Nigeria

D

Local Government

At independence, Nigeria was divided into three regions—the north, ruled by the Hausa and Fulani traditional aristocracy; the west, dominated by the Yoruba; and the east, controlled by the Igbo. In 1966 the country was divided into a number of small states. The history of the states over the subsequent 30 years is one of increasing fragmentation to accommodate various ethnic and political ambitions. As the states have become smaller, they have become less viable and more dependent on federal government transfers. Nigeria is currently divided into 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. State governments consist of an elected governor, a deputy governor chosen by the governor, and a directly elected state assembly. The governor also nominates commissioners, who are confirmed by the assembly. The Federal Capital Territory is headed by a minister, who is appointed by the president. From 1983 to 1990 the ruling military council appointed all state governors. After the 1993 coup by Abacha, all state and local governments were dissolved, and military governors appointed to administer the states. Elections were not held again until the end of 1998.

There has been continuous lobbying for new local governments, which in 1997 numbered more than 700. Until 1976, traditional authorities controlled local governments, but reforms have since relegated traditional rulers to a mostly ceremonial role. In their place are democratically elected government councils with responsibility for things such as primary health care and primary education.

E

Health and Welfare

In 2004 there were 3,715 people per doctor while in 2007 the country had an infant mortality rate of 96 deaths per 1,000 live births. Around 2.7 per cent of the country’s GDP was spent on health care in 1989. Health services are accessible to wealthier urban dwellers only. Malaria, yaws, and yellow fever are prevalent.

F

Defence

At independence the national military of Nigeria was composed of a small British-trained and -equipped army, navy, and air force. The regional police forces rivalled the military in numbers. In the late 1960s, during the attempted secession of the south-eastern region of Biafra, all police functions were centralized in the federal government, and the military was expanded and modernized. During the 1980s the size of the military was sharply reduced. Even so, in 2004 the military had about 78,500 members, including an army of 62,000, making it one of the largest armed forces in Africa. In 2003, Nigeria spent US$853 million (1.8 per cent of its GDP) on defence.

G

International Organizations

Nigeria is a member of the United Nations (UN), the African Union, the World Trade Organization (WTO), the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), the Economic Community of West African States, and several other major international associations. Its membership of the Commonwealth of Nations was suspended for a period following the execution of writer Ken Saro-Wiwa, and pending a return to democratic government.

VI

History

Little is known about the history of Nigeria in ancient times, but archaeologists have discovered evidence of a Neolithic (c. 800 bc-ad 200) culture at Nok, south-west of the city of Jos in central Nigeria.