On 1 October 1960, Nigeria gained independence from British colonial rule. The country emerged as a federation, inheriting borders drawn during the colonial era rather than through shared cultural identity. At the time, Nigeria was largely rural, agriculturally driven, and home to roughly 40 to 45 million people.
Independence placed political authority in Nigerian hands, but it also brought immediate pressure. Managing ethnic diversity, regional competition, and weak institutions became central challenges. The optimism of self rule was real, yet fragile, and the young nation soon faced severe internal strain.
Political Power. From Civilian Rule to Military Control
Nigeria’s first experiment with self government was short lived. In 1966, military coups ended civilian rule, marking the start of a long period of political instability. These events set the stage for the Nigerian Civil War between 1967 and 1970, a conflict that deeply shaped national identity and reinforced the importance of territorial unity.
After the war, military governments dominated politics for much of the next three decades. Power shifted through coups rather than elections, and while some administrations invested heavily in infrastructure and national projects, democratic institutions remained weak.
A defining change came in 1999, when Nigeria returned to civilian rule under the current constitutional system. Since then, the country has experienced its longest uninterrupted period of democracy. Elections are now routine, political parties are entrenched, and public participation has expanded, even as governance challenges continue.
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The Federal Structure and the Rise of Abuja
At independence, Nigeria was divided into regions. Today, it is made up of 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. This expansion was intended to manage diversity, reduce regional dominance, and bring government closer to the population.
Another major shift was the relocation of the capital. Abuja officially became Nigeria’s capital in 1991, replacing Lagos. The move symbolised a desire for neutrality, balance, and long term planning, while Lagos continued to grow into one of Africa’s largest and most dynamic cities.
An Economy Transformed by Oil
Nigeria’s economy at independence depended heavily on agriculture. Crops such as cocoa, groundnuts, and palm oil supported exports and employment. This structure changed dramatically after the rise of crude oil.
By the 1970s, oil had become Nigeria’s dominant source of export earnings and public revenue. Membership in OPEC in 1971 confirmed Nigeria’s place in global energy markets. Oil wealth funded ambitious development plans and expanded government spending, but it also created dependency. Economic stability became closely tied to global oil prices.
Today, oil remains central to exports and government income, even though agriculture, services, technology, entertainment, and trade employ far more Nigerians. The economy is broader than it was in 1960, yet diversification remains a work in progress.
Money, Identity, and the Naira
A clear break from colonial systems came in 1973, when Nigeria replaced the British pound with the naira and kobo. This change represented more than new currency notes. It was a statement of sovereignty and national control over economic policy.
Since then, the naira has reflected Nigeria’s broader economic fortunes. Periods of stability and decline have shaped everyday life, making currency value one of the most immediate ways Nigerians experience national success or difficulty.
Population Explosion and Urban Growth
No change since 1960 has been more dramatic than Nigeria’s population growth. From around 40 million people at independence, Nigeria has grown to over 230 million, becoming Africa’s most populous country.
This expansion transformed every aspect of life. Schools, housing, transport, and healthcare struggled to keep pace. Cities expanded rapidly. Lagos grew into a megacity, while Abuja emerged as a planned administrative centre. Urban growth created opportunity and innovation, but also congestion, inequality, and pressure on services.
Nigeria’s youthful population stands as both a powerful resource and a serious challenge, offering potential that depends on education, employment, and infrastructure.
Education, Health, and Everyday Life
Since independence, access to education has expanded across Nigeria. More children attend school, more universities operate nationwide, and literacy levels improved over time, even though quality and regional differences remain.
Health outcomes also changed. Life expectancy increased compared to the early post independence period, vaccination expanded, and public health capacity strengthened. At the same time, maternal mortality, infectious diseases, and uneven healthcare access continue to affect millions.
Daily life changed in visible ways. Mobile phones and digital services transformed communication, commerce, and culture. Nigeria’s film and music industries gained global reach, reshaping how the country is seen both at home and abroad.
Poverty, Inequality, and Ongoing Struggles
Despite economic growth and resource wealth, poverty remains widespread. Many Nigerians face rising living costs, limited access to services, and unequal opportunities. Economic gains have not always translated into shared prosperity.
Security challenges, including insurgency and organised crime, have further shaped life since independence. These issues reflect deeper questions of governance, inclusion, and national cohesion that Nigeria continues to confront.
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What Truly Changed Since 1960
Since independence, Nigeria transformed from a British colony into a large, influential African republic. It expanded its federal system, survived civil war, endured long periods of military rule, returned to democracy, shifted from agriculture to oil dependence, urbanised rapidly, and became a cultural force across the continent.
Independence did not remove Nigeria’s challenges. It placed responsibility for them firmly in Nigerian hands.
Author’s Note
Nigeria’s journey since 1960 is a story of scale and resilience. Independence brought freedom and responsibility in equal measure. The country is larger, more connected, and more influential than ever, yet still shaped by unresolved struggles over governance, opportunity, and unity. Nigeria’s future will depend on how well its vast human and natural resources are turned into stability, inclusion, and shared progress.
References
Encyclopaedia Britannica, History of Nigeria and Independence Era
World Bank, Nigeria Population and Development Indicators
National Bureau of Statistics, Nigeria Economic and Social Data
