EXPLORING NIGERIA FROM 1960 TO 2025.
The name Nigeria is quite popular as one of the biggest and most famous
African country. Some refer to it as the Giant of Africa. These few words
give a very lean description of Nigeria. Thus, in other to gain a vast
knowledge of the major events of this country, there is need for exploring
the state Nigeria. This work explores Nigeria as a Republic from 1960 –
2025 with the aim of understanding it’s political, social, and economic
evolution over more than these six decades.
This exploration would be divided into the key era in the evolutionary
stages.
1. First Republic (1960-1966)
Independence and structure : Curtains opened to a new era marked by
the Independence of the Nigerian state from British colonization on
October 1, 2025. She had as her first President Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe
(ceremonial), while the Prime Minister was Sir. Abubakar Tafawa Balewa.
She also adopted the Parliamentary system of government modelling the
Britain. However, in 1963, Nigeria practically severed the formal ties with
the British monarchy by becoming a Republic.
The economy of Nigeria during this era consisted in a gross reliance on
agricultural products, where cash crops like palm oil, cotton and
groundnut were the major export commodities.
A lot of past events influenced the social structure at the time. The
influence of colonialism was still felt while the major ethnic groups were
still in opposition to each other.
Challenges:
Ethnic and regional division : Hausa-Fulani (North), Yoruba (West),
Igbo (east).
Political instability, corruption and allegation of election rigging
Military coup in January 1966 ended the First Republic.
2. Military Rule and the Biafran War (1966-1979)
The era emerged from a military coup spearheaded by Major Chukwuma
Kaduna Nzeogwu. More still, a countercoup was staged in July of the same
year. This counter coup saw Gen. Yakubu Gowon rise to power. Thus, a
swift mutation to military government. However in a turn of events, the
country into a civil war known as the Nigerian civil war in 1967, due to an
attempt by the Eastern region to secede as Biafra.
With the war ending in 1970, the military leadership continued, but there
was a creation of more states as a means to pacify for past erring.
Despite the commencement of the era with negativity, the era saw a
positive change in the economy of the country with the discovery of crude
oil in late 1960s . Thus, Nigeria made the oil trade it’s major economic
commodity.
Challenges :
The war saw to a disruption of internal revenue generation schemes
like transportation, trade etc.
Unemployment and displacement of citizens after the war
The war also hampered the produce from agriculture which was not
totally sidelined at the time.
The currency change in 1968 had tremendous effect on the citizens
especially in the Biafran east.
3. Second Republic (1979- 1983)
This era is marked by the brief return to civil rule (presidential
government) due to the re-inauguration of the Republic, modelled this
time after the U. S. This saw to the election of President Shehu Shagari.
This era also drafted a new constitution
Challenges
The period witnessed mismanagement of public fund, violation of
the constitution,. Corruption, indiscipline, inability of Governments
to pay salary.
Oil boom and bust affected the economy.
This era ended with the outbreak of a coup in 1983 led by Ge. Muhammad
Buhari.
4. Military Rule II. (1983-1999)
This era brought with it a number of leaders, with their different styles and
initiatives. These include :
Gen. Buhari who ruled from 1983-85 in an authoritarian style and
primarily aimed at eradicating corruption.
Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, from 1985- 1993, initiated the Economic
Structural Adjustment Program SAP. When with the aim of willing
handing over to a civil government in 1993, there was a miscarriage
in the election process, he annulled the election with a presumed
winner as Chief M. K. Ọ Abiola, while enthroning Ernest Shonekan in
an interim government.
Gen. Sabi Abacha seized power in 1993 till his death in 1995.
Abacha was notorious for human rights abuse and corruption.
Finally Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, after the death of Abacha,
oversaw the transition to civil government.
From 1993- 1999, the Nigerian economy faced significant challenges,
including decline, corruption, and a shift in government policies
5. Democratic rule ( 1999- 2025)
Transition to Democracy (1999)*: Nigeria transitioned from military
rule to democracy in 1999, marking the beginning of the Fourth
Republic. Olusegun Obasanjo, a former military head of state, was
elected as the country’s president.
Presidential Terms*: Since then, Nigeria has had several presidents,
including :
-*Olusegun Obasanjo (1999-2007); Umaru Musa Yar’Adua (2007-
2010)*: Died in office, and his vice president, Goodluck Jonathan, took
over. Goodluck Jonathan (2010-2015); Muhammadu Buhari (2015-
2023). Bola Tinubu (2023-present).
Challenges and Developments
Economic Challenges*: Nigeria has faced significant economic
challenges, including a decline in oil prices, inflation, and unemployment.
The country has been working to diversify its economy and improve its
business environment.
Security Issues*: Nigeria has struggled with security issues, including
the Boko Haram insurgency in the northeast and banditry in the
northwest. The government has been working to address these challenges
through military operations and other initiatives.
Democratization and Governance: Nigeria’s democracy has made
progress since 1999, with peaceful transfers of power and improvements
in human rights. However, the country still faces challenges related to
corruption, transparency, and accountability ².
Recent Developments
- *Economic Reforms*: The current government has implemented various
economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies and efforts to
improve the business environment.
- *Security Efforts*: The government has increased military presence in
insecure areas and implemented other measures to address security
challenges.
- *Infrastructure Development*: Nigeria has been investing in
infrastructure development, including roads, bridges, and energy projects,
to support economic growth
