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Sub Saharan Africa

Nigeria

 Flag of Nigeria

Map of Nigeria Last reviewed: 13 February 2008

Country information

Map of The Federal Republic of Nigeria

Area: 923,768 sq km (356,700 sq miles)
Population: 144.7 million (World Bank, 2006)
Capital City: Abuja (6 million)
Other Major Cities: Lagos, Ibadan, Kano and at least 7 other cities with a population of over 1 million
People: Hausa/Fulani, Yoruba, Igbo, Ijaw and some 250 ethno-linguistic groups
Language(s): English (official) but Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo are also used in the National Assembly
Religion(s):Muslim, Christian and traditional
Currency: Naira (NGN)
Major political parties: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), Action Congress (AC) )
Head of State: President Umaru Yar'Adua (inaugurated 29 May 2007)
Vice-President: Goodluck Jonathan
Foreign Minister: Ojo Maduekwe
Membership of international groupings/organisations: United Nations (UN), Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), African Union (AU), Organisation for Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Commonwealth, African Development Bank (ADB). 

Advance Fee Frauds

Many people and companies in the UK (and elsewhere) receive letters, faxes and e-mails, purporting to come from Nigerian individuals or government departments, offering them large sums of money in exchange for allowing use of their bank accounts. These are frauds, and the money does not exist. The fraudsters obtain contact details from various sources, including telephone and commercial directories, so recipients are not being specifically targeted.

We recommend that people do not reply to these communications. The fraudsters are either trying to obtain details of bank accounts so that they can raid them, or will be told that there are various 'advance fees' that have to be paid before the money can be transferred. Examples of these fees are processing fees, legal fees, bribes or air tickets. People have lost thousands of pounds in these frauds.

If you wish to find out any more information on these fraudulent correspondences please contact fraud desk at the Metropolitan Police.

Please contact them via e-mail: fraud.alert@met.police.uk

ECONOMY

Basic Economic Facts

GDP: US$147bn (2006)
GDP per head: US$1,049 (2006)
Annual Growth: 6% (2006)
Inflation: 5.4% (2007)
Major Industries: Oil, Gas as LNG
Major trading partners: US, China, Brazil, EU, UK
Exchange rate: £1 = N232 (February 2008).

Nigeria is the world’s 11th largest producer of oil with a current output of 2.2 million barrels per day (mbpd) of quality crude. Current capacity is closer to 3mbpd, but a poor security situation prevents higher production and makes it less likely the target of 4 mbpd by 2010 will be achieved. Although there has been increasing focus on diversifying the economy, it is still highly dependent on the oil/gas sector and is sensitive to price fluctuations. In 2006, oil accounted for just over one fifth of GDP, 85% of government revenue and over 90% of export earnings. Agriculture accounted for around 40% of GDP, the services sector for just over 30% and manufacturing 5% of GDP.

Despite Nigeria’s oil wealth, a large population means Nigeria’s GDP per capita is low. Few Nigerians, including those in oil-producing areas, have benefited from the oil wealth. In 2006, estimated GDP was over $100bn but less than $800 per capita. The trade in stolen oil, alongside poor governance, has fuelled violence and corruption in the Niger Delta.

Nigeria has some of the worst social indicators: 1 in 5 children die before the age of 5; 12 million children are not in school; approximately 6% of the population are now HIV positive.

The World Bank ranks Nigeria 108th out of 178 countries on the 2005 global competitiveness index. It was 142nd out of 163 countries in Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index in 2006, up from 152nd out of 158 the previous year.

Nigeria faces immense challenges in accelerating growth, reducing poverty and meeting the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). In May 2004, Nigeria launched its National and State Economic Empowerment and Development Strategies (NEEDS and SEEDS) for growth and poverty reduction. NEEDS is based on 3 pillars: (i) empowering people and improving social service delivery; (ii) improving the private sector and focusing on non-oil growth; and (iii) changing the way government works and improving governance. Some good progress has been made, particularly at federal level on macroeconomic stabilisation, fuel subsidies and procurement. However, much remains to be done, especially at the local level where the implementation of SEEDS is proving more difficult than its federal counterpart.

