Nigeria
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Prior to British rule, Nigeria had several powerful kingdoms or empires. The Hausa states dominated northern Nigeria while the Kanuri led Borno and later the Sokoto Caliphate. In central Nigeria, there were numerous kingdoms and ethnic groups such as the Nupe, Igala and Oyo Yoruba. The later was renowned for its cavalry and strong influence within the region. Other notable empires included the Igbo and Benin. The kingdoms or empires played a huge role in state formation and trade networks.
In the 19th century, European influence intensified through missionary activity, trade and military conquest. This led to the annexation of Lagos by 1862 after signing treaties with local rulers. Yorubaland was later annexed, thus securing vital trade routes for the British, while enabling them assert administrative control over the western territories. Meanwhile the Royal Niger Company controlled trade along the Niger River, later becoming the Royal Niger Protectorate. This formed northern Nigeria.
Eventually eastern, western and northern Nigeria were gradually consolidated under British control. Yet, British administration remained very uneven, producing unintended outcomes due to starts and stops. Steps towards amalgamation started at the turn of the 20th century. By 1914, the amalgamation of the northern and southern protectorates was completed. Meanwhile, the initial reforms by the British focused more on efficiency for imperial interests rather than local participation.
This resulted into the emergence of Nationalist movements. This caused constitutional reforms and struggle for independence. On October 1, 1960 Nigeria gained her independence, with Prime Minister Tafawa Balewa as their leader. This was under a parliamentary system. For almost 30 years since 1966 Nigeria was under military rule, however, punctuated by brief civilian governments. In 1999, democracy was restored in Nigeria under President Olusegun Obasanjo. Nigeria is now a Federal Republic with 36 states and a Federal Capital Territory.
Facts about Nigeria
Nigeria is situated in west Africa with Abuja in the central part of the country as its capital city. The name Nigeria was got from the Niger River. Generally, the total human population in Nigeria is 216,783,381, making it the most populous country in Africa and the sixth worldwide. The country covers a total land surface area of 923,769 square kilometers, making it the 14th largest in the continent. The country shares its borders with Niger, Benin, Cameroon and Chad. The Gulf of Guinea in the Atlantic Ocean borders Nigeria to the south.
Nigeria’s climate is generally tropical, characterized by marked dry and wet seasons. However, these are based on location, for instance the southeast is mostly hot and wet throughout the year. The southwestern parts and inland parts of Nigeria are dry. This is because the latter have a savannah climate, also marked by distinct wet and dry weather patterns. The far north experiences a Sahel savannah climate characterized by mostly dry weather patterns with little precipitation throughout the year.
The wet season in Nigeria occurs from March to October, with the southern regions receiving heavier showers of 2000-4000mm annually. The far north receives only 200mm of rainfall annually. Temperature and humidity experienced in Nigeria is moderately constant throughout the year. This ranges from 25 to 28 degrees Celsius. In the northeast, temperatures can exceed 38 degrees Celsius from April to May. The dry season in Nigeria tends to run from November to March.
Unique attributes of Nigeria
The natural landscape of Nigeria alone is breathtaking, presenting 3 major vegetation zones. These are forest, savannah and montane vegetation zones, each with its unique contribution to the beauty of Nigeria. The forest zone is generally in the south, and is dominated by dense tree cover. This zone also comprises mangrove swamps along the coastal as well as the delta regions, Port Harcourt and Calabar. As you move further inland, the zone transitions into freshwater swamps and tropical rainforests with evergreen trees.
The savannah zone with their characteristic grasses and scattered trees occupy central and northern Nigeria. This zone is divided into the Guinea, Sudan, and Sahel savannahs, which transition into short drier drought-resistant plants towards the northeast. Finally, the Montane vegetation zone, which is also the least extensive of the 3 zones. This occurs mainly in the highland areas including Jos Plateau in central Nigeria and the Adamawa Highlands in the southeast. This has a combination of grasses and scattered trees.
