Politics of Nigeria
Aliyu Mohammed Gusau
A former Nigerian army officer who was appointed National Security Advisor by President Goodluck Jonathan on 8 March 2010. He held the same position during most of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidency. Before that he was in military Intelligence, and was briefly Army Chief.[1] He resigned in September 2010, handing over to his deputy Kayode Are. On 5 March 2014, President Goodluck Johnathan appointed Aliyu Gusau as defence minister. Aliyu Gusau was erroneously reported to have resigned his position as Minister of Defence following an alleged altercation with the Chief of Defence Staff and failure of the three Military Chiefs to attend meetings with him.
Legislature
Based off US system
Isa Yuguda
Bauchi Governor
Onyabor Azubuike Ihejirika
Former Chief of the Nigerian Army
Umaru Musa Yar'Adua
Former Nigerian President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua, (born Aug. 16, 1951, Katsina, Nigeria—died May 5, 2010, Abuja), Nigerian politician who served as president of Nigeria (2007-10). His inauguration marked the first time in the country's history that an elected civilian head of state had transferred power to another. Yar'Adua was born to an elite Fulani family, and his birthplace was an important centre of Islamic learning. His family was prominent in both traditional and modern politics; his father served as a federal minister during the First Republic (1960-66), and his late elder brother, Shehu Musa Yar'Adua, served in the military government of 1976-79. Yar'Adua received a university education at Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria. From 1975 to 1983 he taught in various colleges and a polytechnic school before becoming a businessman, serving in management and as a director of many companies. Yar'Adua first entered party politics as a mobilizer for the (now defunct) People's Redemption Party. During the long transition program (1989-93) to restore the Nigerian government to civilian rule, he became a founding member of the Peoples' Front, a political association led by his elder brother, which eventually became the core of the (now defunct) Social Democratic Party. Yar'Adua began concentrating on state politics in 1991, when he stood as a candidate in the Katsina state gubernatorial election, which he lost. Seven years later Yar'Adua participated in the founding of the K34 political association, which later merged with the People's Democratic Party (PDP). He again ran for governor, winning election in 1999 and reelection in 2003. As state governor, he focused on the socioeconomic development of his state, with particular attention to the educational and health sectors, and was known for being financially prudent: not only did he pay down the huge state debt that he had inherited, but he also accumulated a $50 million surplus in the treasury. To the surprise of many, in 2006 Yar'Adua was selected by the Nigerian president and PDP leader, Olusegun Obasanjo, to be the PDP's candidate in the presidential elections scheduled for the next year. Although Yar'Adua ran against several well-known and popular Nigerian military leaders and politicians, he went on to win a decisive landslide victory with 70 percent of the vote in the April 2007 election. His victory was clouded, however, as the election was marred by widespread violence, voter intimidation, and reports of vote rigging and was strongly criticized by domestic and international observers. Nonetheless, on May 29, 2007, in the capital of Abuja, he was inaugurated as Nigeria's 13th president. The ceremony had particular historical significance, as it was the first time in the country's history that an elected civilian head of state had handed over power to another. Yar'Adua faced the enormous task of maintaining the development programs begun by his predecessor, establishing peace and reconciliation in the Niger delta, and continuing the war against widespread systemic corruption. He was subject to rumours regarding his health, as he had traveled abroad for medical treatment several times in the years prior to his presidency and continued to do so after his election. Yar'Adua's ability to serve while dealing with health issues was called into question after he went to Saudi Arabia in late November 2009 for treatment of heart problems and kidney problems. After he had been absent from Nigeria for several weeks, critics complained of a power vacuum in the country, and there were calls for Yar'Adua to formally transfer power to the vice president, Goodluck Jonathan. Although a ruling by a Nigerian court on Jan. 29, 2010, indicated that Yar'Adua was not obligated to hand over power to the vice president while he was out of the country for medical treatment, the controversy surrounding his prolonged absence remained. On Feb. 9, 2010, the National Assembly voted to have Jonathan assume full power and serve as acting president until Yar'Adua was able to resume his duties. Jonathan agreed and assumed power later that day, but it was unclear whether or not the assumption of power was constitutional. When Yar'Adua returned to Nigeria on Feb. 24, 2010, it was announced that Jonathan would remain as acting president while Yar'Adua continued to recuperate. Yar'Adua never fully recovered, however, and died several weeks later. He was succeeded by Jonathan.
Umaru Yar'Adua
Former Nigerian President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua, (born Aug. 16, 1951, Katsina, Nigeria—died May 5, 2010, Abuja), Nigerian politician who served as president of Nigeria (2007-10). His inauguration marked the first time in the country's history that an elected civilian head of state had transferred power to another. Yar'Adua was born to an elite Fulani family, and his birthplace was an important centre of Islamic learning. His family was prominent in both traditional and modern politics; his father served as a federal minister during the First Republic (1960-66), and his late elder brother, Shehu Musa Yar'Adua, served in the military government of 1976-79. Yar'Adua received a university education at Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria. From 1975 to 1983 he taught in various colleges and a polytechnic school before becoming a businessman, serving in management and as a director of many companies. Yar'Adua first entered party politics as a mobilizer for the (now defunct) People's Redemption Party. During the long transition program (1989-93) to restore the Nigerian government to civilian rule, he became a founding member of the Peoples' Front, a political association led by his elder brother, which eventually became the core of the (now defunct) Social Democratic Party. Yar'Adua began concentrating on state politics in 1991, when he stood as a candidate in the Katsina state gubernatorial election, which he lost. Seven years later Yar'Adua participated in the founding of the K34 political association, which later merged with the People's Democratic Party (PDP). He again ran for governor, winning election in 1999 and reelection in 2003. As state governor, he focused on the socioeconomic development of his state, with particular attention to the educational and health sectors, and was known for being financially prudent: not only did he pay down the huge state debt that he had inherited, but he also accumulated a $50 million surplus in the treasury. To the surprise of many, in 2006 Yar'Adua was selected by the Nigerian president and PDP leader, Olusegun Obasanjo, to be the PDP's candidate in the presidential elections scheduled for the next year. Although Yar'Adua ran against several well-known and popular Nigerian military leaders and politicians, he went on to win a decisive landslide victory with 70 percent of the vote in the April 2007 election. His victory was clouded, however, as the election was marred by widespread violence, voter intimidation, and reports of vote rigging and was strongly criticized by domestic and international observers. Nonetheless, on May 29, 2007, in the capital of Abuja, he was inaugurated as Nigeria's 13th president. The ceremony had particular historical significance, as it was the first time in the country's history that an elected civilian head of state had handed over power to another. Yar'Adua faced the enormous task of maintaining the development programs begun by his predecessor, establishing peace and reconciliation in the Niger delta, and continuing the war against widespread systemic corruption. He was subject to rumours regarding his health, as he had traveled abroad for medical treatment several times in the years prior to his presidency and continued to do so after his election. Yar'Adua's ability to serve while dealing with health issues was called into question after he went to Saudi Arabia in late November 2009 for treatment of heart problems and kidney problems. After he had been absent from Nigeria for several weeks, critics complained of a power vacuum in the country, and there were calls for Yar'Adua to formally transfer power to the vice president, Goodluck Jonathan. Although a ruling by a Nigerian court on Jan. 29, 2010, indicated that Yar'Adua was not obligated to hand over power to the vice president while he was out of the country for medical treatment, the controversy surrounding his prolonged absence remained. On Feb. 9, 2010, the National Assembly voted to have Jonathan assume full power and serve as acting president until Yar'Adua was able to resume his duties. Jonathan agreed and assumed power later that day, but it was unclear whether or not the assumption of power was constitutional. When Yar'Adua returned to Nigeria on Feb. 24, 2010, it was announced that Jonathan would remain as acting president while Yar'Adua continued to recuperate. Yar'Adua never fully recovered, however, and died several weeks later. He was succeeded by Jonathan.
