Nigeria • 36 States • 500+ Ethnic Groups

The Complete History of Nigeria's States, Kingdoms & Civilisations

From the ancient Nok iron-smelters of the Jos Plateau to the Sokoto Caliphate, from the Benin Bronzes to Biafra, from Ile-Ife to Lagos — one comprehensive page for every Nigerian state.

Browse All 36 States Nigeria's History ↓

37 of 37 state pages live

36 + FCTStates & Territory
6Geopolitical Zones
500+Ethnic Groups
792+LGAs Documented
184+Kingdoms & Stools
329+Notable Nigerians
1960Year of Independence
~220MPopulation

A Brief History of Nigeria

From ancient civilisations to modern federation

Nigeria's history is among the richest and most complex on the African continent. Long before European contact, the territory now called Nigeria was home to some of West Africa's most sophisticated civilisations: the Nok culture of the Jos Plateau, producing sub-Saharan Africa's earliest iron tools and terracotta sculptures around 1500 BCE; the Kingdom of Nri in Igboland, governing through spiritual authority across a wide region; the Oyo Empire, whose cavalry dominated the West African savanna; and the Kanem-Bornu Empire, controlling trans-Saharan trade routes from Lake Chad for nearly a millennium.

The 1804 Fulani Jihad led by Usman Dan Fodio reshaped the entire north, creating the Sokoto Caliphate — the largest state in 19th-century sub-Saharan Africa. British colonial expansion moved inland from the coast: Lagos was annexed in 1861, the Royal Niger Company chartered in 1886, and the northern and southern protectorates amalgamated by Lord Frederick Lugard in 1914 into the entity called Nigeria — a name coined by journalist Flora Shaw from the Niger River.

Independence came on 1 October 1960. The Nigerian Civil War of 1967–1970, the bloodiest conflict in post-colonial African history, ended with the Biafran surrender. Military rule dominated from 1966 to 1999. The return to democracy in 1999 has held for over two decades — the longest continuous democratic period in Nigerian history.

Today, Nigeria is Africa's most populous nation (~220 million people), its largest economy by GDP, and home to the continent's most vibrant film industry (Nollywood), music export (Afrobeats), and one of its most dynamic entrepreneurial cultures.

Key Dates in Nigerian History

  1. c. 1500 BCE Nok culture emerges on the Jos Plateau — earliest iron-smelting and terracotta in sub-Saharan Africa.
  2. c. 900 CE Kingdom of Nri founded near Awka, Anambra — one of the oldest states in West Africa.
  3. c. 1000 CE Kanem-Bornu Empire controls trans-Saharan trade routes from Lake Chad to Tripoli.
  4. c. 1300 CE Oyo Empire founded by the Yoruba; grows into one of West Africa's most powerful cavalry states.
  5. 1485 Portuguese traders make first European contact with the Kingdom of Benin.
  6. 1804 Usman Dan Fodio launches the Fulani Jihad, creating the Sokoto Caliphate.
  7. 1861 Britain annexes Lagos as a Crown Colony. Colonial penetration of the interior begins.
  8. 1914 Lord Lugard amalgamates the Protectorates into the Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria.
  9. 1956 First commercial oil discovery at Oloibiri, Bayelsa.
  10. 1 Oct 1960 Nigeria gains independence. Azikiwe becomes Governor-General; Balewa is first Prime Minister.
  11. 1967–1970 Nigerian Civil War (Biafran War) — 30 months, estimated 1–3 million deaths.
  12. 1991 Federal capital moves from Lagos to Abuja.
  13. 1999 Nigeria returns to civilian democracy. Obasanjo inaugurated as President.
  14. Present Nigeria is Africa's most populous nation (~220 million), its largest economy by GDP.

Nigeria's Six Geopolitical Zones

Each zone has a distinct history, culture, and identity — explore them all

South West

6 of 6 live

Cradle of Yoruba civilisation. Home to Lagos, Africa's largest city, and the ancient sacred city of Ile-Ife.

