Research Library: Nigeria

Last Updated Sep 29, 2009

Country Information

Government

• Nigeria is a federal republic with a president as both chief of state and head of government. The president is elected by popular vote for a four-year term (eligible for a second term). There is also a bicameral National Assembly, which consists of the Senate (109 seats) and the House of Representatives (360 seats). All members are elected by popular vote to serve a term of four years.
• President Umaru Yar'Adua of the ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP) came to office in April 2007. Both foreign and local observers contest his presidency and believe that widespread vote rigging occurred in the 2007 election. The PDP won over 50% of the seats in both houses during the 2007 election.

Political Stability

• Nigeria endured a difficult transition to civilian rule in 1999 after 16 years of military dictatorship. In April 2003, elections marked the first peaceful transfer of power in the nation's history. However, both the 2003 and 2007 elections saw outbursts of violence and voting irregularities. Inter-faith and ethnic violence rooted in poverty, unemployment and the competition for land continue to drive political instability. Thousands of people have died over the last few years in communal rivalry.
• At present, Nigeria is fraught with ethnic and religious tensions. The government continues to be plagued by corruption and inadequate infrastructure. Despite these obstacles, Nigeria is experiencing its longest period of civilian rule since independence, which is promising for future stability.

Current Government Policies

• President Umaru Yar'Adua has pledged to reform the electoral process to ensure greater transparency in government and to secure peace in the Niger Delta. He has also promised to continue moving towards a diversified, market-based economy. Few of President Umaru Yar'Adua's promises have been fulfilled since both the legislative and judicial branches abilities are limited by the executive branch.

International Reputation

• Nigerian foreign policy focuses on Africa. Nigeria helped to create Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and has played a pivotal peacekeeping role in Africa. The country enjoys good relations with their immediate neighbors. Nigeria is a member of the African Union, UN, WTO, IMF, World Bank, and Interpol. Nigeria remains the United States' largest trading partner in sub-Saharan Africa and the US has continued to assist Nigeria in becoming a strong democratic state.

Economics

• The former military rulers of Nigeria failed to diversify the economy and reduce its dependence on the oil sector, which accounts for 20% of GDP and 95% of foreign exchange earnings. In 2002, Nigeria pulled out of its IMF program after failing to meet spending and exchange rate targets. In 2003, the government began to deregulate fuel prices. It also instituted the National Economic Empowerment Development Strategy, a program designed to help fiscal and monetary management.
• The government has become more committed to implementing market reforms as outlined by the IMF. Focus is being placed on the banking system, checking inflation, and deal with regional conflicts over profits from the oil industry. Infrastructure is the main impediment to growth. The government is working on developing stronger partnerships for electricity and roads. Exports revolve around petroleum and petroleum products.

Foreign Aid

• Nigeria is a net recipient of official development assistance. For more information see the OECD Aid at a Glance chart.

Politically-Active Ethnic Groups
Data provided by the Minorities at Risk Project of the Center for International Development and Conflict Management at the University of Maryland

• Ibo
• Ijaw
• Ogani
• Yoruba

Statistics
Click on statistic name for source information.

Web Resources

• Embassy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Washington, D.C.
  The official website for the Nigerian embassy in Washington, DC. Background information on the government, economy, and links to other resources.
  Added or modified on Oct 22, 2009
• News Agency of Nigeria
  Government-owned Nigerian news agency
  Added or modified on Oct 22, 2009
• Nigeria in Transition (PBS NewsHour)
  This online material from the NewsHour with Jim Lehrer includes background information on the political and economic conditions of Nigeria, with an emphasis on the position of the oil industry in the country.
  Added or modified on Oct 22, 2009
• Permanent Mission of Nigeria to the U.N.
  Information on Argentina's involvement with the UN and UN Members.
  Added or modified on Oct 22, 2009
• The National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
  The official website for the National Assembly of Nigeria. (English)
  Added or modified on Oct 22, 2009
• UNCHR Refworld Nigeria
  Information on refugees in and from Nigeria. Provides reports, analysis and legal documents.
  Added or modified on Oct 22, 2009
• Vanguard
  Widely-read daily newspaper based in Lagos
  Added or modified on Oct 22, 2009