Goodluck Johnathan
Former president of Nigeria Goodluck Jonathan, (born November 20, 1957, Otuoke, Nigeria), Nigerian zoologist and politician who served as vice president (2007-10) and president (2010-15) of Nigeria. Jonathan, of the Ijo (Ijaw) ethnic group and a Christian, was born and raised in the region of the Niger delta in what is now Bayelsa state. He attended Christian primary and secondary schools in the area and later attended the University of Port Harcourt, earning a B.S. in zoology (1981), an M.S. in hydrobiology and fisheries biology (1985), and a Ph.D. in zoology (1995). During his university education, he also taught at Rivers State College of Education from 1983 until 1993. He then served as an assistant director at the Oil Mineral Producing Areas Development Commission, a now defunct government agency, from 1993 until 1998. Jonathan's political career began when he became involved with the nascent People's Democratic Party (PDP) in the late 1990s. He was elected deputy governor of Bayelsa state in 1999 under the party's banner. He served in that position until 2005, when he was elevated to the governorship after the incumbent was charged with corruption and impeached. In 2007 he was selected to be the vice presidential running mate of the PDP's presidential candidate, Umaru Musa Yar'Adua. He and Yar'Adua were elected in April and inaugurated in May. As vice president, Jonathan engaged in efforts to negotiate with militants in the Niger delta, who were fighting against petroleum companies operating in the delta region, but otherwise he largely remained in the political background. His profile rose considerably in early 2010 when Yar'Adua's extended absence from the country for medical treatment made many Nigerians anxious and generated calls for Yar'Adua to formally transfer power to Jonathan. As concerns mounted and there was no word from Yar'Adua on the request to transfer power to his vice president, members of Nigeria's National Assembly took matters into their own hands and on February 9, 2010, voted to have Jonathan assume full power and serve as acting president until Yar'Adua was able to resume his duties. Jonathan agreed and assumed power later that day, but it was unclear whether the assumption of power was constitutional. When Yar'Adua returned to Nigeria on February 24, 2010, it was announced that Jonathan would remain as acting president while Yar'Adua continued to recuperate. The next month, Jonathan asserted his power by replacing Yar'Adua's cabinet. Yar'Adua, who never fully recovered, died on May 5, 2010, and Jonathan was sworn in as president the following day. Jonathan vowed to continue his involvement in the Niger delta peace negotiations and declared his intentions to reform the country's oft-criticized electoral process as well as tackle corruption and deal with the country's energy problems. There was much speculation as to how Jonathan's unexpected term as president would affect the PDP's unofficial policy of rotating the presidency between candidates from the predominantly Christian south and the predominantly Muslim north. Jonathan's declaration in September 2010 of his intent to stand in the 2011 presidential election immediately generated controversy, as many argued that the northerners were still owed another term in office. In the PDP's January 2011 primaries, Jonathan was elected to be the party's candidate for the presidency. His overwhelming victory showed that his candidacy had considerable support—in the north as well as the south—even though it was a departure from the unofficial north-south rotation policy. Jonathan was also victorious in the country's presidential election, held on April 16, 2011. He won about 59 percent of the vote, securing an outright victory and avoiding the need for a runoff election. Reforming Nigeria's electoral process had been one of Jonathan's goals, and international observers praised this election as being largely transparent, free, and fair. Jonathan's first full term as president was dominated by an insurgency primarily in the northeast, led by the Islamic militant group Boko Haram. Boko Haram's acts of terror escalated during Jonathan's administration, and, despite the government taking such action as declaring states of emergency in the areas most affected and attempting mediation, the group's violence continued unabated until a regional force was formed and pursued the group in earnest beginning in February 2015. Jonathan's progress in tackling economic issues was mixed: although the country experienced overall economic growth under his administration, many Nigerians still lived in poverty, with a far greater percentage of the poor living in the north. He also had to deal with disagreements within the PDP, which led to several PDP members defecting to opposition groups. In spite of this, Jonathan was once again elected to be the PDP candidate for the next presidential election, scheduled for 2015. Jonathan faced more than a dozen candidates, but his strongest challenger was former military head of state Muhammadu Buhari, who was the flag bearer for the All Progressives Congress (APC). Whereas Jonathan had been criticized for not acting decisively enough to combat Boko Haram, Buhari had a strong military background and was seen as capable of successfully dealing with the militants, making him an attractive candidate to many. The election, held on March 28, 2015, proved to be the most closely fought race ever held in Nigeria. As most of the results were tabulated, it became clear that Jonathan would finish behind Buhari, and Jonathan conceded. It marked the first time in Nigeria's history that an incumbent had been defeated.