EkitiLagosOgunOndoOsunOyo
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South East

5 of 5 live

Heartland of Igbo enterprise. Birthplace of Chinua Achebe and home to Onitsha, one of Africa's largest markets.

AbiaAnambraEbonyiEnuguImo
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South South

6 of 6 live

Nigeria's oil heartland. Site of the ancient Benin Kingdom and its world-famous bronzes.

Akwa IbomBayelsaCross RiverDeltaEdoRivers
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North West

7 of 7 live

Ancient Hausa city-states and the Sokoto Caliphate. Kano's dye pits have operated continuously for 500 years.

JigawaKadunaKanoKatsinaKebbiSokotoZamfara
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North East

6 of 6 live

Seat of the Kanem-Bornu Empire, one of Africa's longest-lasting states. UNESCO heritage at Sukur.

AdamawaBauchiBornoGombeTarabaYobe
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North Central

7 of 6 live

The Middle Belt — where north meets south. Site of the Nok civilisation, Africa's oldest iron-smelters.

BenueKogiKwaraNasarawaNigerPlateau
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What Each State Page Covers

The most comprehensive per-state content on the internet

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Full Historical Narrative

Pre-colonial era, colonial period, independence, civil war, state creation history, and the modern era — written in depth.

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Traditional Rulers & Kingdoms

Every major kingdom, emirate, and chieftaincy — the Oba of Benin, Sultan of Sokoto, Ooni of Ife — with history and current stool holders.

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Geography & Climate

Topography, major rivers, forests, vegetation zones, bordering states and countries — the physical landscape that shaped each state.

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Culture & Heritage

Ethnic groups, languages, festivals, traditional food, attire, music, and arts — the living cultural wealth of each state.

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Landmarks & Tourism

Historical sites, national monuments, natural wonders, and tourist attractions — including UNESCO World Heritage sites.

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Notable People

Politicians, academics, musicians, athletes, authors, military leaders, and activists organised by state of origin.

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Economy & Resources

Agriculture, natural resources, industries, commerce, and internally generated revenue — the economic story with context.

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Government & Governors

Every governor since state creation — military administrators, elected officials, acting governors — with party and tenure dates.

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All Local Government Areas

Complete LGA listings with headquarters and area data — all 774 LGAs across the 36 states and FCT.

Recently Updated

Latest additions and updates to the archive

Ekiti State

Capital: Ado-Ekiti

Updated 10 Sep 2026

Lagos State

Capital: Ikeja

Updated 10 Sep 2026

Ogun State

Capital: Abeokuta

Updated 10 Sep 2026

Explore Nigerian History by Topic

Thematic deep dives that cut across state boundaries

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Nigerian Independence (1960)

The road to 1 October 1960 — the nationalist movement, key figures, and the birth of the modern Nigerian state.

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Biafra & the Civil War

Thirty months that changed Nigeria forever. The causes, course, and legacy of the 1967–1970 conflict.

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History of State Creation

How Nigeria went from three regions to twelve states to nineteen to thirty-six.

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Colonial Nigeria

The Royal Niger Company, Lugard's amalgamation, indirect rule, and the long shadow of British colonialism.

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Traditional Rulers of Nigeria

Obas, Emirs, Igwes, Obis, Attahs, Tors — the royal institutions that predate colonialism.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nigeria

Quick answers to the most common questions about Nigeria's history, states, and people

How many states does Nigeria have?

Nigeria has 36 states and one Federal Capital Territory (FCT, Abuja). The states are grouped into six geopolitical zones: South West, South East, South South, North West, North East, and North Central. The current 36-state structure has been in place since 1996.

What are the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria?

Nigeria's six geopolitical zones are: South West (Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo), South East (Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo), South South (Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Rivers), North West (Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara), North East (Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, Yobe), and North Central (Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau).

When did Nigeria gain independence?

