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The Edo people of western Africa found the Benin Empire in the 15th century. Benin becomes internationally famous for its artworks exported to Europe and around the world
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Millions of Nigerians are forced into slave trade and sent to the Americas.
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a single Islamic state -- is founded in the north
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Britain takes over what it calls “the Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria,’ governing indirectly through local leaders.
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Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa, is formed by the merger of the Northern and Southern protectorates by Lord Lugard
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Prime Minister Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa leads a coalition government into Independence.
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After several years of coups and counter-coups, three eastern states secede as the Republic of Biafra. This sparks a violent civil war.
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Nigeria ends Biafra war after more than one million people have been killed by a blockade and attacks. Biafran leaders surrender and the regions are reintegrated into the country.
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Lieutenant-Colonel Yakubu Gowon is overthrown. Brigadier Murtala Ramat Mohammed replaces him and starts process to move the federal capital to Abuja.
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Mohammed is assassinated in a failed coup. His deputy, Lieutenant-General Olusegun Obasanjo, replaces him and helps introduce an American-style presidential constitution.
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The government expels more than one million foreigners it says are taking jobs from Nigerians.
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General Sani Abacha seizes power from the Interim National Government and suppresses opposition.
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Parliamentary and presidential elections. Olusegun Obasanjo sworn in as president.
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Some 100 people are killed in Lagos in clashes between Hausas from mainly-Islamic north and ethnic Yorubas from predominantly-Christian southwest.
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First civilian-run presidential elections since end of military rule. Olusegun Obasanjo elected for second term despite questions about the election.
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Nigerian senate rejects Nigeria-Cameroon agreement for hand-over of Bakassi peninsula to Cameroon.
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Oil trades at $100 a barrel based on violnece in Nigeria.
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The Kingdom of Nri becomes the first established monarchy in the history of Nigeria and a major influence in the region after it originates the Igbo culture.
