ABSTRACT
The chapter documents important historical trajectories in the growth of Nigeria starting from the amalgamation of the Northern and Southern protectorate to eventual independence in 1960, subsequent five democratic republics and the long span of military rule in-between. Beyond the above, the chapter highlights the socio-cultural diversity and heterogeneity of Nigeria, a country made up of over 200 ethnic groups and as many languages. Nigeria is scattered among five geographical areas ranging from the low coastal zone along the Gulf of Guinea to the steep plateaus and mountainous zones. It is also characterized by low lands and tropical forests. While the northern areas are mainly semi-arid with scattered rainfalls, the southern areas are mainly tropical forests with good doses of rain and three main climatic conditions through the year. Nigeria is equally endowed with about 34 documented abundant natural resources ranging from oil and gas, zinc, coal, bauxite, limestone, tin to gold. In contemporary terms, it is a federal state made up of 36 states divided into six main geopolitical zones. It has a population of about 200 million by 2016 estimates and boasts of a well-developed human capacity.
