized the sale of its stakes in four Nigerian oil fields, marking a significant move by the oil giant in August 2014.
2014: "Half of a Yellow Sun" Becomes Highest-Grossing Nigerian Film
"Half of a Yellow Sun," a film adaptation of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's novel, was released in 2013 and went on to become the highest-grossing Nigerian film in 2014, surpassing "Ijé" which had held the record for the previous four years.
2014: Nigeria Effectively Contains Ebola Outbreak
In 2014, Nigeria became the first country to successfully contain and eliminate the Ebola virus threat, which had been ravaging other West African nations. Their unique contact tracing method proved highly effective and was later adopted by countries like the United States.
2014: Nigerian Film Industry Value and Economic Contribution
In 2014, the Nigerian film industry was valued at ₦853.9 billion (US$5.1 billion), ranking as the third most valuable film industry globally, following the United States and India. The industry contributed approximately 1.4% to Nigeria's economy, driven by the growth in high-quality film production and the adoption of more structured distribution channels.
2014: Rise of Boko Haram Terrorism
Jonathan's presidency was marked by a surge in Boko Haram's terrorist activities, including the Gwoza massacre and the Chibok schoolgirls' kidnapping in 2014.
2014: Super Eagles Participate in FIFA World Cup
The Nigerian national football team, known as the Super Eagles, competed in the FIFA World Cup in 2014.
February 2015: Multinational Joint Task Force Established
In February 2015, states affected by Boko Haram agreed to form an 8,700-strong Multinational Joint Task Force to combat the insurgency.
April 2015: Nigeria and Russia Initiate Nuclear Power Plant Collaboration
In April 2015, Nigeria embarked on discussions with Russia's Rosatom to establish a partnership focused on the design, construction, and operation of four nuclear power plants in the country.
June 2015: Nigeria Selects Sites for Planned Nuclear Power Plants
While maintaining secrecy around the exact locations, Nigeria chose two sites, believed to be in Akwa Ibom State and Kogi State, for the construction of two nuclear power plants each in June 2015.
October 2015: Boko Haram Driven Out of Major Cities
By October 2015, the Multinational Joint Task Force had successfully pushed Boko Haram out of all controlled cities and most counties in northeastern Nigeria.
2015: Diversification of Nigerian Exports
Following 2015, Nigeria achieved some success in diversifying its economy beyond oil and gas. The country now exports products like fertilizers, cement, plastic goods, personal care items, paint, malt beverages, and armored vehicles.
2015: Ban on Female Genital Mutilation and Maternal Mortality Rate
In 2015, Nigeria implemented a ban on female genital mutilation. That same year, the maternal mortality rate was reported as 814 deaths per 100,000 live births.
2015: Urbanization in Nigeria
In 2015, it was estimated that Nigeria had 20 cities with over 500,000 residents, including ten with populations exceeding one million, indicating significant urbanization, especially in the south.
2015: Pew Research Center Estimates Muslim Population Growth
In 2015, the Pew Research Center released a report estimating that the Muslim population in Nigeria was around 50% and projected that it would rise to approximately 60% by 2060.
2015: Buhari's Victory and First Peaceful Transition
Muhammadu Buhari, a former military ruler, won the 2015 presidential election, marking the first time an incumbent president lost re-election in Nigeria.
2016: Boko Haram Splits
Boko Haram experienced a split in 2016, leading to the emergence of splinter groups.
2016: Chinese-Nigerian Trade Imbalance
By 2016, the trade imbalance between China and Nigeria had become a political issue, with Nigeria's economy becoming reliant on cheap Chinese imports, impacting domestic industries.
2016: Government Contracts Militant Groups
In late 2016, the Nigerian government made a strategic move by offering militant groups a contract worth 4.5 billion naira (US$144 million) to safeguard oil infrastructure. Most groups accepted, highlighting the complex dynamics of the Niger Delta region.
2016: "The Wedding Party" Sets New Box Office Record
Kemi Adetiba's film "The Wedding Party" was released in 2016 and quickly became the highest-grossing Nigerian film, setting a new box office record.
2016: Nigeria Leads Cement Production in Sub-Saharan Africa
Surpassing South Africa, Nigeria emerged as the top cement producer in the sub-Saharan region in 2016, highlighting its industrial capacity.
2016: Militant Attacks on Oil Infrastructure
The Niger Delta region experienced a surge in attacks on oil infrastructure in 2016, primarily carried out by militant groups like MEND, NDPVF, INC, and PANDEF. The Buhari government responded with a two-pronged approach: repression and negotiation.