Nigerian Arms Suppliers
France Germany China United States Canada Russia Italy United Kingdom Israel
Mukhtar Ramalan Yero
Kaduna Governor
Jonah Jang
Plataeu Governor
Plateau
Plateau, state, east-central Nigeria, created in 1976 out of the northern half of former Benue-Plateau state. It is bounded by the states of Kaduna and Bauchi on the north, Taraba on the east, and Nassarawa on the south and west. The Jos Plateau rises to about 5,250 feet (1,600 m) above sea level in the state's north-central part, and the Benue River valley stretches along the southwestern border. Although there are wooded valleys in the southeast, the vegetation is mostly open grassland (formerly wooded but now with only occasional hedges of cacti and scattered trees), which is used for grazing and farming. Although the state is best known for its mining production, agriculture is the major occupation of the people. Acha (a grain known as "hungry rice") and millet are the chief cash crops; yams, sorghum, corn (maize), potatoes, cowpeas, rice, fruits, and vegetables are the staple crops. Fulani herdsmen graze their cattle on the tsetse-free plateau and supply milk to the dairy at Vom. Among the major exports of the state are hides and skins. Plateau state is the most important mining area in Nigeria and is a major exporter of tin and columbite. The tin is smelted just outside Jos, the state capital and its largest town. The metals are shipped by rail to Port Harcourt for export. Other minerals, notably tantalite, kaolin, tungsten (wolfram), zircon, and thorium compounds, are also exploited on the plateau. Lead, zinc, and silver are mined on a small scale in the eastern part of the state around Wase, Zurak, and Kigom. Known for its heterogeneity, the state has about 40 ethnic groups, including the Vergam, Ankwei, Angas, Jawara (Jarauci), Birom, Mango, Fulani, Hausa, and Eggen. The mining industry has attracted European, Igbo (Ibo), and Yoruba immigrants into the state. Jos is connected by road with Wamba, Akwanga, Keffi, and Lafia and has an airport. Lafia, Pankshin, Wamba, Shendam, and Akwanga are also sizable market and mining centres. Places of interest include a museum, with Nok terra-cotta sculptures, and a zoo, both located at Jos. There is a federal university at Jos and a college of technology at Bukuru. Major research institutes are located at Vom (veterinary sciences) and at Bukuru (strategic studies). Area 11,936 square miles (30,913 square km). Pop. (2006) 3,178,712.
Muhammadu Buhari
President of Nigeria (born December 17, 1942, Daura, Nigeria), Nigerian military leader and politician, who served as head of state in 1984-85 and became president of Nigeria in 2015. Educated largely in Katsina, Buhari took military training in Kaduna as well as in Great Britain, India, and the United States. He was involved in the military coup that ousted Yakubu Gowon in 1975 and was appointed military governor of North Eastern state (now Borno) that same year. He was appointed federal commissioner for petroleum resources by Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo, who became military head of state when Gowon's successor, Murtala Mohammed, was assassinated in 1976. By 1977 Buhari had become the military secretary at Supreme Military Headquarters, which was the seat of government. By September 1979 he had returned to regular army duties and commanded a division based in Kaduna. Although civilian government had returned to Nigeria in 1979 with the election of Shehu Shagari, dissatisfaction with dismal economic conditions and what the military perceived as corrupt politicians led to another military coup on December 31, 1983, and Buhari was chosen unanimously to be the new head of state. Many of the economic problems that had existed under the Shagari administration also plagued the Buhari regime, and Buhari instituted austerity measures. He took a tough stance on corruption: during his tenure, hundreds of politicians and business officials were tried and convicted or awaited trial on corruption-related charges. His regime launched the "War Against Indiscipline," a program which sought to promote positive values in Nigerian society, although authoritarian methods were sometimes used in the program's implementation. In an effort to stop dissent against his policies, Buhari instituted restrictions on the press, political freedoms, and trade unionists. Although many Nigerian citizens had initially welcomed Buhari's efforts to root out corruption and improve societal values, the repressive measures employed by his regime, against a backdrop of continuing economic troubles, led to discontent. By August 1985 even the military had had enough, and on August 27 Maj. Gen. Ibrahim Babangida took control of the government. Buhari was detained in Benin City but was released at the end of 1988. In 2003 Buhari ran for president and was defeated by the incumbent, Olusegun Obasanjo of the People's Democratic Party (PDP). Buhari ran again in 2007 but was defeated by the PDP's candidate, Umaru Yar'Adua, in an election that was strongly criticized by international observers as being marred by voting irregularities. Buhari also stood in the 2011 presidential election, which was praised for largely being transparent, free, and fair, but he again lost to the PDP's candidate, incumbent Goodluck Jonathan. Buhari, Muhammadu [Credit: Kelechi Amadi Obi] In 2014 the All Progressives Congress (APC) party nominated Buhari to stand as its candidate in the 2015 presidential election. His reputation for being incorruptible and his military background made him an attractive candidate, whom many Nigerians hoped might be able to more effectively handle the threat posed by the Islamic militant group Boko Haram, whose violent acts had terrorized parts of the country in recent years. The March 28 presidential election had 14 candidates, although the real contest was seen as being between Buhari and Jonathan, who was again the PDP's candidate. In what was Nigeria's most closely fought election ever, Buhari garnered the most votes—some 2.5 million more than Jonathan, his closest competitor—and was declared the winner. His win marked the first time that the incumbent president had been defeated in Nigeria. Buhari was inaugurated on May 29, 2015.
Action Congress (AC)
The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), formerly known as Action Congress (AC), is a Nigerian political party formed via the merger of the Alliance for Democracy, the Justice Party, the Advance Congress of Democrats, and several other minor political parties in September 2006. The party controls Lagos. It is regarded as a natural successor to the progressive politics more closely associated with the Action Group and Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) led by Chief Obafemi Awolowo in the First and Second Republics respectively. However, criticism of the party's more pragmatic and less ideological political outlook associated with AG and UPN, has made many argue it is less of a worthy political heir. The Party has strong presence in the South West (5 Governors, 15 Senators and 6 State Houses), Mid-West (1 Governor) and North Central Regions (3 Senators). Lagos, Edo, Ekiti, Kogi, Ondo, Bauchi, Plateau, Niger, Adamawa, Oyo and Osun states by far accounts for majority of the party's presence and discernible power base. In February 2013 the party announced plans to merge with the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), and a faction of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) to form the All Progressives Congress.