Nigeria gained independence from British colonial rule on 1 October 1960. This date is celebrated annually as Nigeria's Independence Day. Nigeria became a republic on 1 October 1963, with Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe becoming its first President.

What is the oldest kingdom in Nigerian history?

The Kingdom of Nri, founded around 900 CE near present-day Awka in Anambra State, is one of the oldest documented kingdoms in Nigerian history. The Nri kingdom governed through religious and spiritual authority rather than military force. The Nok culture of the Jos Plateau (c. 1500 BCE) predates it as a civilisation.

What are the three major ethnic groups in Nigeria?

The three largest ethnic groups in Nigeria are the Hausa-Fulani (dominant in the North), the Yoruba (dominant in the South West), and the Igbo (dominant in the South East). Together they account for approximately 60–70% of Nigeria's population. Nigeria has over 250 ethnic groups in total.

Which is the most populated state in Nigeria?

Kano State in the North West is generally regarded as Nigeria's most populated state, with an estimated population exceeding 15 million people. Lagos State has the highest urban population and economic activity, making it Nigeria's most economically significant state.

What is the history of the Sokoto Caliphate?

The Sokoto Caliphate was a large Islamic empire established in 1804 following a jihad declared by Fulani scholar Usman Dan Fodio against the Hausa rulers of northern Nigeria. Within a decade his forces conquered the Hausa city-states, creating a caliphate that became the largest state in 19th-century sub-Saharan Africa. The spiritual successor — the Sultanate of Sokoto — continues today.

What was the Biafran War?

The Biafran War (also called the Nigerian Civil War) was fought between July 1967 and January 1970. The Eastern Region declared independence as the Republic of Biafra following anti-Igbo pogroms in northern Nigeria. The federal government fought to reunite the country. Biafra surrendered in January 1970. Between one and three million people died, largely through famine caused by the federal blockade.

Find detailed answers on each state's individual page — browse all states.

Nigeria — An Overview

Full name, origin, people, and identity of Africa's most populous nation

What Is the Full Name of Nigeria?

The official full name of Nigeria is the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It is a federal constitutional republic comprising 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. The name "Nigeria" was coined by journalist Flora Shaw in an article in The Times of London on 8 January 1897, derived from the Niger River. Shaw would later marry Lord Frederick Lugard, the colonial administrator who amalgamated Nigeria's protectorates into a single entity in 1914.

Where Are Nigerians Originally From?

Nigerians are the descendants of peoples who have inhabited present-day Nigeria for at least 9,000 years. The Nok culture, centred on the Jos Plateau, is the earliest well-documented civilisation, producing sub-Saharan Africa's first iron tools and terracotta sculpture around 1500 BCE. Nigeria is home to over 250 distinct ethnic groups — the Hausa-Fulani, Yoruba, and Igbo are the three largest, but the Ijaw, Kanuri, Tiv, Efik, Ibibio, Urhobo, and Nupe are among dozens of significant others. No single group is a majority.

Nigerian History and Culture — A Summary

Nigeria's history spans from ancient civilisations to one of the world's most complex modern states. The Yoruba city of Ile-Ife is the spiritual cradle of Yoruba culture. The Kanem-Bornu Empire controlled trans-Saharan trade for nearly a thousand years. The Oyo Empire wielded cavalry power across West Africa. The Benin Kingdom produced the celebrated Benin Bronzes.

British colonialism amalgamated these peoples into a single state in 1914. Independence came on 1 October 1960. A civil war (1967–1970), military coups, and oil reshaped the country. Nigeria returned to civilian democracy in 1999 — the Fourth Republic has now lasted 27 continuous years.

Culturally, Nigeria is the birthplace of Afrobeat (Fela Kuti), the engine of the Afrobeats wave (Wizkid, Burna Boy, Davido), home to Nollywood — the world's second largest film industry — and a literary tradition that produced Chinua Achebe, Wole Soyinka (Africa's first Nobel Laureate in Literature, 1986), and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.

