An Introduction to Nigeria
Nigeria is located on the west coast of Africa, bordering the Gulf of Guinea and sandwiched between Benin and Cameroon. A land mass of just over 923 km2 (356 sq mi), or more than twice the size of California.
Nigeria is a federal republic comprised of 36 states. Abuja, in the centre of the country, is the capital city replacing in 1991 the former capital of Lagos in the southwest.
Like many African countries, Nigeria has a colourful history. A British colony until independence in 1960, it suffered a series of dictatorships, civil war, and military coups until 1999. Today it has a stable elected government.
Despite these challenges, the country has grown into a vibrant and influential force in Africa and the wider world. Nigeria is now ranked as the third largest economy in Africa behind Egypt and South Africa.
A key component in this growth has been its people, with a population estimated to be approximately 230 million in 2024. This makes Nigeria the most populous country in Africa, and sixth most populous in the world.
The country is also one of the most linguistically diverse in the world with more than 500 languages. English is one of the official languages and widely spoken. Others major languages include Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, Fulfulde, and Kanuri.
Its population, size and economy have given Nigeria the nickname “The Giant of Africa.”
Population Demographics
- 0-14 years – 43.04%
- 15-64 years – 53.98%
- 65+ years – 2.97%
The Economy
Nigeria has the world’s 42nd largest economy largely due to its oil exports. As a member of OPEC, Nigeria is the 14th largest oil producer in the world. This oil forms the main source of its national income. Other sources include exports of beans, sesame, cashew nuts, cocoa beans, kola nut, corn, melon, palm kernels, palm oil, rice, yams and rubber. Cocoa is the leading non-oil foreign exchange earner followed by rubber.
A fast-developing telecommunications market is being complimented with an expanding manufacturing industry in leather, textiles, and electronics. Many of these industries make use of Nigeria’s natural resources, such as oil, natural gas, iron ore and, of course, its people.
The Climate & Vegetation
Nigeria’ vegetation’s is reflective of its climate. Tropical rainforest in the south gives way to savannah-type areas in the centre of the country with the reduction of rainfall further north. The northern half has even less rain and is comprised of semi-dry arid climate and vegetation.
Nigeria and the 10:40 Window
Nigeria is the largest Muslim majority nation in the world where it is still legal to share the Gospel.
We don’t know how much longer this door of opportunity will remain open. As Jesus said in John 9:4, “As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work.”
This fact gives significance to the importance of Nigeria in reaching the Muslim world with the good news of freedom that can be found in Christ.
The 10-degree latitude line of the 10:40 window bisects Nigeria. Northern Nigeria is predominantly (90 percent or greater) Muslim and governed by Sharia as well as civil law. In contrast, Southern Nigeria has a slight Christian majority.
SIM Nigeria has been working in this hard place since its founding in 1893.
The History of Nigeria
For more information about Nigeria visit these pages:
http://www.nigeria.gov.ng/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nigeria
https://www.worldometers.info/demographics/nigeria-demographics/