10 Historical Facts About Nigerian Politics.

Nigerian Politics

If you are interested in Nigerian politics, then welcome to Nigerian politics 101! Here are 10 facts about Nigeria and it’s politics that you must know

10 Facts About Nigeria 

Here are 10 facts about Nigeria in general, with a focus on politics. 

  • Name Origin

The name “Nigeria” was coined by Flora Shaw, the wife of Lord Frederick Lugard, a British colonial administrator, in 1897.

  • Language Diversity

Nigeria has over 250 ethnic groups and more than 500 languages spoken across the country.

  • Population 

Nigeria’s population is projected to surpass that of the United States by 2050, making it the third most populous country in the world.

  • Natural Minerals 

Nigeria is the 12th largest producer of petroleum in the world and the 8th largest exporter. Nigeria is home to over 70% of the West African region’s agricultural land, making it a significant player in regional food production.

  • Democracy

Nigeria practices democracy. Nigeria transitioned to democracy in 1999, marking the beginning of the Fourth Republic. This means people participate in government through free and fair elections. It also means checks and balances of power, freedom of speech etc.

  • Presidents
Presidents

Nigeria has had a total of 15 Nigerian heads of state, with some serving as presidents and others as military rulers or interim leaders. Here’s a breakdown:

Nnamdi Azikiwe became the first president of Nigeria.

Followed by military rulers like Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi, Yakubu Gowon, Murtala Mohammed, and Olusegun Obasanjo. After which Shehu Shagari was elected as president. There was another Military Rule by Muhammadu Buhari, Ibrahim Babangida, Ernest Shonekan, and Sani Abacha. Then Olusegun Obasanjo, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, Goodluck Jonathan, Muhammadu Buhari, and Bola Tinubu were elected as presidents.

Some of these leaders served multiple non-consecutive terms, and a few were interim or acting presidents.

  • Structure 

Nigeria has a federal government with three branches: the executive, legislative, and judicial. The president serves as both head of state and government.  The National Assembly, composed of the Senate and House of Representatives, holds legislative power. The Senate has 109 members, while the House of Representatives has 360 members. The president is elected by universal suffrage and serves as commander-in-chief of the armed forces. The current president is Bola Tinubu, elected in 2023. The Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, and high courts make up the judicial branch. The National Judicial Council ensures the judiciary’s independence. 

  • Political parties

There are 18 recognized political parties in Nigeria. However, the two major parties are the Peoples Democratic Party and the All Progressives Congress, both of which have held the presidency and seats in the National Assembly for extended periods of time.

  • States and Local Government Areas

Nigeria is made up of 36 states and 1 capital territory: the Federal Capital Territory, Abia, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Ekiti, Enugu, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, and Zamfara state. There are 774 local governments. 

  • International Relations

Nigeria is a member of the British Commonwealth and has played an active role in regional and international organizations, such as the African Union and the United Nations. 

Which of these facts didn’t you know?

Disclaimer: The opinions, views, and information expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or opinions of iNaijanow. The company assumes no liability for any errors, omissions, or damages arising from the use of this information.
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