Political Context
- Powerful European countries carved up Africa in 1883.
- The English then exploited Nigeria's resources.
- Nigeria became fully independent from the UK in 1960
- Bitter power struggles resulted in a civil war between 1967 and 1970
- Stable government since 1999
- Nigeria has multiple links to different political groups across the world:
- Nigeria is part of the commonwealth and recognises the UK Queen has the head of the commonwealth
- It is in an alliance with Niger, Chard Benin and Cameroon to provide troops to the African Union.
- Part of the Community of Sahel-Saharan States that seeks to develop sporting links
- It imports cars, rice and wheat from Brazil and the USA
- Part of the Economic Community of West African states which is a trading group made up of West African countries.
- Nigeria is part of the commonwealth and recognises the UK Queen has the head of the commonwealth
Social Context
- Nigeria is a multi-ethnic and multifaith country
- It is a strength but can be a source of conflict
- In 1967 the Igbo group wanted to create a separate country in the South East and this caused the civil war.
- The rise of Islamic fundamentalism and the group Boko Haram.
- Most famously they abducted 250 girls from a Nigerian school. 113 are still missing.
- This has created an unstable situation in the country, and has had a negative impact on the economy, with a reduction in investment from abroad and a rise in unemployment.
- Most famously they abducted 250 girls from a Nigerian school. 113 are still missing.
Cultural Context
- Nigerian music is enjoyed across the continent and beyond.
- ‘Nollywood’ is the second largest film industry in the world, ahead of the USA and behind India.
- The Nigerian football team has won the African Cup of Nations three times, most recently in 2013. Several Nigerians play for Premier League sides such as Victor Moses.