Nigeria at a Glance

Official NameFederal Republic of Nigeria
CapitalAbuja (FCT)
Largest CityLagos
Independence1 October 1960
Age as nation66 years (2026)
Population~220 million
Land Area923,768 km²
States36 + FCT
Ethnic groups250+
Languages500+ (official: English)
CurrencyNigerian Naira (₦)
GDPLargest in Africa
Name originNiger River, coined by Flora Shaw, 1897
GovernmentFederal presidential republic

The History of Nigeria from 1914 to 2026

From Lugard's amalgamation to the federal republic of today — 112 years of history

1914

Amalgamation — The Birth of Modern Nigeria

On 1 January 1914, Lord Frederick Lugard merged the Colony of Lagos, the Protectorate of Southern Nigeria, and the Protectorate of Northern Nigeria into the Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria. The name was coined by journalist Flora Shaw — who would later become Lady Lugard — in a Times newspaper article in 1897, derived from the Niger River. The amalgamation was primarily a financial decision: the Northern Protectorate was running a deficit. Nigerian nationalists, led by Herbert Macaulay, protested that fundamentally different peoples were being yoked together without their consent.

1914–1960

Colonial Nigeria — Extraction, Education, and Resistance

For 46 years Nigeria existed as a British colony, its economy designed to supply British manufacturing: groundnuts and cotton from the north, cocoa from the south-west, palm oil from the south-east, tin from the Jos Plateau, coal from Enugu. Lugard's policy of Indirect Rule governed the north through Emirs and chiefs, restricting western education — creating the educational gap between north and south that shaped all subsequent Nigerian politics.

Nationalist resistance grew through the 1940s and 1950s. The NCNC (Azikiwe), Action Group (Awolowo), and NPC (Ahmadu Bello/Balewa) led their regions through constitutional conferences that incrementally transferred power until independence in 1960.

1960–1966

The First Republic — Independence and Its Fragility

Independence on 1 October 1960 was followed by the declaration of a republic on 1 October 1963, with Azikiwe as President and Balewa as Prime Minister. The First Republic lasted just over five years before collapsing in the military coup of 15 January 1966 — triggered by disputed elections and deep distrust between the three regions. Balewa was killed in the coup.

1966–1970

Civil War — Biafra and Its Legacy

A counter-coup in July 1966 brought Colonel Gowon to power. Anti-Igbo pogroms killed tens of thousands and displaced over a million Igbo people. The Eastern Region declared independence as the Republic of Biafra on 30 May 1967. The war lasted 30 months and killed between one and three million people — mostly from the federal blockade's famine. Biafra surrendered on 15 January 1970. Gowon declared "no victor, no vanquished" but the wounds remain unhealed.

1970–1999

Military Rule — Oil, Coups, and Structural Adjustment

Oil revenue flooded the federal government, hollowed out agriculture, and made control of the federal government the supreme prize in Nigerian politics. A series of military governments — Gowon, Murtala Muhammed, Obasanjo, Shagari's civilian Second Republic (overthrown 1983), Buhari, Babangida, Shonekan, Abacha, Abubakar — alternated between coups and brief civilian experiments. Babangida's annulment of the June 12 1993 election — won by MKO Abiola — remains the most contested act in Nigerian political history. June 12 is now recognised as Democracy Day.

1999–2026

The Fourth Republic — 27 Years of Continuous Democracy

Nigeria returned to civilian rule on 29 May 1999 with the inauguration of Olusegun Obasanjo (PDP) — the longest continuous democratic period in the country's history. The Fourth Republic has seen five presidents: Obasanjo (1999–2007), Umaru Yar'Adua (2007–2010, died in office), Goodluck Jonathan (2010–2015), Muhammadu Buhari (2015–2023), and Bola Ahmed Tinubu (2023–present). Nigeria remains Africa's largest economy and most populous nation in 2026.