Top attractions in Nigeria
National Parks in Nigeria
Nigeria’s national parks are vibrant conservation areas where wildlife thrives in cute habitats. These attractions showcase Nigeria’s unique biodiversity, rich cultural hertage and landscapes. The top national parks in Nigeria include the following,
Occupying 6,731 square kilometers, Gashaka-Gumti National Park is the largest and arguably the most scenic park in Nigeria. The park borders Cameroon in the eastern part of Nigeria. Major park features comprise tropical lowlands, plateaus, Chappal Waddi Mountain and historic German and British forts. Four of the iconic big five live here. These are lions, leopards, elephants and buffaloes. Other large mammals include duikers, hartebeests, mountain reedbucks, giant elands, chimpanzees, giant forest hog and roan antelopes. Activities to enjoy in Gashaka-Gumti National Park includes hiking tours, wildlife viewing, cultural exploration, birdwatching and primate watching.
This is situated in Borno and Yobe States, northeastern Nigeria, reserving the historic lands of the Borno Empire. This was a key hub during the Trans-Saharan trade and Islamic scholarship. The park itself occupies 2,258 square kilometers and comprises numerous habitats such as wetlands, Chingurmu-Duguma sector and numerous oases etc. There are 66 bird species in Chad Basin National Park including the black crowned cranes, greater white throat, lesser blue-eared starling.
Other wildlife attractions to see in Chad Basin National Park include elephants, caracals and wild cats etc. Activities to do in Chad Basin National Park includes wildlife viewing, sightseeing of desert savannah and experiencing local Arabic-Islamic culture.
This is situated in the southeast of Nigeria, with a total land area of 4,000 square kilometers. However, Cross River National Park exists as the Oban and Okwangwo divisions. The entire ecosystem is primarily comprised of rainforest and montane vegetation. There are swamps in various regions of the park. All these habitats shelter the critically endangered cross river gorilla. The Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzee and forest elephants also live in the park.
The Oban division alone shelters 382 bird species, making it a serious hotspot for birdwatching excursions. Birdwatchers can expect to spot the Guinea turaco, blue-spotted wood-dove, African green pigeon, gray parrot and African paradise flycatcher and others. There are some waterfalls that offer breathtaking views in the forested Cross River National Park. Gorilla tracking, birdwatching, hiking and forest walks are key activities to enjoy in Cross River National Park.
This is in northwest-central part of Nigeria’s Niger and Kwara States. Kainji Lake National Park is 5,340 square kilometers big with sectors, Borgu and Zugurma, separated by Kainji Lake. Besides the lake, the park features inselberg hills and rivers Timo, Oli, Doro and Nuwa Tizururu. Large mammals such as duikers, hyenas, roan antelopes, elephants, hippos and waterbucks roam inside Kainji Lake National Park.
Bird species in Kainji Lake National Park are lesser stripped swallow, cardinal woodpecker, helmeted Guinea fowl, and northern red bishop etc. Game drives, boat trips, birdwatching, nature walks and fishing are the major things to do in Kainji Lake National Park.
This occupies up to 2,512 square kilometers of land in the northern Oyo State of southwestern Nigeria. The name is got from Oyo-Ile, which was the ancient political capital of the Yoruba Empire. The ruins of the Yoruba Empire are also found in Old Oyo National Park. Habitats are varied comprising rivers and vast savannahs. The park is also made up of isolated hills and granite outcrops. Other park features include caves and rivers such as Tessi, Owu, Owe and Ogun.
Wildlife that call Old Oyo National Park home include warthogs, buffaloes, bushbucks, patas monkeys, baboons, kobs, roan antelopes and western hartebeests. Bird species recorded in Old Oyo National Park are 149. These comprise crowned eagle, malachite kingfisher, Egyptian plover, African jacana, Guinea turaco, African thrush, collared sunbird and the western barn owl. Major activities are wildlife viewing, exploration of archaeological sites, hiking rock outcrops, river tours and birdwatching etc.
Other national parks in Nigeria include Kamuku, and Okomu.
Mountains in Nigeria
Mount Chappal Waddi, which stands at 2,419 meters above sea level is Nigeria’s highest peak. This is located in Taraba State on the Nigeria-Cameroon border. Mount Chappal Waddi is known as the “Mountain of Death” since it features rugged terrain and vast montane forests. These features create shelter for biodiversity while hosting all sorts of adventurous hikers.
Mount Ado Awaye, which rises to 1,050 meters above sea level is situated in Oyo State. This mountain has very beautiful rock formations that are breathtaking to look at. Hikers here can also enjoy panoramic views of other geological wonders and lake Iyake. While hiking the mountain, interesting folklore and myths about the mountain will be offered by the local guide.