African Union
The African Union (AU) is a continental union consisting of 54 countries in Africa. The only African state that is not a member is Morocco. The AU was established on 26 May 2001 in Addis Ababa and launched on 9 July 2002 in South Africa, with the aim of replacing the Organisation of African Unity (OAU). The most important decisions of the AU are made by the Assembly of the African Union, a semi-annual meeting of the heads of state and government of its member states. The AU's secretariat, the African Union Commission, is based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Nigerian-Niger relations
The Niger-Nigeria relations refers to the current and historical relationship between Niger and Nigeria. Relations are based on a long shared border and common cultural and historical interactions. Development of bilateral relations: Since independence in 1960, the two states pursued close relations. Each side has based diplomatic relations upon non-interference in the internal affairs of the other. During the Nigerian Civil War, President of Niger Hamani Diori was an active mediator in the conflict. Each side has also strongly appealed to its former colonial powers for support in defense and, unlike Nigerian - Cameroonian or Nigerien - Beninois relations, there have been no serious border conflicts. Hausa language and cultural ties are strong, but there is little interest in a pan-Hausa state.[2] The division of Lake Chad, although forced to go to mediation between Chad, Cameroon, Niger, and Nigeria, awaits formal settlement and has not been a source of tension between Niamey and Abuja. Nigeria has an embassy in Niamey, while Niger maintains an embassy in Abuja. Commerce: The cities of southern Niger and Northern Nigeria have been linked in the Trans-Saharan trade going back to the medieval period. Cities such as Kano and Katsina have long been the southern terminus of trade networks which sustain much of Niger's economy. Nigeria benefits from the trade and agricultural sales (especially Nigerien cattle taken to Nigerian markets), while Niger's most direct routes to overseas trade are through Nigeria's and Benin's railway systems. Agreements and organization: Each nation plays active roles in continental multilateral organizations, are members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) trade block, the African Union, African Development Bank, UEMOA, CILSS, Council of Understanding, and the ALG. Bilaterally, the two nations formed the Nigeria-Niger Joint Commission for Cooperation (NNJC), established in March, 1971 with its Permanent Secretariat in Niamey, Niger. Ecology: Niger's water supply is almost entirely dependent of cross border sources, while northern Nigeria is almost as dependent on the waters of the Niger River and Lake Chad. Both areas face rapid desertification and increasing demands for water. The two nations are members of the Niger Basin Authority (successor to the 1964 Niger River Commission), the Lake Chad Commission, and the Niger-Nigeria Joint Committee has special focus on water and water development issues. The two nations are signatories of the The Enugu Agreement (3 December 1977) on common regulations for fauna and flora among the member states of the Lake Chad Basin Commission (Cameroon, Niger, Nigeria and Chad). On 15 January 1990 the two nations signed The Abuja Agreement on control of desertification, promotion of conservation, rational utilization and development of lands, water resources, flora and fauna. The Maiduguri Agreement, signed on 18 July 1990, and amended 5 October 1998, further deals with development, conservation, and utilization of the water resources of trans-boundary catchments. The Maiduguri Agreement and Abuja Agreement are overseen by the NNJC.
Nigerian Army Order of Battle
The Nigerian Army [NA] is functionally organized into combat arms, which are infantry and armoured; the combat support arms, which are artillery, engineers and signals; the combat support services comprise medical, supply and transport, ordinance and finance. Others include the military police, intelligence, physical training, chaplains, public relations and band. Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) located in Minna is responsible for doctrinal, training and combat development with an R&D outfit. There are 17 Corps Training Schools and an NA College of Logistics (NACOL). Hierarchically, it is organized into the army headquarters, divisions, brigades, battalions / regiments, companies, platoons and sections. A division is a combined-arms organization with 7,000-22,000 military personnel commanded by a major general. It includes minimum of 2 brigadesas manuver elements, an artillery brigade, a division signals and other supporting elements. A brigade is an organization of units, 3 battalions and other support elements. A battalion is a reasonably self sufficient unit. It is the basic unit for combat and support of an army. A platoon consists of 3 sections and commanded by a lieutenant or captain. A section is an organization larger than a squad and smaller than a platoon. The divisions operate combined arms force structures with complements of combat support and combat support services. Each is designed to operate either on its own in special operations or conventionally jointly with the 2 other Services. The 1990 structure is what existed a decade later. In that exercise, the NA was structured into two Mechanised Divisions, one Armoured Division, a Composite Division, Lagos Garrison Command (LGC) and a Brigade of Guards (for ceremonial duties and Presidential Security). Each Mechanised Division comprised two Mechanised Brigades and an Artillery Brigade complete with the combat support services. By one account the composite division comprised one Amphibious Brigade, one Motorised Brigade, one Paratroop Battalion with their combat support services elements. Each division and the LGC in addition to having appropriate combat support and services had a Recce Battalion deployed close to Nigeria'S international frontiers within their Areas of Operational Responsibility (AOR) for reconnaissance and early warning. The units and the formations were strategically deployed to enable them provide adequate internal and external security obligations to the country.
Northern Mali conflict
The Northern Mali Conflict, Mali Civil War, or Mali War refers to armed conflicts that started from January 2012 between the northern and southern parts of Mali in Africa. On 16 January 2012, several insurgent groups began fighting a campaign against the Malian government for independence or greater autonomy for northern Mali, an area known as Azawad. The National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA), an organization fighting to make Azawad an independent homeland for the Tuareg people, had taken control of the region by April 2012. On 22 March 2012, President Amadou Toumani Touré was ousted in a coup d'état over his handling of the crisis, a month before a presidential election was to have taken place. Mutinous soldiers, calling themselves the National Committee for the Restoration of Democracy and State (CNRDR), took control and suspended the constitution of Mali. As a consequence of the instability following the coup, Mali's three largest northern cities—Kidal, Gao and Timbuktu—were overrun by the rebels on three consecutive days. On 5 April 2012, after the capture of Douentza, the MNLA said that it had accomplished its goals and called off its offensive. The following day, it proclaimed Azawad's independence from Mali. The MNLA were initially backed by the Islamist group Ansar Dine. After the Malian military was driven from Azawad, Ansar Dine and a number of smaller Islamist groups began imposing strict Sharia law. The MNLA and Islamists struggled to reconcile their conflicting visions for an intended new state. Afterwards, the MNLA began fighting against Ansar Dine and other Islamist groups, including Movement for Oneness and Jihad in West Africa (MOJWA/MUJAO), a splinter group of Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb. By 17 July 2012, the MNLA had lost control of most of northern Mali's cities to the Islamists. The government of Mali asked for foreign military help to re-take the north. On 11 January 2013, the French military began operations against the Islamists. Forces from other African Union states were deployed shortly after. By 8 February, the Islamist-held territory had been re-taken by the Malian military, with help from the international coalition. Tuareg separatists have continued to fight the Islamists as well, although the MNLA has also been accused of carrying out attacks against the Malian military. A peace deal between the government and Tuareg rebels was signed on 18 June 2013 but on 26 September 2013 the rebels pulled out of the peace agreement and claimed that the government had not respected its commitments to the truce. Fighting is still ongoing even though French forces are scheduled for withdrawal. A ceasefire agreement was signed on February 19, 2015 in Algiers, Algeria but sporadic terrorist attacks still occur.
