Biafran students at a Biafran War protest rally in Hyde Park, London
- Biafran students at a Biafran War protest rally in Hyde Park, London
The 19th Century
| 1850s— The British establish a presence near Lagos. |
| 1861-1914 —Britain consolidates its control over the Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria and begins governing through local politicians. |
The 20th Century
| 1960 — Nigerian Independence, led by Prime Minister Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa. |
| 1975 — General Gowon is overthrown by Brigadier Murtala Ramat Mohammed. Mohammed then plans to move the federal capital to Abuja. |
| 1976 — General Mohammed is assassinated in failed coup attempt. Mohammed is replaced by his deputy, Lt-Gene Olusegun Obasanjo, who implements a constitution like that of the U.S. |
| 1979 — Alhaji Shehu Shagari is elected into power. |
| 1980s through 1990s — President Shagari is re-elected. Ibrahim Babangida seizes power in bloodless coup and restricts political activity. Chief Moshood Abiola wins the preliminary elections, so the military annuls them. |
The 21st Century
| 2000 — Adoption of Islamic Sharia law by several northern states in the face of opposition from Christians. Tension over the issue results in hundreds of deaths in clashes between Christians and Muslims. |
| 2001 — Tribal war in Benue State, in eastern-central Nigeria, displaces thousands of people. Troops sent to quash the fighting kill more than 200 unarmed civilians, apparently in retaliation for the abduction and murder of 19 soldiers. |
| 2003 — The first legislative elections since end of military rule in 1999. President Obasanjo’s People’s Democratic Party wins parliamentary majority. Later that year, the first civilian-run presidential elections happen since end of military rule. Olusegun Obasanjo is elected for a second term. |
| 2011 — Vice-President Goodluck Jonathan wins presidential elections. |
| 2015 — Muhammadu Buhari wins the presidential election and becomes the first opposition candidate in Nigeria’s history to win. |
Kyna Smith 2019