Nigeria Since Independence — 66 Years of the Federal Republic

The key chapters from 1 October 1960 to 2026

1960–1966

First Republic

Independence under PM Balewa and President Azikiwe. Nigeria joins the UN. Republic declared 1963. Ends with military coup, January 1966.

1966–1970

Military Rule & Civil War

Two coups in 1966. Eastern Region declares Biafra, May 1967. 30-month civil war. Federal victory, January 1970. "No victor, no vanquished."

1970–1979

Post-War Reconstruction

Oil boom transforms the economy. States multiplied from 12 to 19 (1976). Abuja planned as new capital. Obasanjo hands to civilians 1979.

1979–1983

Second Republic

President Shehu Shagari (NPN) governs the Second Republic. Oil price collapse triggers austerity. Overthrown by Buhari in December 1983.

1983–1999

Long Military Era

Buhari, Babangida, Shonekan, Abacha govern through coups and annulments. June 12 1993 election annulled. Abacha dies 1998. Abubakar transitions to democracy.

1999–2026

Fourth Republic

Continuous civilian government for 27 years. Nigeria becomes Africa's largest economy. Boko Haram insurgency, #EndSARS (2020), ongoing democratic consolidation in 2026.

Nigeria Before Independence — Key Pre-1960 Dates

c. 1500 BCE Nok culture — earliest iron-smelting and terracotta in sub-Saharan Africa (Jos Plateau)
c. 900 CE Kingdom of Nri founded — one of West Africa's oldest states (Anambra)
1485 Portuguese traders arrive at the Kingdom of Benin — first European contact
1804 Usman Dan Fodio's Fulani Jihad — Sokoto Caliphate established, dominating the north
1851 Britain bombards Lagos, deposes Oba Kosoko — colonial process begins
1861 Lagos formally annexed as a British Crown Colony
1886 Royal Niger Company chartered — controls Niger and Benue river trade
1897 British Punitive Expedition destroys Benin City; Benin Bronzes looted to London
1900 Northern and Southern Protectorates of Nigeria established
1914 Lugard amalgamates all territories into the Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria
1944 NCNC founded by Macaulay and Azikiwe — first mass nationalist party
1951 Macpherson Constitution gives Nigerians significant ministerial power for the first time
1954 Lyttleton Constitution establishes genuine federation with three self-governing regions
1956 First commercial oil discovery at Oloibiri, Bayelsa State
1960 1 October — Nigeria gains independence. Tafawa Balewa becomes Prime Minister

Interesting Facts About Nigeria

Superlatives, firsts, and surprising truths about Africa's giant — updated for 2026

01

Africa's Most Populous Country

Nigeria is the most populated country in Africa and the seventh most populated in the world, with over 220 million people as of 2026. With a median age of around 18, it is one of the youngest countries on earth. By 2050, the UN projects Nigeria will be the third most populous country in the world.

02

The Name Nigeria Is Only 129 Years Old

The name "Nigeria" was coined by journalist Flora Shaw in a letter to The Times of London on 8 January 1897 — a full 17 years before the country it named was formally created. She derived it from the Niger River. She later married Lord Lugard, who amalgamated Nigeria in 1914.

03

500+ Languages — The Most in Africa

Nigeria has over 500 distinct languages, making it linguistically the most diverse country in Africa. English is the official language, but most Nigerians grow up speaking their indigenous language first. Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo each have over 30 million speakers.

04

Nollywood — Second Largest Film Industry on Earth

Nigeria's film industry, nicknamed Nollywood, produces more films annually than Hollywood and is second only to India's Bollywood by output. It employs millions and is watched across Africa, in the diaspora, and increasingly globally.

05

Africa's Largest Economy

Nigeria has Africa's largest GDP, surpassing South Africa and Egypt. Lagos alone generates an estimated 30% of Nigeria's GDP and would be a top-five African economy if it were an independent country.