IMF Country Reports - Nigeria

HISTORY

Nigeria was a British colonial creation. It came into being in January 1914 with the amalgamation of the Colony of Lagos (first annexed in 1861), the Southern Protectorates (established 1885 – 1894) and the Northern Protectorate (pacified by 1903). Hitherto, the British had administered them as separate but related territories. Local involvement in government was introduced as early as 1922 when southern politicians, from Lagos and Calabar, took seats in the central legislative assembly. Their northern counterparts did not have legislative experience until 1947 when a new constitution introduced the principle of regional representation. The 1954 constitution created fully-fledged regional governments, and federal elections were held in 1959 the year before independence.

Nigeria was granted its independence on 1 October 1960, originally with Dominion status. In 1963, Nigeria broke its direct links with the British Crown, and became a Republic within the Commonwealth. The independence constitution provided for a federation of three autonomous regions - Northern, Western and Eastern - each with wide-ranging powers, its own constitution, public service, and marketing boards. The overarching but weaker federal government had powers limited to national issues, including control of the police and army, and economic planning. The political system was derived from the Westminster model. A fourth region – the Mid-West – was created in 1964 to satisfy the demand of the minorities.

In the early 1960s, the inherited regional structure led to a series of crises and conflicts, both within and between the 3 ethno-centric regions, as competition grew for control over the federal centre. The 1964 federal elections were marred by violence and rigging. Inter-party and inter-ethnic tensions continued leading ultimately to a military takeover in January 1966, led by Igbo officers. Thereafter Nigeria's post-independence history was marked by a series of military interventions in politics: coups, counter-coups, and a civil war (1967-70) when the Eastern Region attempted to secede as the Republic of Biafra. Over 1 million died in the conflict. Nigeria has only enjoyed 3 short periods of civilian rule – 1960-65, 1979-83, and 1999 to the present. The intervening periods, totalling 29 years, saw military governments in place.

In an attempt to break up the power of the regions, and forestall future conflict, the regional structure was dismantled in 1967, and replaced by 12 states. At the same time, the federal centre took back most of the powers to itself, and a new radical revenue sharing formula was established which deprived the new states of most of their derivation funds. Additional states were later created in phases in response to demands from powerful local interest groups – in 1976 the number rose to 19, in 1989 to 21, in 1991 to 30, and in 1996 to 36. No new states have been created since then although pressures for new states are ever present. A new Federal Capital Territory, at Abuja in the centre of the country, was created in 1976 but it was not fully operational until the mid-1990s.

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Nigeria is the predominant power in West Africa. It was instrumental in the creation of the Economic Community of West Africa (ECOWAS) in 1975. Under the ECOWAS umbrella, Nigeria has taken the lead in conflict resolution in several West African civil wars, putting troops into Liberia (twice) and Sierra Leone. Nigeria has also played an important role in other conflicts, most recently in Sudan, Sao Tome, and Cote d'Ivoire. Nigerian peacekeeping troops are currently stationed in Darfur as part of the African Union mission, and will also be deployed to Somalia. On the wider African stage, President Obasanjo is a founder of the New African Partnership for Development, NEPAD, the AU's flagship development blueprint. President Obasanjo held the Chair of the AU for 2005/06.

African Union

The New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD)

ECOWAS

Nigeria's long-running territorial dispute with Cameroon over the common border was finally settled when the ICJ ruled in October 2002. Minor adjustments were made along the whole length of the border, and some villages have been transferred as a result. The key judgement concerned the Bakassi peninsula. The ICJ awarded sovereignty to Cameroon but made pragmatic provision for ownership of the oil fields in the maritime sector. The modalities of the transfer of Bakassi were worked out in a Mixed Commission under UN aegis. Nigerian troops finally withdrew from Bakassi in August 2006.

