Nigeria is the most populous black nation of the world. With a population of over 200 million that is estimated to double in some years to come, the country has managed to place itself high in the continent on which it is found. The country try is located on the Western coast of Africa, on the gulf of Guinea. The country boast of a diverse geography and ethnic groups that number up to 250. The country is indeed a source of wonder to other nations of the world with its features.
Nigeria is famous for many things which include but are not limited to excellence, entertainment, religion, terrorism and insecurity, rich and culture amongst a host of other things. In this article, we have highlighted some interesting facts about Nigeria and Africa’s most popular nation.
1. Nigeria got its name from “Nigger Area” and then “Niger area”, after the great River Niger that passes through the country. The river forms a confluence with the river Benue and they both meet at Lokoja, eventually flowing through a massive delta into the Niger Delta region and the gulf of Guinea in the Atlantic Ocean.
2. This massive delta formed by the river Niger and river Benue provides an excellence source of crude oil for the country.
3. Crude oil exploration began in the country after a discovery that the country was likely to be rich in oil. After nearly 50 years of unsuccessful oil exploration, oil was discovered by Shell Darcy (now Shell Petroleum Development Company) in January 1956.
4. Since the discovery by Shell petroleum, many other petroleum companies have been established providing a source of revenue for the country.
5. This oil is exported by the country and accounts for a major percent of the Nigerian economy. Although the government has been making moves to diversify the economy.
6. With over 200 million people, Nigeria is the seventh most populous country of the world. The population would likely have increased, but for the high mortality and low life expectancy.
7. The country is home to over 250 ethnic groups with Yoruba, Hausa and Igbo being the major ones. Also, there are three major religions practiced in the country; Christianity, Islamic and traditional Nigerian religions.
8. In total, the country is home to 521 languages and boasts of being the country with the fourth highest language in the world. The languages include 510 living languages, 2 second languages and 9 extinct languages.
9. The mega city, Lagos used to be the capital city of Nigeria before it was moved to Abuja, a central city. Even at that, Lagos is believed to be more popular than Abuja, especially with the numerous industries and being a center of commerce of the country. This is why it is nicknamed the commercial capital of the country. The rate of development in the city is also massive. One of the reasons it is called “Africa’s big apple” in reference to New York City.
10. The country’s film industry called, Nollywood is one of the largest in the world, second to the number one, India’s film industry, Bollywood.
11. The country is also the home of the richest man in Africa, Aliko Dangote who has investments in agriculture, cement, sugar, food, salt, petroleum, manufacturing, banking, to mention but a few.
12. The Yoruba people of southwestern Nigeria have the highest rate of twin birthing in the world with Igbo-Ora, a local town in Oyo state having the highest rate in all. This fact is attributed to the consumption of yam, which is a staple diet in the ethnic group. This theory was proclaimed by fertility experts, although it hasn’t been scientifically
13. Lagos is the smallest city in Nigeria by landmass and largest by population size. The population alone is more than the total population of all the Eastern states of Nigeria combined.
14. Travel visa to the United kingdom was not required until 1984.
15. In 1976, 75 kobo was exchanged for one British pond and 60 kobo for one US dollar.
16. Obasanjo’s first term saw the weakening of the Naira.
17. Nigeria took its first loan from the world bank in 1977.
18. Of the 10 richest pastors in the world, Nigeria has 5 of its pastors including the late T.B. Joshua as richest pastors in the world according to Forbes.
19. Nigeria has the highest paid legislators in the entire world.
20. Nigeria is the most corrupt nation of the world. The country has the most defrauded people, called “mugu” as slang in history. The continuous loot by every administration runs into hundreds of billions of dollars.
21. In Nigeria, it is rare to see an incorruptible politician.
22. Nigeria has some of the world’s most respected pastors in Africa and the world at large.
23. Terrorism began in Nigeria in the year 2009.
24. In 1953, the Northern area of Nigeria became the first to declare its desire to leave Nigeria or split from it because it felt undervalued and left out of the Nigerian project. On May 12, 1953, in Yaba, Nigeria, Nnamdi Azikiwe delivered a speech to the caucus of his political party, the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC). While not forbidding secession, that speech implied that there would be serious repercussions if the Northern area declared independence.
25. Nigeria controls the entertainment industry in the whole of Africa and is home to some of the most popular entertainment celebrities in the world.
26. Nigerians are regarded as one of the most happiest people on earth. Despite the terrible state of of the country, and years of misrule, Nigerians still create their happiness, not minding their governments.
27. Nigeria is the most populous black nation on the earth.
29. Kidnapping started in Nigeria in2006 in the Niger Delta with an expatriate kidnapped in protest manner. Since then, Nigeria’s kidnapping rate has grown exponentially such that over 50,000 people have since been kidnapped across the country, including the now-famous Chibok schoolgirls abduction.
30. The oldest dye pit in Africa is located in Kano and dates back to 1498. It keeps alive the old-fashioned method of making dye and tye used in northern Nigeria. The techniques and talents are age-old and have been passed down through the generations.
31. The Nobel Prize in Literature was first given to a black African dramatist and a Nigerian, Wole Soyinka, in 1986.
32. Nigeria is well known for its stunning and varied butterfly species. Nigeria boasts a remarkable diversity of flora and animals. There are already more than 1000 species of butterflies that have been identified. New species are continuously being discovered.
33. Nigeria has no animal laws in place to protect both wild and domesticated animals.
34. Nigeria is home to two remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove in Osun and the Sukur Cultural Landscape in Adamawa.
35. Nigerians are renowned for being clever, hardworking, and having a “can-do” and “never-say-never” attitude that is complemented by a hospitable and welcoming personality.
36. Oil and gas are among the several resources that Nigeria possesses. The nation produces the most oil and gas in Africa and has the largest natural gas reserves on the continent.
37. Green, white, and green form a vertical bicolor triband that represents Nigeria. The white ribbon stands for peace, while the two green stripes reflect Nigeria’s abundant natural resources. Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi created the Nigerian flag in 1959, and it was formally adopted on October 1st, 1960.