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Background

Nigeria is a country with great natural wealth, but its people are among the poorest in the world. Oil provides 20% of GDP, 95% of foreign exchange earnings, and about 65% of budgetary revenues.

According to US government estimates, over a third of Nigeria's population lives below the poverty line. Nearly as many go unemployed.
 
MapKnown human culture in the region dates back to 500 BC, when the Nok people inhabitted the region.

In the 13th century, Islam was introduced to the area. The first Europeans to reach Nigeria's coast were Portuguese sailors in the 15th century. A slave trade was soon established, and Britian took over the trade in the 17th century.
  • Early 1800's - Region is under the rule of the Fulani Empire.

  • 1851 - Britain annexes Lagos, and seizes regional control by 1886.

  • 1914 - The region officially becomes the British Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria.

  • Oct. 1, 1960 - Nigeria gains independence and joins the United Nations.

  • 1966 - Ethnic tension, kept in check under colonialism, boils over, and rioting breaks out among the 250 ethnic and linguistic groups that make up Nigeria. Military seizes control.

  • 1966 - the Muslim Hausas massacre of Christian Ebos.

  • May 30, 1967 - Thousands of Ibos flee to the east, and declared independence as the Republic of Biafra. Civil war breaks out.

  • Jan 1970 - Biafra falls and surrenders to the federal government.

  • 1979 - Alhaji Shehu Shagari is elected president and civilian government is restored.

  • 1970's- 80's - oil boom fuels the Nigerian economy, Nigeria seen as an example of successful African democracy.

  • 1984 - military again seizes power, followed by coups.

  • June 1993 - Military leader, Maj. General Ibrahim Babangida declares return to civilian leadership, and calls elections, but voids election results.

  • Aug. 1993 - Babangida steps down from power.

  • Nov. 1993 - Defense Minister, Sani Abacha seizes power. The Abacha regime is characterized by repressive government and corruption.

  • Mid 1990's - Nigeria is the spotlight of United Nations and human rights activists for its repressive policies.

  • June 8, 1998 - Abacha dies of a heart attack, and is succeeded by General Abdulsalam Abubakar.

  • Feb. 1999 - Free elections sweep Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo to power. Obasanjo was released from prison eight months before the election. He had been imprisoned for criticizing military rule.