06

The Benin Bronzes — A Global Art Controversy

In 1897, British forces looted over 3,000 brass plaques and sculptures from the Kingdom of Benin (present-day Edo State). Their repatriation is the most prominent cultural property dispute in Africa. Germany began returning pieces in 2022; negotiations with the British Museum continue in 2026.

07

Nobel Prize in Literature

Playwright and poet Wole Soyinka, from Abeokuta, Ogun State, became the first African to win the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1986. Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart remains the most widely read African novel in history.

08

Afrobeats — The Sound of 2026

The global genre known as Afrobeats originated in Lagos. Burna Boy (Grammy-winning), Wizkid, Davido, and Asake have made Nigeria the dominant exporter of African popular music worldwide — a dominance that has only grown in 10 years since Wizkid's 2016 Drake collaboration.

Today in Nigerian History — 20 September

On this day in Nigerian history, the country's 250+ ethnic groups, spanning six geopolitical zones across 923,768 km², were continuing to write the story of Africa's most populous and complex nation. Use the navigation above to explore any chapter of that story.

Explore: Brief History • History from 1914 • History from 1960

More Questions About Nigerian History

Detailed answers to the questions people ask most about Nigeria — in plain English

Who gave Nigeria its name?

The name "Nigeria" was coined by British journalist Flora Shaw in a letter published in The Times of London on 8 January 1897. She derived it from the Niger River. Shaw later married Lord Frederick Lugard, the colonial administrator who formally created the Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria in 1914. Before Shaw's coinage, the territory had no single unified name.

What is the history of Nigeria before independence?

Nigeria's pre-independence history spans thousands of years. The Nok culture (c. 1500 BCE) produced sub-Saharan Africa's earliest iron tools on the Jos Plateau. The Kingdom of Nri (c. 900 CE), Oyo Empire, Kanem-Bornu Empire, and Kingdom of Benin were major pre-colonial polities. British colonialism began with the annexation of Lagos in 1861, consolidated by Lugard's amalgamation of 1914. Constitutional reforms — Richards (1946), Macpherson (1951), Lyttleton (1954) — transferred increasing power to Nigerians until independence on 1 October 1960.

Is there a Nigerian history PDF or downloadable guide?

NaijaHistory.com provides comprehensive free content covering Nigerian history in English — no PDF download required. Every one of Nigeria's 36 states has a dedicated page covering its pre-colonial, colonial, and post-independence history. The five topic pages cover Nigerian Independence, the Biafra Civil War, State Creation History, Colonial Nigeria, and Traditional Rulers in depth. All content is freely readable online and written in clear English.

What is the history of Nigeria in English — a summary?

Nigeria is a West African nation of over 220 million people, independent from Britain since 1 October 1960. Its territory has been inhabited for at least 9,000 years and was home to major civilisations — the Nok culture (1500 BCE), the Kingdom of Benin, the Oyo Empire, and the Sokoto Caliphate — before British colonialism. Lord Lugard amalgamated the territory in 1914. After independence in 1960, Nigeria experienced a civil war (1967–1970), multiple military coups, and an oil boom before returning to stable civilian democracy in 1999. Today Nigeria is Africa's largest economy and most populous nation, home to over 500 languages and 250 ethnic groups.

What happened in Nigeria today in history?

Today is Sunday, 20 September 2026. Notable events in Nigerian history by date include: 1 January 1914 (amalgamation), 1 October 1960 (independence), 15 January 1966 (first military coup and, in 1970, end of civil war), 30 May 1967 (Biafra declaration), 12 June 1993 (annulled election — now Democracy Day), 29 May 1999 (return to civilian rule), and 20 October 2020 (Lekki Toll Gate shooting). See the Today in Nigerian History section above for events on 20 September.

Start Exploring Nigerian History

Choose a state, a geopolitical zone, or a historical topic to begin your journey through Nigeria's rich past and present.

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