2017: World Bank Report Ranks Nigeria's Logistics Hubs
A World Bank report in 2017 provided an assessment of logistics hubs across Africa, placing Nigeria in fourth place, trailing behind Côte d'Ivoire, Senegal, and Sao Tome.
2017: International Monetary Fund Report on Poverty in Nigeria
According to a 2017 report by the International Monetary Fund, 32% of Nigeria's population lived in extreme poverty, defined as living on less than US$2.15 per day.
2017: Lagos Population Soars to an Estimated 13.4 Million
By 2017, the population of Lagos had experienced a dramatic increase, reaching an estimated 13.4 million.
2017: Scrabble Gains Popularity in Nigeria
By the end of 2017, Scrabble had gained significant traction in Nigeria, with approximately 4,000 players across over 100 clubs nationwide. This growth highlighted the game's increasing popularity and recognition as an official sport in the country.
2017: Nigeria Signs UN Treaty on Nuclear Weapons Ban and Inks Agreements for Itu Nuclear Plant
Demonstrating its commitment to nuclear non-proliferation, Nigeria signed the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. In the same year, agreements for the construction of the Itu nuclear power plant were formalized.
2017: Nigeria's Median Age
In 2017, the median age in Nigeria was recorded as 18.4 years.
2017: Nigerian Military Spending
Nigeria allocated nearly 0.4% of its economic output, equivalent to US$1.6 billion, to its armed forces in 2017.
2017: Start of Period for Rice Production Increase
This year marks the beginning of the period during which Nigeria saw a significant increase in its rice production.
2018: Religion in Nigeria (CIA World Factbook Estimate)
In 2018, the CIA World Factbook estimated the religious demographics of Nigeria.
2018: CIA World Factbook Estimates Religious Demographics
In 2018, the CIA World Factbook provided estimated figures for Nigeria's religious composition: 53.5% Muslim, 45.9% Christian (with 10.6% Roman Catholic and 35.3% Protestant and other Christian), and 0.6% adhering to other faiths.
2018: Nigerian Curling Federation Established
In a bid to diversify its sporting landscape, Nigeria witnessed the formation of the Nigerian Curling Federation in 2018. The federation aimed to introduce and popularize curling, with aspirations of integrating it into educational curricula at various levels.
2018: Nigeria's ICT Sector Experiences Remarkable Growth
Nigeria's Information and Communication Technology sector witnessed exponential growth, expanding its share of the nation's GDP from a mere 1% to a significant 10% between 2001 and 2018, highlighting its rapid development.
2018: Super Eagles Participate in FIFA World Cup
Nigeria's Super Eagles took part in the FIFA World Cup in 2018, showcasing their continued presence on the international football stage.
2018: Nigerian Beach Volleyball Teams Compete at CAVB Continental Cup
Nigeria's national beach volleyball teams, both men's and women's, participated in the CAVB Beach Volleyball Continental Cup held from 2018 to 2020. This competition showcased the country's presence and competitive spirit in the sport.
June 2019: Nigeria Deploys its First Locally Built Satellite
Marking a significant milestone in its space program, Nigeria successfully launched EduSat-1, the first satellite entirely constructed within the country, from the International Space Station in June 2019.
August 2019: Nigeria Closes Border to Curb Rice Smuggling
In an effort to bolster domestic rice production, the Nigerian government took the significant step of closing its border with Benin and some neighboring countries in August 2019 to combat rice smuggling.
December 2019: Proposed Eco Currency Delayed
Nigeria's proposal for a single West African currency, the Eco, was disrupted in December 2019 when several UEMOA states announced they would instead rename the CFA franc. The Eco's launch was postponed to 2025.
2019: HIV/AIDS Prevalence Rate in Nigeria
As of 2019, the HIV prevalence rate among adults aged 15-49 in Nigeria was 1.5%, significantly lower than in other African countries like Botswana or South Africa, where prevalence rates are in the double digits.
2019: Buhari's Re-election
Buhari was re-elected for a second term in the 2019 presidential election.
2019: Forest Landscape Integrity Index Ranking
In 2019, Nigeria ranked 82nd globally in the Forest Landscape Integrity Index with a mean score of 6.2 out of 10.
2019: Nigerian Aviation Industry's Soaring Success
In 2019, Nigeria's aviation industry soared, generating a remarkable 198.62 billion naira (€400 million) and significantly contributing 0.14% to the GDP, establishing itself as the fastest-growing sector in the Nigerian economy.