Nigeria's Relations with the UK

The bilateral relationship is strong. The UK has been a leading supporter of Nigeria since the return to civilian rule and was a key advocate of debt relief for Nigeria. There is a steady flow of high-level visits in both directions, including a visit by HM The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh in December 2003, and the Prince of Wales in 2006.

There is a large Nigerian community in the UK, estimated to be between 800,000 and 3 million, while up to 4,000 Britons live in Nigeria.

Nigerian Government website

Cultural Relations with the UK

The British Council has offices in Abuja, Lagos, Kano and Port Harcourt.

Recent Visits

Inward

Principal recent visits to the UK include:

President Olusegun Obasanjo (November 2004, June 2004, January 2004, July 2003, July 2002, June 2002, May 2002)
Vice President Atiku Abubakar (July 2004)
Foreign Minister Ojo Maduekwe (October 2007)

Outward

Principal recent visits to Nigeria include:

Kim Howells (October 2007)
Shriti Vadera (August 2007)
Baroness Royall (May 2007)
Baroness Amos, Leader, House of Lords (August 2006 and April 2007)
Lord Triesman, Minister for Africa (February 2007)
HRH Prince Charles (November 2006)
The All Party Parliamentary Group on Nigeria (November 2006)
HM The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh (December 2003)
Prime Minister (December 2003, February 2002)
Jack Straw, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (February 2006)
Hilary Benn, Secretary of State for International Development (May 2006, September 2004, December 2004)

UK Policy

For recent statements of UK government policy towards Nigeria go to the Hansard website, and enter Nigeria in the search engine.

GEOGRAPHY

Nigeria is located in West Africa, bordered by Benin to the west, Niger to the north, Cameroon to the east and the Atlantic Ocean. The terrain varies from coastal swamps and tropical forest in the south, to savannah and semi-desert in the north. The highest points are the Jos Plateau in the centre (1,200-2,000 metres above sea level) and the mountains along the eastern border. The river Niger, the third longest river in Africa, reaches the sea through an extensive Delta of mangrove swamps.

TRADE AND INVESTMENT

Trade and Investment with the UK

Nigeria is the UK's second largest market in sub-Saharan Africa after South Africa. The value of UK exports has increased steadily from £535 million in 2000 to £836 million in 2006. Imports from Nigeria were worth £95 million in 2000, rising to £218 million in 2006. The UK is one of the largest investors in Nigeria, with cumulative investment of several billion pounds by Shell, British Gas and Centrica in the oil and gas sector. Other large British companies active in Nigeria include Guinness, Unilever, Cadbury, British-American Tobacco, GlaxoSmithKline, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic.

UK Trade and Investment Country Profile: Nigeria

Development

In spite of its oil wealth, Nigeria is not a rich country. Its Gross National Income (GNI) per capita is $640, lower than the average for sub-Saharan Africa. Fifty-two per cent of the population - over 70 million people - live on less than $1 a day.

Its very large population, together with endemic corruption, long periods of military misrule and the long-term mismanagement of resources has meant that Nigeria's socio-economic indicators are very low. Nigeria ranked 158 (out of 177) in the Human Development Report for 2007/8, again lower than the average for sub-Saharan Africa.

Following the return to civilian rule in 1999, the prospects for development have improved, although huge challenges remain. Improved economic governance helped Nigeria secure – with the UK’s support – the largest debt relief deal in Africa in 2005. Paris Club creditors wrote off 60% of debt (around $18 billion) and the UK alone cancelled £2.8 billion. The debt deal has helped the Nigerian Government release more money – around $1 billion per year – to spend on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

World Bank

UK Development Assistance

The Department for International Development (DfID) delivers UK bilateral assistance in Nigeria. The UK has increased its support substantially since 2003. DfID's programme was £35 million in 2003/4 but it will spend up to £100 million in 2007/8. DfID's assistance in Nigeria is focused on 3 themes, supporting:

  • An improved environment for non-oil growth
  • Enhanced transparency and accountability for better governance
  • Improved service delivery, particularly for health, education and HIV/AIDS.