Alex Sabundu Badeh
a senior Nigerian Air Force officer and current Chief of the Defense Staff. On 3 July 1979, Badeh was commissioned in the Nigerian Air Force a pilot officer. His flying career started at the 301 Flying Training School in 1979, piloting a Scottish Aviation Bulldog trainer. From 1981 to 1982 he undertook flight training in the United States at Vance Air Force Base. He undertook the Junior and Senior Staff Course at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji in 1988 and 1995-96, respectively. He was Commanding Officer of the Administration, Operations and Support Wings, and in 2002 became commander of the Presidential Air Fleet, which he served as until 2004. Badeh possesses a Masters Degree in Strategic Studies from the University of Ibadan. In October 2010 he was appointed Chief of Policy & Plans at Nigerian Air Force Headquarters which he served as until March 2012, when he was made the Air Officer Commanding of the Nigerian Defence Academy in Kaduna. On 4 October 2012 he was appointed the 18th Chief of Air Staff of the Nigerian Air Force. Chief of the Defence Staff: On 16 January 2014 he was appointed Chief of the Defence Staff by President Goodluck Jonathan. In October 2014 his hometown of Vimtim was captured by Boko Haram. That month, he defended the death sentence imposed on 12 soldiers who had fled an engagement with Boko Haram militants.
Nigerian-Cameroon relations
Border Dispute: Areas in red are past disputes For a few years, relations between Cameroon and Nigeria have intensified over issues relating to their 1,600-kilometer land boundary, extending from the Lake Chad to the Bakassi peninsula, and boundary into the Gulf of Guinea. The issues that are involved are rights over the oil-rich land and the fate of local populations. For example, as Lake Chad dried up due to desertification, local populations relying on the lake for their water source have followed the receding waters, further blurring the boundary lines. Tensions between the two countries escalated into military confrontation at the end of 1993 with the deployment of Nigerian military to the Bakassi peninsula. The dispute was resolved with the Greentree agreement of 2006. The Cameroon-Nigeria Mixed Commission Intentions: The Cameroon-Nigeria Mixed Commission is composed of the delegation of Cameroon, led by Mr. Amadou Ali, and the delegation of Nigeria, led by Prince Bola Ajibola. The commission works on many issues between the neighboring nations, including demilitarization of militarized zones, economic plans, plans to protect rights of both populations, and the reactivation of the Lake Chad Basin Commission. Approximately $18,000,000 USD was spent on the commission. The Cameroon-Nigeria Mixed Commission Accomplishments: In December 2003, The demarcation of the Lake Chad area was completed. The process took place in phases with some 33 villages surrounding Naga'a, Tchika, Doron Liman, and Darack handed over to Cameroon, and Damboré to Nigeria. The cross-border Enugu-Abakiliki-Mamfe-Mutengene road project started in mid-2005. The final maps of the no-longer-disputed boundary were released in March 2005 Transfer of authority has taken place at Bakassi Peninsula.
Kashim Shettima
Borno Governor
Borno
Borno, formerly Bornu, state, northeastern Nigeria. It is the central fragment of the old Bornu empire of the Kanuri people. Its name is said to mean "Home of the Berbers." The territory became part of Northern Nigeria after the division of Bornu between the British and the French at the turn of the century and became Borno state in 1967. Borno state was divided in 1991, and its western half became Yobe state. Borno borders the Republic of Niger to the north, Lake Chad (and the Republic of Chad) to the northeast, and Cameroon to the east; on the south and west it borders the Nigerian states of Adamawa, Gombe, and Yobe. The vegetation in Borno state is mainly of the Sudan savanna type, which includes the acacia (a source of gum arabic), baobab, locust bean, shea butter, dum palm, and kapok trees; however, there is a region of Sahel savanna, mostly thorn scrub and with sandy soils, in the north. Prominent physical features include the Bornu Plains, the volcanic Biu Plateau, and the firki ("black cotton") swamps south and southwest of Lake Chad. Most of the state is drained by seasonal rivers flowing toward Lake Chad. The far south, however, is drained by the Gongola River, a tributary of the Benue. The Kanuri are the dominant ethnic group, but the area also contains clusters of other peoples. The growing of sorghum, millet, peanuts (groundnuts), onions, corn (maize), sesame, acha ("hungry rice"), cotton, and indigo and the herding of cattle are the chief occupations, with fishing significant around Lake Chad. The lake is connected to Maiduguri by a road from Baga, a town on a peninsula extending into the lake. The Lake Chad Commission, established (1964) by Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria, is charged with regulating the use of the waters of the lake and the basin for the development of livestock, crop, fishery, and water resources. Nigeria also has established a Chad Basin Authority. Maiduguri is the state capital, its main industrial centre, and by far its largest city. Biu and Bama also are sizable market towns. Maiduguri has an airport and is served by a railway to Bauchi and the south, as well as by trunk roads to Potiskum, Bauchi, Yola, and Ndjamena (Chad). Pop. (2006) 4,151,193.
LTG Kenneth Minimah
Chief of the Nigerian Army
Kano State
Kano, state, northern Nigeria. It was formed in 1968 from Kano province, and in 1991 its northeastern portion was split off to form Jigawa state. It is bordered by the states of Jigawa to the north and east, Bauchi to the southeast, Kaduna to the southwest, and Katsina to the northwest. Kano consists of wooded savanna in the south and scrub vegetation in the north and is drained by the Kano-Chalawa-Hadejia river system. The state's light sandy soils are excellent for growing peanuts (groundnuts), a major export. Other crops include cotton, onions, indigo, tobacco, wheat, and gum arabic; millet, sorghum, beans, cowpeas, and corn (maize) are subsistence crops. Cattle, horses, goats, and sheep are grazed, and hides and skins are exported. Tin and columbite are mined. Kano city, the state capital, is a manufacturing centre producing processed foods, textiles, furniture, cement, rolled steel, and light trucks. Most of the state's inhabitants are Hausa or Fulani, but there are also Nigerians from other parts of the country, Arab traders, and Europeans. Kano city, Rano, and Wudil are its chief market centres. The state is crossed by the main (Lagos-Nguru) railway and by highways that link it to Kaduna and Bauchi states. Kano city has an international airport. Pop. (2006) 9,383,682.
