Nigeria: History

1850s The British establish a presence around Lagos, which in present day is the most populous city in Nigeria.

1861

Until 1914, Britain governs over Nigeria through "indirect rule", using local leaders.

1960 Nigeria gains its independence.

1967 Three eastern states secede as the Republic of Biafra, sparking a bloody civil war.

1970

The former Biafra regions are reintegrated into Nigeria following a surrender by Biafra's leaders. 

2001

The presidents of Nigeria, South Africa, and Algeria launch the New Partnership for African Development, which aims to foster economic development and foreign investment and lift existing trade barriers.

2005

Lenders agree to write off two-thirds of Nigeria's $20 billion foreign debt.

2008

Oil production in Nigeria is cut in half as a result of strikes and militant attacks on oil pipelines. This decrease in production contributes to record-high world oil prices.

2009

Hundreds die in northeastern Nigeria after the Boko Haram Islamist movement launches an enduring campaign of violence.

2010

President Umaru Yar'Adua dies after a long illness. Vice-President Goodluck Jonathan, already acting in Yar'Adua's stead, succeeds him.

2013

Government declares state of emergency in three northern states of Yobe, Borno and Adamawa and sends in troops to combat Boko Haram.

2015

 Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon and Niger form military coalition and push Boko Haram out of all towns back into Sambisa Forest.

2015

Muhammadu Buhari wins the presidential election, becoming the first opposition candidate to do so in Nigeria's history.

2018

Escalating attacks by Boko Haram from August onwards, targeting army bases.

2019

Muhammadu Buhari is re-elected for a second four-year term