Timeline of Nigeria

Chronology

15 events spanning the history of Nigeria. BCE/CE dating.

1. 500 BCE – 200

   Nok culture flourishes.

   Jos plateau settled by Nok - a neolithic and iron age civilization.

2. 1472

   Portuguese navigators reach Nigerian coast.

   Portuguese settlers become the first Europeans to live in Nigeria. Other Europeans follow.

3. 1650 – 1860

   Slave trade.

   Millions of Nigerians are forcibly sent to the Americas.

4. 1800

   Nigeria comes under the loose control of an Islamic empire.

   Nigeria comes under the loose control of an Islamic empire.

5. 1914

   Britain unites the northern and southern regions, forming the Colony of Nigeria.

   Britain unites the northern and southern regions, forming the Colony of Nigeria.

6. 1960

   Nigeria gains independence from Britain

   Nigeria gains independence from Britain and joins the United Nations. A new constitution and government are adopted.

7. 1965 – 1966

   Charges of voting irregularities and riots followed elections.

   Charges of voting irregularities and riots followed elections.

8. 1967

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

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

9. 1970

   Biafran leaders surrender, former Biafran regions reintegrated into country.

   Biafran leaders surrender, former Biafran regions reintegrated into country.

10. 1970

    An oil boom occurs. A great surge in world oil prices boosts Nigeria’s economy.

    An oil boom occurs. A great surge in world oil prices boosts Nigeria’s economy.