Arlene Juracek
Maiduguri Mayor
Currency
Naira
Nigerian-Chad relations
Nigeria considered France its primary rival in its attempt to chart the course of West Africa's political development. Its generally paternalistic relations with Chad intensified after the coup that ousted President François Tombalbaye in 1975. After that, limiting Libyan expansion while avoiding direct clashes with Libyan troops also became important goals. Nigeria sponsored talks among Chad's rival factions in 1979 and promoted a little-known civil servant, Mahmat Shawa Lol, as a compromise head of a coalition government. Lol's perceived status as a Nigerian puppet contributed to mounting opposition during his short term as president in 1979. The two nations forged stronger ties during the 1980s. Hoping to benefit commercially and diplomatically by expanding regional trade relations, Nigeria replaced France as Chad's major source of export revenues. Bilateral trade agreements involved Chadian exports of livestock, dried fish, and chemicals and imports of Nigerian foodstuffs and manufactured goods. Both governments also recognized the potential value of the large informal trade sector across their borders, which neither country regulated. In addition, Nigerian industry and commerce employed several thousand Chadian workers. Both nations have seats on the United Nations Security Council. Chad's relationship with Nigeria was not without its strains, however. Beginning in the late 1970s, clashes occurred around Lake Chad, where both countries hoped to exploit oil reserves. Both also sought to defuse these confrontations, first by establishing joint patrols and a commission to demarcate the boundary across the lake more clearly. Then in the early 1980s, the low level of Lake Chad brought a series of tiny islands into view, leading to further disputes and disrupting long-standing informal trade networks. This relationship was also complicated by Nigeria's own instability in the north, generated by rising Islamic fundamentalism. Thousands of casualties occurred as the result of violent clashes in Nigeria throughout the 1980s. Most religious violence was domestic in origin, but Nigerian police arrested a few Libyans, and Nigerian apprehension of Libyan infiltration through Chad intensified. Nigeria's 1983 economic austerity campaign also produced strains with neighboring states, including Chad. Nigeria expelled several hundred thousand foreign workers, mostly from its oil industry, which faced drastic cuts as a result of declining world oil prices. At least 30,000 of those expelled were Chadians. Despite these strains, however, Nigerians had assisted in the halting process of achieving stability in Chad, and both nations reaffirmed their intention to maintain close ties.
Nigerian-US relations
Nigeria-United States relations are bilateral relations between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the United States of America. Nigeria and the United States have long been close allies. The United States is Nigeria's greatest trading partner and is undeniably its most important diplomatic partner. With the nullification of Nigeria's June 12, 1993, presidential election, the substantial amount of human rights abuses, and the failure to embark on a meaningful democratic transition, the United States has imposed numerous sanctions on Nigeria. After a period of increasingly strained relations, the death of General Abacha in June 1998, and his replacement by General Abubakar opened a new phase of improved bilateral relations. As the transition to democracy progressed, the removal of visa restrictions, increased high-level visits of U.S. officials, discussions of future assistance, and the granting of a Vital National Interest Certification on counter-narcotics, effective in March 1999, paved the way for re-establishment of closer ties between the United States and Nigeria as a key partner in the region and the continent. Since the inauguration of the Obasanjo government, the bilateral relationship has continued to improve, and cooperation on many important foreign policy goals, such as regional peacekeeping, has been excellent. The government has lent strong diplomatic support to U.S. Government counter-terrorism efforts in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The Government of Nigeria, in its official statements, has both condemned the terrorist attacks and supported military action against the Taliban and Al Qaida. Nigeria also has played a leading role in forging an anti-terrorism consensus among states in Sub-Saharan Africa. An estimated one million Nigerians and Nigerian Americans live, study, and work in the United States, while over 25,000 Americans live and work in Nigeria. President Yar'Adua visited President Bush at the White House on December 13, 2007. Nigeria is consistently a pro-America nation. According to the 2012 U.S. Global Leadership Report, 77% of Nigerians approve of U.S. leadership, with 9% disapproving and 14% uncertain, and according to a 2013 BBC World Service Poll, 59% of Nigerians view U.S. influence positively, with 29% expressing a negative view. According to a 2014 Global Opinion Poll, 69% of Nigerians view the U.S. favorably.
Olusegun Obasanjo
Nigerian general, statesman, and diplomat, who was the first military ruler in Africa to hand over power to a civilian government. He served as Nigeria's military ruler (1976-79) and, as a civilian, as president (1999-2007). Obasanjo attended Baptist Boys' High School in Abeokuta, in southwest Nigeria, and later worked as a teacher. Unable to afford college, he joined the army in 1958 and received officer training in England. Obasanjo rose quickly through the army ranks. During the Biafra conflict (1967-70) he was appointed to head a commando division that was stationed at the Biafran front in southeastern Nigeria. The conflict ended when Biafran forces surrendered to him in January 1970. In 1975 Brigadier General Murtala Ramat Mohammed ousted General Yakubu Gowon, the military head of state at the time, but announced that he would relinquish power to civilian rule by 1979. The following year, however, Mohammed was assassinated during an unsuccessful coup attempt, and leadership passed to Obasanjo, his deputy. During the three years he headed the government, Obasanjo emerged as an important African statesman and established ties with the United States. Obasanjo followed his predecessor's timetable for a return to civilian rule and did not run for president when elections were held in 1979. Voting was extremely close, but Nigeria's Federal Electoral Commission declared Shehu Shagari, from the north, the winner over the strongest challenger from the south, Obafemi Awolowo, who was a Yoruba. The results were condemned by most of Obasanjo's fellow Yoruba as well as others over allegations that the election had been rigged, but the outcome was upheld by the Supreme Court, and Obasanjo gained the respect of the Hausa-Fulani leaders in the north for handing over power to Shagari. Over the next several years, Obasanjo's international profile rose considerably, as he held various positions in the United Nations and other organizations. A vocal critic of General Sani Abacha, who seized control of Nigeria in 1993 and established a repressive military government, Obasanjo was imprisoned in 1995 for allegedly organizing a coup against Abacha. Following Abacha's death in 1998, Obasanjo was released. After the interim military leader, General Abdusalam Abubakar, pledged to hold democratic elections, Obasanjo announced his intention to run for president as the candidate of the People's Democratic Party (PDP). He was declared the winner of the 1999 election with some 63 percent of the vote. There were widespread reports of fraud, however, and the results were strongly criticized by many, particularly the Yoruba, who had largely supported Olu Falae, Obasanjo's opponent. Nigeria's first civilian leader in 15 years, Obasanjo sought to alleviate poverty, reduce government corruption, and establish a democratic system. He also pledged to reform the military and the police. Religious and ethnic strife, however, became a central concern during his presidency, as incidents of violence mounted and as most Muslim-dominated states in the north and centre of the country adopted Sharīʿah law. Obasanjo's harsh response to ethnic strife in the south earned condemnation. Indeed, his overall authoritative style, the corruption that was still evident among government officials, and a strong challenger—Muhammad Buhari, a northerner who was a former general and a former military head of state—were among the reasons that Obasanjo faced a shrinking power base heading into the 2003 presidential election, despite receiving the pragmatic support of leading Yoruba politicians this time around. Still, Obasanjo was elected to a second term in April 2003, winning more than 60 percent of the votes cast, but, as with previous elections, there were widespread reports of voting irregularities and allegations of fraud. In 2006 Obasanjo came under domestic and international criticism for attempting to amend the constitution to allow him to stand for a third term as president; the proposed amendment was rejected by the Senate later that year. With Obasanjo unable to run, Umaru Yar'Adua was selected to stand as the PDP's candidate in the April 2007 presidential election. He was declared the winner, but international observers strongly condemned the election as being marred by voting irregularities and fraud. Nonetheless, Yar'Adua succeeded Obasanjo and was sworn in May 29, 2007.
