Nigerian

Nigerian is a term used for anything related to Nigeria, a country in West Africa. A Nigerian may be a citizen or resident of Nigeria; the term also describes the country's people, culture, and language. Nigeria is bordered by Benin, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon, with a coastline on the Atlantic Ocean. It is a federal republic whose official language is English, and its population is in the hundreds of millions. The capital is Abuja, while Lagos is the largest city and economic center.

Nigeria's modern history centers on precolonial states such as the Benin Empire and Yoruba and Igbo communities, and the Hausa-speaking city-states of the north. In the 19th and early 20th centuries British colonial rule consolidated the territory as the Protectorate and Colony of Nigeria. It gained independence on 1 October 1960 and became a republic in 1963, later enduring a civil war from 1967 to 1970 and ongoing political evolution into a federal system.

Nigeria is ethnically diverse, with three large groups—Hausa-Fulani, Yoruba, and Igbo—and hundreds of smaller communities. Islam and Christianity are the largest religions, with traditional beliefs elsewhere. English is widely used in education and government, while many local languages are spoken. Nigerian cultural life is prominent in music, cinema (Nollywood), and literature (Achebe, Soyinka).

The country operates as a federal presidential republic with a multi-party system. Its economy is one of Africa's largest, powered by oil and gas, agriculture, and services. Nigeria faces development challenges such as poverty and infrastructure gaps, but has a large and growing youth population and a dynamic entrepreneurial scene. It plays a leading regional role in West Africa and participates in international organizations.