2019: Nigeria Secures First International Curling Victory
Nigeria celebrated a historic sporting achievement in 2019 at the World Mixed Doubles Curling Championship in Norway. The national team secured their first international victory by defeating France with a score of 8-5, marking a significant milestone for Nigerian curling on the global stage.
2019: Nigeria's Rubber Exports Generate Significant Revenue
Nigeria earned $20.9 million from its natural rubber exports, showcasing its position among the top global exporters in this sector in 2019.
2019: Nigeria Qualifies for FIVB Beach Volleyball U21 World Championships
Nigeria's U21 national beach volleyball teams demonstrated their rising talent by qualifying for the 2019 FIVB Beach Volleyball U21 World Championships. This achievement highlighted the country's growing potential and development in the sport among its younger generation.
2020: Eco Currency Launch Postponed
As of 2020, the launch of the Eco currency, initially proposed by Nigeria, has been pushed back to 2025.
2020: Road Network Contribution to GDP
In 2020, Nigeria's roads and highways, handling 90% of passenger and freight traffic, contributed N2.4trn ($6.4bn) to the GDP.
2020: Passenger and Freight Traffic Statistics
In 2020, passenger traffic stood at 9,358,166, while total freight volumes reached 191 tonnes.
2020: Nigerian Armed Forces Personnel
In 2020, the International Institute for Strategic Studies reported that Nigeria's armed forces consisted of 143,000 troops and an additional 80,000 personnel for gendarmerie and paramilitary duties.
2020: Nigerian Beach Volleyball Teams Compete at CAVB Continental Cup
Nigeria's national beach volleyball teams, both men's and women's, participated in the CAVB Beach Volleyball Continental Cup held from 2018 to 2020. This competition showcased the country's presence and competitive spirit in the sport.
October 2021: Police Violence Outpaces Boko Haram Fatalities
In the 12 months after October 2021, there was a concerning shift in the trend of violence: 2,193 people died from police violence compared to 498 from Boko Haram and ISWAP, underscoring the issue of police brutality in Nigeria.
December 2021: Anambra International Cargo Airport Begins Operations
December 2021 marked the commencement of operations at the Anambra International Cargo Airport.
2021: End of Period for Rice Production Increase
By this year, Nigeria's rice production had risen considerably, marking the end of a period of growth in the sector.
2021: Global Innovation Index Ranking
In 2021, Nigeria held the 118th position on the Global Innovation Index, a metric of a country's innovation performance.
2021: Nigeria's Population Estimate
In 2021, the United Nations estimated Nigeria's population to be 213,401,323, with a distribution of 51.7% rural and 48.3% urban, resulting in a population density of 167.5 people per square kilometer.
2021: Agriculture, forestry, and fishing contribute significantly to Nigeria's GDP
In 2021, these sectors made up nearly a quarter of Nigeria's Gross Domestic Product, highlighting their importance to the country's economy.
2021: Nigeria Joins World Logistics Passport
In a move aimed at enhancing global trade efficiency, Nigeria became a member of the World Logistics Passport, a private sector initiative, in 2021.
2021: Nigeria Dominates Pharmaceutical Production in Africa
Nigeria accounted for a large portion of Africa's pharmaceutical production capacity, with Lagos emerging as a central hub for major pharmaceutical companies in 2021.
2021: Petrol Loses Top Spot in Nigeria's Import Commodities
Signaling a potential shift in Nigeria's energy landscape, petrol was no longer the country's primary import commodity in 2021.
2021: Ajaokuta Steel Company's Production Capacity Compared to the UK
The Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited claims to produce a substantial amount of steel annually, potentially a significant portion of the United Kingdom's steel output in 2021, though the status of other steel plants in the country remains unclear.
January 2022: Nigeria Hosts a Majority of Africa's Unicorn Companies
By January 2022, Nigeria solidified its position as a hub for tech startups, hosting a significant portion of Africa's unicorn companies, those valued at over $1 billion.
March 2022: World Bank Report on Poverty in Nigeria
The World Bank reported in March 2022 that the number of Nigerians living in poverty had increased by 5 million during the Covid-19 pandemic, bringing the total to 95.1 million people, or 40% of the population, living below the poverty line of US$1.90 per day.
April 2022: Murtala Muhammed International Airport's Second Terminal Opens
April 2022 saw the inauguration of the second terminal at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, boosting its capacity to 14 million passengers annually.
