Our History

The History of Nigeria

Nigeria is located on the western coast of Africa.  Before the colonial era, the peoples of Nigeria lived in hunting, fishing and farming societies. In the 15th century, the Portuguese were the first white people to arrive in Nigeria, before the arrival of the British. The people of Benin began to trade with the Portuguese, selling slaves, buying spices and firearms, and learning the art of writing and the Christian religion.

By the 18th century, the British had taken over control of the slave trade from the Portuguese.  However, in 1807, the British missionaries’ campaign against slavery led the British parliament to ban the slave trade.In 1884, Britain created the Oil Rivers Protectorate in the Niger Delta and claimed the region in 1885 after defeating King Jaja of Opobo. Did you know that the Niger Delta was called the Oil Rivers because it was a major producer of palm oil? In 1862, Lagos Island was declared a colony of Britain, and Mr. H.S Freeman became Governor of Lagos Colony.

In 1893, the Oil Rivers Protectorate was renamed Niger Coast Protectorate with Calabar as capital. In 1890, the British reporter Flora Shaw suggested that the area be named “Nigeria” after the Niger River. [Flora Shaw later married Lord Frederick Lugard]. By 1900, Britain had control of Nigeria and had established the Southern Nigeria Protectorate and Northern Nigeria Protectorate. In 1914, the Northern Nigeria Protectorate and Southern Nigeria Protectorate were amalgamated to form Nigeria, with Colonial Officer Frederick Lugard as Governor-General. In 1944 – NCNC (National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons) founded by Herbert Macauley. In 1949, the Northern People’s Congress was founded by Alhaji Sir Ahmadu Bello. In 1951, the Action Group Party was established by Chief Obafemi Awolowo. Also in 1951, an agitation of the NCNC under Dr. Namdi Azikiwe caused Britain to grant internal self-rule to Nigeria.  In 1954, federalism was adopted in Nigeria and the position of Governor was created in the three regions (North, West and East. 1957-1958       Constitutional conferences in the UK The preparation of a new federal constitution for an independent Nigeria was carried out at conferences held at Lancaster House in London and presided over by The Rt. Hon. Alan Lennox-Boyd, M.P., the British Secretary of State for the Colonies. The Nigerian delegation to the Constitutional conferences was led by Alhaji Sir Abubakar Tafewa Balewa of the NPC. It included Chief Obafemi Awolowo of the Action Group, Dr. Azikiwe of the NCNC, and Alhaji Sir Ahmadu Bello of the NPC, also the premiers of the Western, Eastern, and Northern regions, respectively. In 1958, Nigerian Armed Forces were transferred to Federal control. In 1959, the Nigerian Navy was born. Also in 1959, a new Nigerian currency, the Pound, was Introduced. 1959 – First general elections in Nigeria. The NPC and the NCNC formed a coalition, and Alhaji Sir Abubakar Tafewa Balewa was called on to lead the government, while Chief Obafemi Awolowo became official leader of the opposition. 1960 – Nigeria gained independence on 1st October. 1963 – Adoption of a new Nigerian constitution. Nigeria remained a Commonwealth Realm with Queen Elizabeth II as titular head of state until the Nigerian nation was declared a republic in 1963. Dr. Benjamin Nnamdi Azikiwe – Nigeria’s First President. Alhaji Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa.

Nigeria Past Presidents

Nigeria, often referred to as the “Giant of Africa,” is one of the most populous and influential countries on the continent. Its prominent status stems from its vast population, rich cultural diversity, and international recognition among African nations.

Since gaining independence, Nigeria has been governed by a series of presidents and military heads of state, each playing a role in shaping the nation’s development. Many of the foundations for Nigeria’s current achievements can be traced back to the leadership and policies of these past leaders.

Recognizing their contributions is both valuable and necessary. This article presents a comprehensive list of all Nigerian presidents from 1960 to the present, along with brief biographical overviews. You are encouraged to read attentively to gain a deeper understanding of the individuals who have helped shape Nigeria’s history.

Below are the past Nigerian presidents from 1960 till date (2025) :

  1. Azikiwe Nnamdi (1 October 1963 to 16 January 1966)
  2. General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi (16 January 1966 to 29 July 1966)
  3. General Yakubu Gowon (1 August 1966 to 29 July 1975)
  4. General Murtala Mohammed (29 July 1975 to 13 February 1976)
  5. General Obasanjo Olusegun (13 February 1976 to 1 October 1979)
  6. President Shehu Shagari (1 October 1979 to 31 December 1983)
  7. General Muhammadu Buhari (31 December 1983 to 27 August 1985)
  8. General Ibrahim Babangida (27 August 1985 to 26 August 1993)
  9. Ernest Shonekan (26 August 1993 to 17 November 1993)
  10. General Sani Abacha (17 November 1993 to 8 June 1998)
  11. General Abdulsalami Abubakar (8 June 1998 to 29 May 1999)
  12. Olusegun Obasanjo (29 May 1999 to 29 May 2007)
  13. Umaru Musa Yar Adua (29 May 2007 to 5 May 2010)
  14. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan (29 May 2010 to 29 May 2015)
  15. President Muhammadu Buhari (From 2015 to 2023)
  16. Bola Ahmed Tinubu (Current president)

