HISTORY OF NIGERIA

nd complex, spanning thousands o

s dating back to at least 500 BCE. Notable early cultures include the Nok civilization, renowned for

r of trans-Saharan trade routes. Empires such as the Mali Empire and Songhai Empir

, began to explore the Nigerian coast. Portuguese traders were followed by other European pow

By 1914, the northern and southern protectorates were merged to form the Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria. British rule brough

1960. The country transitioned from colonial to democratic rule, with various political

a, including ethnic tensions, political instability, and economic struggles. The country exper

ich lasted from 1967 to 1970. The war was fought between the Nigerian government and the se

itary dictatorship. Olusegun Obasanjo became the first democratically-elected president after th

. The country has faced ongoing challenges, including corruption, economic inequality, insurgency in certain regions, and ethnic and religious tensions

independence, and the ongoing pursuit of stability and development. The country continue