DFID - Nigeria Country Assistance Plan

POLITICS

Nigeria operates an Executive Presidential system of government. This American-style model was first introduced in 1979, during the last period of civilian rule, and retained on the return to civilian rule in 1999. It replaced the Westminster system that had been inherited at independence. The federal bi-cameral legislature comprises a Senate with 109 elected members and a 360-member House of Representatives. Each of the 36 States has an elected Governor and an elected State Assembly of between 24 and 40 seats depending on the size of the population. All elected offices have a 4-year tenure. The third tier comprises 774 Local Government Areas. There is a 2-term constitutional limit on the tenure of the President and the State Governors.

Nigeria is a multi-party state. Nearly 50 political parties are officially registered but only 3, the ruling PDP, the ANPP and the AC, have electoral strength. The PDP is the largest party with a national spread, the ANPP heartland is in the north, while the AC is a new opposition alliance with support across the country. The 1999 elections, which returned Nigeria to civilian rule, brought retired General Obasanjo to power with 62% of the vote. He was returned in 2003 with a similar mandate. The PDP took control of 21 State Governorships in 1999, 28 in 2003 and 28 in 2007.

The most recent elections, held in April 2007, were heavily criticised by foreign and domestic observer groups for poor organisation and large-scale rigging. The PDP’s Presidential candidate, Umaru Yar’Adua, was returned with 70% of the vote. A number of legal challenges to the declared Presidential and Gubernatorial results have been mounted. Several Gubernatorial election results overturned as a result.

BBC News Country Profile: Nigeria

BBC News: Africa

HUMAN RIGHTS

Nigeria's human rights situation has improved since the return to civilian rule. The Obasanjo government set up the Oputa Panel to investigate human rights abuses during military rule. His government also established a National Human Rights Commission. Nigeria has a large and active civil society and a free and vibrant press. Human rights abuses still occur, largely at the hands of the ill-trained security forces. The use of torture, beatings and extra-judicial killings are still reported. In carrying out security operations in the early years of Obasanjo’s rule, the Army committed serious abuses of human rights – notably in Bayelsa State in 1999 when 1,000 were killed, and in Benue State in 2001 when 200 civilians were killed. Nigeria retains the death penalty and several hundred prisoners remain on death row. A number of executions have been carried out over the past few years, with little publicity. Homosexuality remains illegal under Federal law, although individuals are rarely prosecuted.

The introduction of the Sharia penal code in 12 northern, largely Muslim states in 1999, provoked tensions between Muslims and Christians. Outbreaks of violence in Kano in 2000 and Kaduna in 2002 left several thousand dead. Hudud punishments meted out by Sharia courts have caused international disquiet. Amputations have taken place, but so far no sentences of death-by-stoning have been carried out.

In January 2003, the first UK/Nigeria human rights dialogue took place in Abuja. In 2004, the UK and Nigeria signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Co-operation to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in persons. The UK has funded a number of projects over the past few years on a range of human rights issues. We have supported work aimed at bringing an end to torture and the death penalty.

Annual Human Rights Reports

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Travel Advice: Nigeria

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Contacts

Nigeria

Address:

High Commission for the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Nigeria House
9 Northumberland Avenue
London WC2N 5BX


Immigration Section
9 Northumberland Avenue
WC2N 5BX


Defence Section
9 Northumberland Avenue
WC2N 5BX

Telephone:

(020) 7839 1244

Fax:

(020) 7839 8746
(020) 7925 0990 (Immigration)
(020) 7925 1483 (Defence)

 

Email: chancery@nigeriahc.org (High Commission)
Email: information@nigeriahc.org.uk (High Commission)
Email: visa@nigeriahc.org.uk (Visas)
Email: passport@nigeriahc.org.uk




 

Office hours:

Mon-Fri: 0930-1730
Mon-Fri: 1000-1300 (Visa)
Mon-Fri: 1000-1300 (Passport)

Website: http://www.nigeriahc.org.uk/

FCO Blogger

Find out about Bob's role as British High Commissioner to Nigeria.