Introduction

Nigeria is Africa's most populous country with a population of some over 130 million people drawn from more than 250 ethnic groups. The three major tribes are Hausa-Fulani (north), Yoruba (west) and Ibo (east). About 30 percent of Nigerians live in towns, making the country one of the most urbanized in continental Africa.
Nigeria is endowed with a favourable climate, fertile soils and an abundance of mineral resources petroleum, tin, columbite, iron ore and coal. Petroleurn a high quality sulphur-free variety accounts for at least 90 percent of the country's foreign exchange earnings. Nigeria is Africa's number-one producer and exporter of petroleum, a mineral that has made it one of black Africa's richest country.
Despite its immense wealth, Nigeria has been bogged down in continual power strife since its independence. Ethnic diversity and animosity, and civilian-military incompatibility have so far engendered a civil war and seven military coups.

National Movements and New States in Africa