In 1100 b.C numerous ancient African civilizations settled in the region that is known today as Nigeria, such as the Kingdom of Nri, the Benin Empire, and the Oyo Empire.

Islam reached Nigeria through the Borno Empire between one thousand sixty eight (1068) AD and Hausa States around (1385 AD), while Christianity came to Nigeria in the 15th century through Augustinian and Capuchin monks from Portugal.

The history of Nigeria has been crucially affected by the transatlantic slave trade, which started in Nigeria in the late 15th century. Then in 1851 Lagos was invaded by British forces and formally annexed in 1865.

Nigeria became a British protectorate in 1901 and finally 59 years later in 1960 an independence movement succeeded.

Nigeria first became a republic in 1963 but succumbed to military rule three years later. A separatist movement later formed the Republic of Biafra in 1967, leading to the three-year Nigerian Civil War.

Nigeria became a republic once again after a new constitution was written in 1979. However the military seized power again and ruled for another four years. A new republic was planned to be established in 1993, but was aborted by General Sani Abacha.

Abacha died in 1998 and a fourth republic was later established the following year, which ended three decades of intermittent military rule.