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Nigeria’s key historical moments
By Polls Africa
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As Nigerians prepare to vote in the presidential election to be held on 25 February 2023, today we look at the country's history. Nigeria has a long and complex history. It is home to a diverse range of ethnic groups and has a rich cultural heritage.
In Summary
Nigeria is not only the most populous country in Africa, but it is also the largest Black nation in the world. One out of every five persons of African origin in the world is Nigerian.
The earliest known human habitation in Nigeria dates back to 9000 BC. Over the following centuries, various tribes and empires flourished in the region, including the Kingdom of Nri, the Benin Empire, and the Oyo Empire.
In the 19th century, Nigeria came under British colonial rule. The British established a system of administration and exploited the country’s natural resources, including oil and natural gas.
After World War II, Nigeria began a process of decolonization and moved towards independence. In 1960, Nigeria gained its independence from Britain and became a sovereign nation.
Significant moments
There have been a number of significant historical moments in Nigeria’s history. Some of the most significant moments include:
- The arrival of the Portuguese in Nigeria in the late 15th century, which marked the beginning of foreign influence in the region.
- The abolition of the transatlantic slave trade in the 19th century, which had a major impact on Nigeria and the surrounding region.
- The establishment of British colonial rule in the 19th century, which marked the beginning of a period of foreign domination in Nigeria.
- Nigeria’s independence from Britain in 1960, which marked the end of colonial rule and the beginning of a new era for the country.
- The Biafra War in the late 1960s, which was a conflict between the government of Nigeria and the secessionist state of Biafra.
- The rise of military rule in the 1970s, which marked a period of authoritarian rule in Nigeria.
- The return to civilian rule in 1999, which marked the end of military rule and the beginning of a new democratic era in Nigeria.
Expansion
During the pre-colonial period, various empires and kingdoms emerged in what is now Nigeria. The Kingdom of Nri, which flourished from the 10th to the 19th century, was an influential state in West Africa. The kingdom played a significant role in the region’s history and was known for its advanced system of government and trade.
The Benin Empire, which flourished from the 14th to the 19th century, was another important pre-colonial power in Nigeria. The empire was known for its sophisticated art and bronze casting traditions.
The Oyo Empire, which emerged in the 14th century and reached its peak in the 18th century, was a powerful state in West Africa. The empire controlled a large portion of modern-day Nigeria and was known for its centralized system of government and military might.
In the 19th century, Nigeria came under British colonial rule. The British established a system of administration and exploited the country’s natural resources, including oil and natural gas. The British also introduced Christianity and Western education to Nigeria, which had a significant impact on the country’s culture and society.
After World War II, Nigeria began a process of decolonization and moved towards independence. In 1960, Nigeria gained its independence from Britain and became a sovereign nation. Since independence, Nigeria has faced a number of challenges, including military coups, corruption, and conflict. Despite these challenges, Nigeria has made significant progress and has become one of the largest economies in Africa.