All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP)
Nigerian political party founded in August 1998 by members of numerous groups and organizations, including the groups known as G-18 and G-34. The party, which has a broad political base, supports economic deregulation, human rights, and greater funding for health care and education, among other goals. Earlier in 1998, the G-18 and G-34 had openly opposed the plans of the military leader at the time, Gen. Sani Abacha, to continue his rule. Following Abacha's death in June 1998, the government announced that democratic elections would be held the following year, ending 16 years of military rule. In preparation for the election, political parties were formed, including the PDP. Alex Ekwueme, a former vice president of the country, was the first party chairman, and Jerry Gana was the first party secretary. The party had a broad membership drawn from traditional chiefs, academics, and businessmen and proved especially popular with the army, as some 100 retired senior officers joined, including Olusegun Obasanjo, a former military leader of Nigeria (1976-79) who joined the party soon after its inception. Under his guidance the PDP quickly became the country's dominant party. In the 1999 elections the PDP won a majority of seats in the legislature and Obasanjo was elected president. In the 2003 elections the party maintained a legislative majority and Obasanjo was reelected president. The PDP had an unofficial policy of rotating the presidency between candidates from the predominantly Christian south and the predominantly Muslim north. In 2007 the party's candidate was Umaru Musa Yar'Adua, a Muslim and the governor of the northern state of Katsina. The vice presidential candidate was Goodluck Jonathan, a Christian and the governor of the southern state of Bayelsa. Yar'Adua was declared the winner of the 2007 presidential election, although international observers strongly condemned the election as being marred by voting irregularities and fraud. In 2010 power shifted unexpectedly to Jonathan, who assumed the role of acting president in February after Yar'Adua fell ill; he was sworn in to the presidency following Yar'Adua's death in May. Jonathan's announcement in September about his intention to run in the 2011 presidential election generated much controversy leading into the PDP's presidential primaries, held in January 2011. However, his overwhelming victory over his closest challenger, northerner and former vice president Atiku Abubakar, showed that Jonathan had considerable support, even in several of the northern states and in spite of the fact that his candidacy would be a deviation from the party's unofficial rotation policy. Jonathan was victorious in the country's 2011 presidential election, which was deemed largely free and fair by international observers. As the 2015 elections grew closer, the longtime ruling party found itself in a weaker position: infighting had resulted in several members leaving the party; Jonathan's administration was under fire for not doing enough to combat corruption or to eliminate the threat from the deadly Islamic insurgency led by Boko Haram in the northeastern parts of the country; and many Nigerians felt that general living conditions had not improved. Furthermore, in 2013 much of the perennially fragmented opposition had united to form one party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the APC chose a strong candidate, former military head of state Muhammadu Buhari, to face Jonathan in the 2015 presidential election. Buhari defeated Jonathan, signaling an end to the PDP's grip on the presidency, which it had held since 1999. The party also lost its majority in the Senate and the House of Representatives to the APC in the legislative elections.
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)
Nigerian political party founded in August 1998 by members of numerous groups and organizations, including the groups known as G-18 and G-34. The party, which has a broad political base, supports economic deregulation, human rights, and greater funding for health care and education, among other goals. Earlier in 1998, the G-18 and G-34 had openly opposed the plans of the military leader at the time, Gen. Sani Abacha, to continue his rule. Following Abacha's death in June 1998, the government announced that democratic elections would be held the following year, ending 16 years of military rule. In preparation for the election, political parties were formed, including the PDP. Alex Ekwueme, a former vice president of the country, was the first party chairman, and Jerry Gana was the first party secretary. The party had a broad membership drawn from traditional chiefs, academics, and businessmen and proved especially popular with the army, as some 100 retired senior officers joined, including Olusegun Obasanjo, a former military leader of Nigeria (1976-79) who joined the party soon after its inception. Under his guidance the PDP quickly became the country's dominant party. In the 1999 elections the PDP won a majority of seats in the legislature and Obasanjo was elected president. In the 2003 elections the party maintained a legislative majority and Obasanjo was reelected president. The PDP had an unofficial policy of rotating the presidency between candidates from the predominantly Christian south and the predominantly Muslim north. In 2007 the party's candidate was Umaru Musa Yar'Adua, a Muslim and the governor of the northern state of Katsina. The vice presidential candidate was Goodluck Jonathan, a Christian and the governor of the southern state of Bayelsa. Yar'Adua was declared the winner of the 2007 presidential election, although international observers strongly condemned the election as being marred by voting irregularities and fraud. In 2010 power shifted unexpectedly to Jonathan, who assumed the role of acting president in February after Yar'Adua fell ill; he was sworn in to the presidency following Yar'Adua's death in May. Jonathan's announcement in September about his intention to run in the 2011 presidential election generated much controversy leading into the PDP's presidential primaries, held in January 2011. However, his overwhelming victory over his closest challenger, northerner and former vice president Atiku Abubakar, showed that Jonathan had considerable support, even in several of the northern states and in spite of the fact that his candidacy would be a deviation from the party's unofficial rotation policy. Jonathan was victorious in the country's 2011 presidential election, which was deemed largely free and fair by international observers. As the 2015 elections grew closer, the longtime ruling party found itself in a weaker position: infighting had resulted in several members leaving the party; Jonathan's administration was under fire for not doing enough to combat corruption or to eliminate the threat from the deadly Islamic insurgency led by Boko Haram in the northeastern parts of the country; and many Nigerians felt that general living conditions had not improved. Furthermore, in 2013 much of the perennially fragmented opposition had united to form one party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the APC chose a strong candidate, former military head of state Muhammadu Buhari, to face Jonathan in the 2015 presidential election. Buhari defeated Jonathan, signaling an end to the PDP's grip on the presidency, which it had held since 1999. The party also lost its majority in the Senate and the House of Representatives to the APC in the legislative elections.