June 2022: Owo Church Massacre
In June 2022, a tragic massacre occurred at St. Francis Xavier Church in Owo. The government attributed the killing of over 50 parishioners to ISWAP, but local communities suspect the involvement of Fulani herdsmen.
August 2022: Militant Group Contract Renewal and Disputes
In August 2022, the Nigerian government renewed a controversial contract worth 4.5 billion naira (US$144 million) with militant groups to protect oil infrastructure. However, this renewal sparked intense disputes among these groups regarding the distribution of funds, raising concerns about their true motives and the effectiveness of their protection.
September 2022: University Workers' Strike
By September 2022, university workers in Nigeria had gone on strike 17 times over a 23-year period, accumulating a total of 57 months of strikes. The frequent strikes led to the cancellation of the 2022 summer semester across all universities in the country.
October 2022: Casualties from Boko Haram and Bandit Conflicts
By October 2022, the Council on Foreign Relations' Nigeria Security Tracker reported over 41,600 fatalities due to conflicts with Boko Haram and bandits since mid-2010, leading to a significant displacement of people.
2022: Nigeria's Economic Standing
As of 2022, Nigeria boasts Africa's largest economy and ranks as the world's 31st largest by nominal GDP and 30th largest by PPP. Despite a GDP (PPP) per capita of US$9,148, lower than South Africa, Egypt, or Morocco, it slightly surpasses Ghana and Ivory Coast.
2022: Imota Rice Mill Set to Transform Rice Processing in Nigeria
Expected to be fully operational by the end of 2022, the Imota rice mill, the largest in sub-Saharan Africa, aims to revolutionize Nigeria's rice processing capabilities and create a significant number of jobs.
2022: Explosions at Illegal Oil Refineries
In 2022, Nigeria recorded 125 fatalities from explosions at illegal oil refineries, highlighting the dangers of these unregulated operations.
2022: Nigerian Military Budget
In 2022, Nigeria's defense budget was set at US$2.26 billion, representing slightly more than a third of Belgium's defense spending.
2022: Boko Haram Fighters Surrender
In 2022, a significant development occurred as 40,000 Boko Haram fighters surrendered, weakening the group, though the ISWAP splinter group remains active.
2022: Second Niger Bridge Nears Completion
Symbolizing infrastructure improvements, the Second Niger Bridge near Onitsha reached a significant stage of completion in 2022, demonstrating progress in Nigeria's transport sector.
May 2023: Tinubu's Inauguration as President
Bola Tinubu was inaugurated as President of Nigeria on May 29, 2023, despite disputes and ongoing legal challenges surrounding the election results.
2023: Global Innovation Index Ranking
In 2023, Nigeria improved its ranking on the Global Innovation Index, moving up to 109th place from its previous position of 118th in 2021.
2023: 2023 General Elections
In the 2023 General Elections, the principle of religious and ethnic diversity in leadership was disregarded when Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a Muslim representing the All Progressives Congress, chose Senator Kashim Shettima, also a Muslim, as his running mate.
2023: The Most Expensive Election in Africa
The 2023 Nigerian general election became the most expensive election on the African continent, surpassing the cost of the 2019 elections.
2023: A New Era in Nigerian Politics
The 2023 presidential election marked a significant shift in Nigerian politics as no former military ruler participated, signifying a strengthening of democracy.
2023: Breaking the Presidential Candidate Convention
The 2023 presidential election saw a departure from the convention of candidates selecting running mates of opposite ethnicity and religion, indicating a potential shift in political norms.
2025: Target Year for Operation of First Nuclear Power Plant
Nigeria aims to have its first nuclear power plant, developed in partnership with Russia, operational by 2025.
2025: Eco Currency Launch Rescheduled
The Eco, a proposed single currency for West Africa championed by Nigeria, has been rescheduled for launch in 2025.
2027: Target Year for Significant Nuclear Capacity Expansion
Nigeria has set an ambitious goal of achieving a nuclear power capacity of up to 4,000 MWe by 2027, as outlined in its National Program for the Deployment of Nuclear Power for Generation of Electricity.
2035: Target Year for Completion of Four Nuclear Power Plants
Nigeria has set an ambitious target to complete the construction of four nuclear power plants by 2035, in collaboration with Russia's Rosatom.
2060: Projected Muslim Population in Nigeria
According to a 2015 report by the Pew Research Center, the Muslim population in Nigeria is projected to reach about 60% by 2060.
