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Nigeria
Africa
Africa's most populous country, Nigeria is rich in oil and culture. It has a vibrant film industry (Nollywood) and diverse ethnic groups.
230,000,000
Population
923,768
Area (km²)
Abuja
Capital
26
Historical Events
Historical Timeline
Cities
26 Events
September 24, 2025 - Nnamdi Kanu (IPOB leader) trial setback as judge recuses herself over bias allegations.
September 07, 2025 - Tanker-bus collision in Anambra State kills 12 and injures 8.
September 01, 2025 - Boat sinks in Kainji Lake, Borgu, Niger State, after hitting a tree trunk, killing at least 60 passengers.
September 01, 2025 - September: Military airstrike in Kaduna State kills 24 civilians, intended for bandits; Air Force announces investigation.
July 18, 2025 - Bandit attack in Talata Mafara, Zamfara State, kills 9 and abducts 15.
May 29, 2025 - Mokwa floods in Niger State kill at least 200 due to heavy rains.
May 26, 2025 - Suicide bomber detonates at Abacha Barracks in Abuja, injuring 1.
May 25, 2025 - Gunmen attack Aondona village in Benue State, killing 20.
May 18, 2025 - "My Father's Shadow" becomes the first Nigerian film screened at Cannes Film Festival.
January 11, 2025 - Gunmen attack Katsina community, killing 21.
January 07, 2025 - Bomb attack on a school in Bwari, Abuja, kills 2.
January 05, 2025 - Boko Haram ambush in Damboa, Borno State, kills 6 soldiers and 34 militants.
November 01, 2024 - November: Nationwide labor strike over minimum wage and power tariffs; NLC president Joe Ajaero allegedly assaulted.
September 15, 2024 - Dangote Refinery commences operations, marking Africa's largest single-train refinery's launch and potential shift from fuel imports.
August 01, 2024 - August 1–10: #EndBadGovernance protests erupt nationwide against economic hardship, inflation, and corruption; at least 22 killed in clashes with security forces.
July 01, 2024 - July–August: National grid collapses multiple times, causing widespread blackouts; Band A and B tariff hikes exacerbate power woes.
May 01, 2024 - May: Adoption of "Nigeria, We Hail Thee" as the new national anthem, replacing the previous one; minimum wage increased to ₦70,000 amid labor strikes.
March 01, 2024 - March: Supreme Court rules for financial autonomy for local governments, a landmark decision curbing state governors' control over LG funds.
January 01, 2024 - January–Ongoing: Kuriga schoolchildren kidnapping in Kaduna sees over 200 students abducted by bandits; most are rescued after ransom negotiations.
December 24, 2023 - December 23–25: Bandit attacks in Plateau State massacres over 140 people in Christmas Eve assaults on villages, drawing global condemnation.
June 11, 2023 - Godswill Akpabio elected Senate President, consolidating APC control.
May 29, 2023 - President Tinubu inaugurated; he announces fuel subsidy removal, causing petrol prices to surge over 200%, sparking inflation and hardship.
March 18, 2023 - Gubernatorial and state assembly elections occur, with APC securing 10 governorships; violence and irregularities mar voting in several states.
March 11, 2023 - Herder-farmer clashes in Kaduna State kill 16 at a police checkpoint.
February 25, 2023 - General elections held; Bola Tinubu (APC) wins presidency with 37% of votes amid controversies over vote counting and voter suppression; Atiku Abubakar (PDP) and Peter Obi (LP) challenge results.
February 04, 2023 - February 4–Ongoing: Nationwide protests erupt over naira redesign policy and fuel scarcity ahead of elections, leading to economic disruptions and public unrest.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nigeria
100 Questions
Nigeria is in West Africa, bordered by Niger, Chad, Cameroon, Benin, and the Atlantic Ocean (Gulf of Guinea).
The capital is Abuja.
Lagos, the country’s economic hub and one of Africa’s largest cities.
Around 230 million people as of 2025 estimates – the most populous country in Africa.
English is the official language; Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, Fulfulde, Kanuri, Tiv, and over 500 local languages are spoken.
Tropical in the south, arid in the north, and savannah in between.
The Nigerian naira (NGN).
Green, white, green vertical stripes.
Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Ibadan, Port Harcourt, and Kaduna.
On October 1, 1960, from Britain.
Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa.
Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu (as of 2025).
A federal presidential republic.
Hausa-Fulani, Yoruba, Igbo, Kanuri, Tiv, and many others.
Islam (north) and Christianity (south), with some traditional beliefs.
Around $480 billion in 2025 estimates – Africa’s largest economy.
About $2,100.
Around 70%.
About 55 years.
Around 5.2 children per woman.
About 60%.
Crude oil, natural gas, cocoa, rubber, and sesame seeds.
Refined petroleum, machinery, vehicles, food, and electronics.
Oil, natural gas, coal, tin, limestone, and fertile land.
Because of its population, economy, and cultural influence.
The capital, known for modern architecture and political institutions.
A mega-city, commercial hub, and Africa’s busiest port.
Historic city, trade hub, and center of Islamic culture in northern Nigeria.
An oil industry hub in the Niger Delta.
Rice, yam, cassava, maize, beans, and plantains.
A famous West African rice dish cooked with tomatoes, spices, and peppers.
A staple made from yam flour or boiled yam, eaten with soup.
A popular soup made with melon seeds, vegetables, and meat.
Palm wine, zobo (hibiscus drink), kunu, and beer.
Football, athletics, basketball, and boxing.
The Super Eagles (men) and Super Falcons (women).
Yes, winning three times (1980, 1994, 2013).
Yes, reaching the Round of 16 multiple times.
Jay-Jay Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu, Victor Osimhen, and Asisat Oshoala.
Yes, winning medals in athletics, football, and boxing.
Afrobeats, highlife, fuji, gospel, and hip-hop.
Fela Kuti, Burna Boy, Wizkid, Davido, Tiwa Savage, and Yemi Alade.
A modern music genre blending African rhythms with hip-hop, reggae, and pop.
Talking drums, shekere, udu, and xylophones.
Bata dance (Yoruba), Atilogwu dance (Igbo), and Hausa cultural dances.
Agbada, dashiki, gele (headwraps), and Ankara fabrics.
They are active in farming, trade, politics, and entertainment, but face gender inequality.
Around 65%.
Around 75%.
High, especially among youth (over 30%).
Around 35%.
Yam, cassava, maize, rice, sorghum, and cocoa.
Cattle, goats, sheep, and poultry.
Underdeveloped, with limited access in rural areas.
Malaria, HIV/AIDS, TB, Lassa fever, and cholera.
Around 1.5% of adults.
High, though slowly improving.
One of the highest in the world.
“Arise, O Compatriots.”
“Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress.”
The eagle.
The black crowned crane.
The Costus spectabilis (yellow trumpet flower).
Elephants, lions, hippos, chimpanzees, and diverse birds.
Yankari, Cross River, Gashaka-Gumti, and Kainji.
Elephants, baboons, and natural springs.
Rainforest biodiversity, including gorillas.
Nigeria’s largest park, home to chimpanzees and leopards.
Around 80%, higher than adults.
Around $2,100 annually.
Still high, but declining slowly.
Around 55%.
Farmers, herders, and fishing communities dominate.
Oil, natural gas, hydro, coal, and renewables.
Very high in solar and hydro.
Dependence on oil and corruption.
Ethnic tensions, terrorism, and governance issues.
An Islamist extremist group active in northern Nigeria since 2009.
Violence over oil, pollution, and resource control.
Nigeria is a leading member and regional power.
Nigeria is influential in continental politics.
Supports peacekeeping and humanitarian efforts in Nigeria.
Key partner in security and trade.
Invests heavily in infrastructure and oil.
Former colonial power, maintains trade and cultural links.
Works with Nigeria in counterterrorism in the Sahel.
High, driven by fuel and food prices.
High in the south and along the Niger River.
Bronze casting (Benin), beadwork, weaving, and pottery.
Nigeria’s booming film industry, one of the largest in the world.
Works by Chinua Achebe, Wole Soyinka, and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
The Lagos Carnival, Osun-Osogbo Festival, and Durbar festivals.
A Hausa festival with horse parades and music.
A Yoruba religious festival honoring the goddess Osun.
Around 10% difference.
Around 7 years.
Lower than rural areas.
Mixed – strong potential, but dependent on reforms and stability.
It is Africa’s most populous country, largest economy, cultural powerhouse, and regional leader.