History of Nigeria–Canada Relations

  1. Diplomatic Foundations (1960s–1970s):

Canada formally established diplomatic relations with Nigeria in 1962, two years after Nigeria gained independence from Britain in 1960. Both countries, as members of the Commonwealth of Nations, have enjoyed cordial relations rooted in shared colonial history, language (English), and mutual interests in democracy, peace, and development.

Canada opened a High Commission in Lagos in 1962, which later moved to Abuja when it became Nigeria’s capital. Nigeria maintains a High Commission in Ottawa, reinforcing bilateral diplomatic presence.

In the early years, Canada supported Nigeria through bilateral aid programs focusing on education, governance, and infrastructure. This period also marked the beginning of educational exchanges, with many Nigerians traveling to Canada for higher education.

 

  1. Cooperation and Development (1980s–1990s):

During the 1980s and 1990s, Canada’s engagement with Nigeria deepened, especially through development assistance provided by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). Canada supported programs in agriculture, education, and health, particularly aimed at poverty reduction and capacity building.

However, Nigeria’s periods of military rule and human rights abuses, especially under General Sani Abacha (1993–1998), strained relations. Canada was among countries that criticized Nigeria’s authoritarian governance during this time, advocating for a return to democracy.

 

  1. Democratic Transition and Renewed Partnership (1999–2010):

With Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999 under President Olusegun Obasanjo, relations with Canada were revitalized. Canada welcomed the democratic shift and expanded cooperation through:

  • Democratic governance support
  • Human rights initiatives
  • Peace and security cooperation

Both countries worked together on multilateral platforms such as the United Nations, African Union, and Commonwealth, addressing global issues like climate change, conflict resolution, and humanitarian relief.

 

  1. Economic and Trade Relations:

Trade between Canada and Nigeria has grown steadily, making Nigeria Canada’s largest trading partner in Sub-Saharan Africa in several years. Key areas of trade include:

  • Canadian exports to Nigeria: Wheat, machinery, technology, pharmaceutical products, and services (especially in education and mining).
  • Nigerian exports to Canada: Crude oil, agricultural products (e.g., cocoa), and solid minerals.

Canadian companies are active in Nigeria’s oil & gas, mining, financial services, and ICT sectors. Investment ties have expanded, supported by institutions such as Export Development Canada (EDC) and Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC).

 

  1. Cultural and Educational Links:

Education has long been a cornerstone of Nigeria–Canada relations. Thousands of Nigerian students have studied in Canadian institutions since the 1970s. In recent years, Nigeria has become one of the top source countries for international students in Canada, due to Canada’s welcoming immigration policies and high-quality education system.

Culturally, both nations have benefited from a growing Nigerian diaspora in Canada, particularly in cities like Toronto, Calgary, Ottawa, and Winnipeg. Nigerian Canadians contribute significantly to Canada’s multicultural landscape through business, healthcare, technology, academia, and the arts.

 

  1. Immigration and Diaspora Engagement:

Canada has become a major destination for skilled Nigerian immigrants under programs such as:

  • Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker Program)
  • Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)
  • International Student Programs

The Nigerian Canadian community is vibrant and increasingly organized, with umbrella bodies such as the Nigerian Canadian Association Council of Presidents (NCACP) working to advocate for the community’s needs, promote culture, and foster integration.

 

  1. Security and Multilateral Engagements:

Nigeria and Canada collaborate in addressing regional and global security challenges, including:

  • Counter-terrorism (e.g., against Boko Haram and ISWAP)
  • Peacekeeping and conflict mediation
  • Support for regional stability in West Africa

Canada supports Nigerian-led peace initiatives and has aided in areas such as police reform, election monitoring, and anti-corruption.

 

  1. Recent Developments (2010–Present):

In the 2010s and 2020s, bilateral relations have seen continued deepening through:

  • High-level visits and diplomatic exchanges
  • Joint business forums and trade missions
  • Expansion of immigration pathways and visa processing improvements

In 2020, Canada co-hosted dialogues with Nigeria on women’s rights, youth empowerment, and economic inclusion, aligning with its Feminist International Assistance Policy.

Despite challenges such as visa processing delays and bureaucratic hurdles, both nations have expressed commitment to strengthening ties through diplomacy, trade, education, and people-to-people connections.

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