Shebshi Mountains, which has its highest peak, Dimlang, rising to 2,042 meters. The mountain stretches across the Adamawa State and has steep ridges and valleys to offer thrilling hiking tours. Upper slopes of the Shebshi ranges have tributaries of the Benue river including Fan, Kam and Belwa. Besides hiking, visitors can enjoy encounters with the local communities to learn about their unique lifestyles.
Mount Patti, which overlooks the Lokoja in the Kogi State and is 458.3 meters high. Mount Patti is a historic hill, with a very rich colonial history. Hiking Mount Patti offers lovely views of the confluence of rivers, Benue and Niger. The Lord Fredrick Lugard Rest House, an ancient Baobab tree and the local people also offer wonderful experiences.
Lakes in Nigeria
Nigerian lakes are very important water bodies, capable of supporting wildlife and enhancing community livelihoods and the national economy. However, numerous visits are done to these lakes since they are also used for recreation and tourism. Nigeria’s largest natural lake is Oguta situated in the southeastern part of the country. Meanwhile Kainji Lake is the largest man-made lake situated in the northwest central part of Nigeria. Other key lakes in the country include Chad, Jabi, Adale and others.
Rivers and waterfalls in Nigeria
There are several major rivers that are key in the tourism, transport, agriculture and energy sectors of Nigeria. The Niger River is the longest, flowing through the west and central regions of Nigeria to form the Niger Delta. The Benue River is a significant tributary of the Niger River. Along the banks of the Benue, farming and fishing are major activities done. Other major rivers in Nigeria include Kaduna, Imo, Sokoto and Cross. Important waterfalls in Nigeria include Erin-Ijesha, Kwa Gurara and Owu. All the rivers and waterfalls offer scenic views.
Cultures in Nigeria
The vibrantly diverse Nigerian culture is shaped by its 371 distinct ethnic groups with a mix of European and Arabic influences. The Hausas make up the largest population of all the ethnic groups. Other sizable ethnic groups include Yoruba, Igbo, Edo, Ogoni, Ijaw, Ibibio, Efik and Annang among others. There are over 500 different languages spoken by the locals with most of them able to speak at least 2 languages. The most common local languages are Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba. English is widely spoken throughout Nigeria with Pidgin spoken in some cities.
The Nigerian ethnic groups practice a diverse range of customs and traditions. Some of the customs practiced by Nigerians include Ekpo and Ekpe societies, Fulani Sharo test for manhood, and bride-fattening rituals. Nigerians organize a lot of family gatherings, weddings, local cuisines and popular entertainment such as music, film and radio etc. Each ethnic group has distinct musical instruments, rhythms and performances during celebrations, storytelling and ceremonies.
Historical sites in Nigeria
The historical sites of Nigeria are fascinatingly unique, reflecting the country’s long history and cultural heritage. Some of these highlight the spiritual traditions of the people, for example the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove is vital to the Yoruba. At the Idanre Hills, connections to early settlements are presented. Remains of the Oyo Empire are preserved at the ruins of the ancient city at Old Oyo National Park. You can find the palace compounds, wells and defencive structures that imply an advanced precolonial society.
The Ogbunike Caves are renowned for their network of tunnels and being spiritually significant to the local communities. The curved stones of the Alok Ikom Monoliths are an archaeological mystery that are believed to contain ancient inscriptions. The Ancient Walls of Kano and cultural landscapes such as Sukur Cultural Landscape demonstrate the architectural skills and social organizations of earlier Nigerian civilizations. Other historical sites include Statue of King Jaja of Opobo, Shira Rock Paintings, Iho Eleru, and Zaria City Walls.
Visiting Nigeria and best time to come
Every day Nigeria welcomes visitors from all over the world, including during public holidays. The best time to come to Nigeria is mostly in the dry season (November to march). This period is generally sunny with fewer chances of rainfall during the day. This is perfect for traveling, exploring cities, cultural sites and natural wonders such as national parks, mountains, lakes, rivers and waterfalls. Views of wildlife in the national parks are better in the dry seasons because the animals gather around the few water sources. The dry seasons also offer relatively comfortable weather conditions to do outdoor activities in Nigeria.
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