Fact File 1

Know Modern Nigeria

The present day Nigeria was amalgamated in 1914 by the British, before 1914 Nigeria existed in parts as the Northern protectorate, Southern protectorate and Lagos Colony. These structures were created in consonance with the desires of the local people and convenience of the British colonial government. 
Nigeria became independent in 1960 after about 60 years of British rule. Since independence the internal political structure have changed severally first from a three region structure to twelve states created in 1967. In 1976 it was further divided into 19 states. Presently the country has a total of 36 states with the federal capital in Abuja.
Nigeria has an area of 923,300 square kilometers and an estimated population of 126m. In West Africa, Nigeria is fourth in area, but its population is greater than the combined population of the remaining 15 countries of West Africa.

The People of Nigeria

It is estimated that they are well over 374 ethnic groups in Nigeria. The most prominent groups are Igbos, Hausas, Yorubas, Ibibios, Efiks, Fulanis, Kanuris, Tivs and Ijaws.
Northern Nigeria is inhabited mainly by the Hausas, Fulanis, Kanuris, Tivs among others. Western Nigeria is made up largely of the Yoruba speaking people as indigenes. While the Niger Delta region is made of the Ibibios, Ijaws, Efiks, Ogonis and Urhobos etc. and the Eastern region is the land of the Igbo speaking people.

Population and Labor Force

Nigeria is famous for her huge population of about 126 million people - the largest national population on the African continent. This population is made up of about 374 pure ethnic stocks. Three of them, Hausa, Ibo and Yoruba are the major groups and constitute over 40 per cent of the population. In fact, about 10 ethnic linguistic groups constitute more than 80% of the population: the other large groups are Tiv, Ibibio, Ijaw, Kanuri, Nupe, Gwari, Igala, Jukun, Idoma, Fulani, Edo, Urhobo and Ijaw. The gender divide of Nigeria's population, as indicated by the last census in 1991, reflects an unusual inbalance in favour of male dominance; 51% male: 49% female.

However, the more critical population indices concern

High growth rate 3.2%; this is affected by decreased infant mortality and high fertility.
High school age population over 47% are 15 years and below
High child dependency ratio - one dependant to one worker for the working age group 25-65.
Large work force - working age group 15-59 is over 40 per cent of the population.
Due to a massive expansion in the education sector in the last two decades, the coloration and quality of the Nigerian work force has changed to include a large crops of highly trained personnel in mechanical, civil, electrical, electronics, chemical and petroleum engineering and biotechnics. There are at present over 30 Federal and State Universities, some of them specialist -Technology and Agriculture. In addition there are at least 20 Federal and State Polytechnics. Over 70,000 graduates in various disciplines from these institutions every year. Disciplines, apart from pure sciences, engineering and technologies, include social sciences, business studies (management, banking and finance), architecture, environment and urban management studies. Also, a sizeable Nigerian population has been and is being trained outside the country, in some of the best colleges in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Russia, Japan and China.

Every year, about 2,000 of these Nigerians return home to seek employment or accommodation within the economy.

For the less skilled and unskilled labour, the country depends on the primary and secondary school systems whose annual enrolments are over 3.5 million and 1.5 million, respectively.

Climate and Vegetation

Four highlands and eight lowlands dominate the physical environment of Nigeria. They constitute the twelve relief regions in Nigeria. 
Nigeria has the most varied climatic and vegetational conditions amongst the countries making up West Africa. The country’s vegetation includes the forest zone, swamps, savanna and montane vegetations. 

Climatic Pattern/Weather

The climatic pattern in Nigeria is divided into two periods namely wet season and dry season. The wet season is between April and September, this is when you have regular heavy rains. The rains are usually heavier in June and July. However in Jos, a Northern town temperature may fall up to 20oc . In the wet season the temperature in the Northern parts of Nigeria is usually around 30oc , while in the south the moderating influence of the sea keeps the average temperature around 25oc .
The Dry season begins in October and ends in April. This is the period when the sun is higher. Temperature in some parts of Northern Nigeria may be as high as 46oc , while in the south the average temperature is about 35oc

Vegetation

Vegetation consists of the trees, plants and grasses that grow in Nigeria. The following vegetations are found in Nigeria:

Salt Water Swamp

This vegetation is found in the Niger Delta of Nigeria. Here mangrove plants grow on loose, water logged and muddy soil that is saturated with salt water from the sea. The mangrove and coconut trees found in this environment are of economic importance to the nation. Mangrove trees are used in building canoes and for producing charcoal. The coconut trees provide nuts for food, fiber and copra for exports.
 

Fresh Water Swamp

This is present further inland, they are found in the river valleys. Raffia palm and rice can be grown in these lands.
 

The High Forest

Is found in the Eastern, Western and Niger Delta regions of Nigeria. The forest is made up of many plant species, parasites, climbers and creepers. The plants found in the high forest are varied; we have the shrubs with a height of three to five metres. At the other end are trees as high as sixty metres; they include Walnut, Iroko and Mahogany etc.
 

Grasslands or Savannas

Northern Nigeria is primarily made of savanna vegetation characterized by light rainfall, low relative humidities, and high temperature and pronounced dry season. Most of the savanna found in Nigeria is called parkland savanna or savanna woodland because it grows very tall grasses and trees like the oil bean, shea butter and locust bean tree.
 

Agriculture in Nigeria

Farming is a principal occupation of the majority of Nigerians, though its done largely on subsistence level. Over 70% of working population is engaged in agriculture. Nigeria’s Agricultural products are mainly for domestic consumption, less than 4% of agricultural products are exported.

Major Crop

Millet, Groundnut/peanut, Cocoa, Cassava, Beans, Yam, Coco yam, Guinea Corn, Maize, Fruits, Rice, Mellon, Cotton, Coffee, Vegetables, Tomatoes, Onions, Potatoes, Beniseed, Sesame seeds, Tobacco and Kola.

Livestocks

Reared in Nigeria include Cattle, sheep, Pigs, Poultry, Goats and Horses.
 

Mineral Resources

The discovery of crude oil in Nigeria has relegated to the background the contribution of solid minerals to the GDP, crude oil presently contributes over 90% of the country’s’ export earnings. Nigeria has large deposits of coal, bitumen, columbite, limestone, marble, tin, tantalite, alluvial gold etc. These resources are available for exploitation by foreigners.
 

Exportable Products:

Agro products
Cassava/Cassava Pellets, Peanuts, Fruits, Yam, Cocoa, Cotton, Coffee, Beni seeds, Sesame Seeds, Gum Arabic, Tobacco and Kola.
Minerals
 Coal, bitumen, columbite, tin, tantalite, crude oil etc
 
Manufactured products
Plastic products, refined petroleum products, carpets, shoes, textile, Crafts, Apparels, drinks etc.

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