Country Profile

Nigeria is the 14th-largest country in Africa by land mass and is culturally diverse, with a population of more than 200m spanning over 250 ethnic groups. It is rich in natural resources, with some of the largest proven oil reserves in Africa, and has a strong agriculture sector, with major exports including rubber, cocoa, peanuts and palm oil. The country gained independence in 1960 and declared itself a federal republic in 1963. The presidential election in 1999 ushered in a period of relative stability and marked a return to civilian rule, providing strong foundations to support a post-pandemic rebound.

This chapter contains interviews with President Muhammadu Buhari; and Helen Grant, Member of Parliament and UK Trade Envoy to Nigeria.