Atiku Abubakar
Nigerian politician, businessman and philanthropist, who served as the second elected Vice-President of Nigeria from 1999 to 2007, on the platform of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), with President Olusegun Obasanjo. Abubakar worked in the Nigeria Customs Service for twenty years, rising to become the Deputy Director, as the second highest position in the Service was then known. He retired in April 1989 and took up full-time business and politics. He ran for the office of Governor in the Gongola State (now Adamawa and Taraba States) in 1991, and for the Presidency in 1993, placing third after MKO Abiola and Babagana Kingibe in the Social Democratic Party (SDP) primaries. In 1998 he was elected Governor of Adamawa State. While still Governor-Elect he was selected by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential candidate Olusegun Obasanjo as his running mate. The duo went on to win elections in February 1999, and Abubakar was sworn-in as Nigeria's second democratically elected Vice President on 29 May 1999. Abubakar's second term as Vice President was marked by a stormy relationship with President Obasanjo. His bid to succeed Obasanjo did not receive the latter's support, and it took a judgment of the Supreme Court to allow Abubakar contest after he was initially disqualified by the Independent National Electoral Commission on the grounds that he had been indicted for financial misconduct by an investigating panel set up at Obasanjo's behest. The Supreme Court decision ordered the electoral commission to restore Abubakar's name onto the presidential ballot. Abubakar ran on the platform of the Action Congress, having quit the PDP on account of his issues with President Obasanjo. Atiku lost the election, placing third after Umaru Yar'Adua and Muhammadu Buhari of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP). Atiku is a co-founder of Intels, an oil servicing business with extensive operations in Nigeria and abroad. He is also the founder of Adama Beverages Limited, and the American University of Nigeria (AUN), both in Yola.
Ibikunle Oyelaja Amosun
Ogun Governor
Yemi Osinbajo
Oluyemi Oluleke Osinbajo (born 8 March 1957) is the Vice President of Nigeria, in office since May 29, 2015. He is also a Senior Advocate of Nigeria , Professor of Law and until his inauguration as Vice President, a Senior Partner with SimmonsCooper Partners, a commercial law practice. He was conferred with the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger on May 28, 2015.
Conflict in the Niger Delta
The current conflict in the Niger Delta arose in the early 1990s over tensions between foreign oil corporations and a number of the Niger Delta's minority ethnic groups who feel they are being exploited, particularly the Ogoni and the Ijaw. Ethnic and political unrest has continued throughout the 1990s and persists as of 2013 despite the conversion to democracy and the election of the Obasanjo government in 1999. Competition for oil wealth has fueled violence between many ethnic groups, causing the militarization of nearly the entire region by ethnic militia groups as well as Nigerian military and police forces (notably the Nigerian Mobile Police). Victims of crimes are fearful of seeking justice for crimes committed against them because of a failure to prosecute those responsible for human rights abuses.
Lagos City
The most populous city in Nigeria, the second fastest-growing city in Africa and the seventh in the world. The population of Lagos urban area, according to the Lagos State Government is 17.5 million, a number disputed by the Nigerian Government and judged unreliable by the National Population Commission of Nigeria. Lagos was reported in 2014 to have a metropolitan population of 21 million, making Lagos the largest metropolitan area in Africa. Lagos is a port which originated on islands separated by creeks, such as Lagos Island, fringing the southwest mouth of Lagos Lagoon while protected from the Atlantic Ocean by barrier islands and long sand spits such as Bar Beach, which stretch up to 100 kilometres (62 miles) east and west of the mouth. From the beginning, Lagos has expanded on the mainland west of the lagoon and the conurbation, including Ikeja (which is the capital of Lagos State) and Agege, now reaches more than 40 kilometres (25 miles) north-west of Lagos Island. Some suburbs include Ikorodu, Epe and Badagry, and more local councils have recently been created, bringing the total number of local governments in Lagos to 57 (This includes Local Community Development Areas or LCDAs) Lagos is traditionally and locally referred to as Eko and it has a popular slogan thus "Eko o ni baaje" meaning "Lagos will never collapse".
Demographics of Nigeria
This article is about the demographic features of the population of Nigeria, including population density, ethnicity, education level, health of the populace, economic status, religious affiliations and other aspects of the population. The most populous country in Africa, Nigeria accounts for approximately one sixth of the African population (or one fifth of Sub-Saharan African population). Approximately 50% of Nigerians are urban dwellers. At least 24 cities have populations of more than 100,000. The variety of customs, languages, and traditions among Nigeria's 389 ethnic groups gives the country a cultural diversity. Census figures are used to determine regional funding and representation of ethnic and religious groups in government service. This provides an incentive for inflating local populations. On the other hand, some academics believe the figures given below by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) are a serious underestimate. Professor JG Ottong, a social scientist at the University of Calabar, explained that population has been a sensitive and controversial issue "because of its implications for shaping regional, state and ethnic relations and balance of power". In the past, census figures were believed to have been manipulated for political advantage. The most numerous ethnic groups in the northern two-thirds of the country are the Hausa and the Fulbe/Fulani, the overwhelming majority of whom are Muslim. Other major ethnic groups of the north are the Nupe, Tiv, and Kanuri. The Yoruba people are the overwhelming majority in the southwest, as well as parts of the north-central region. Over half of the Yorubas are Christian and about 40% are Muslim, while the remainder hold traditional Yoruba views. The predominantly Christian Igbo are to be found in the central parts of the southeast. Roman Catholic is the largest denomination, but Pentecostal, Anglican and other Evangelical denominations are also strong. The Efik, Ibibio, Annang, and Ijaw constitute other South Eastern populations. Persons of different language backgrounds most commonly communicate in English, although knowledge of two or more Nigerian languages is widespread. Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo are the most widely used native Nigerian languages.
Ibrahim Geidam
Yobe Governor
