1000+ Nigeria Current Affairs Questions & Answers (2026)

Q1. What is the supreme law of Nigeria?

The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).

Promulgated 5 May 1999; came into force 29 May 1999 with the return to civilian rule.

Q2. How many times has the 1999 Constitution been formally altered?

Five times — through the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Alteration Acts (all 2010), the 4th Alteration Act (2017), and the 5th Alteration Act (2023).

The Fifth Alteration comprised 16 bills signed by President Muhammadu Buhari on 17 March 2023.

Q4. What does Chapter I of the 1999 Constitution establish?

General Provisions — including the federal supremacy clause (Section 1), the sovereignty of the Federal Republic, and the prohibition on the adoption of any state religion (Section 10).

Q5. Which chapter enshrines Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy?

Chapter II (Sections 13–24).

Chapter II provisions are non-justiciable — they guide government policy but cannot be enforced directly in court.

Q6. Which chapter of the 1999 Constitution guarantees Fundamental Human Rights?

Chapter IV (Sections 33–46).

Chapter IV rights are justiciable — any person whose rights are violated may seek redress in a High Court.

Q7. What is the Exclusive Legislative List?

A list in the Second Schedule of the Constitution containing matters on which only the National Assembly may legislate — including defence, immigration, currency, customs, banking, and external affairs.

Q8. What is the Concurrent Legislative List?

A Second Schedule list of matters on which both the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly may legislate; where a conflict arises, federal law prevails.

Q10. What does Section 1(3) of the 1999 Constitution provide?

If any other law is inconsistent with the Constitution, the Constitution shall prevail, and that other law shall be void to the extent of the inconsistency — establishing constitutional supremacy.

Q14. Which body has the power to alter the 1999 Constitution, and what threshold is required?

The National Assembly — but a constitution alteration bill requires the votes of at least two-thirds of all members of each chamber, plus ratification by at least two-thirds (24 of 36) of State Houses of Assembly.

Q15. What type of state structure does Nigeria operate?

A federal system, under which governmental powers are constitutionally divided between a central federal government and the component states.

Q16. How many tiers of government does Nigeria have?

Three: federal, state, and local government.

Q17. How many states and Local Government Areas does Nigeria have?

36 states (plus the FCT) and 774 Local Government Areas.

Q19. What is the Federation Account?

The principal account established under Section 162 of the 1999 Constitution into which all revenues of the federation are paid and from which monthly allocations are disbursed to the federal government, states, and LGAs at the FAAC meeting.

Q23. What are the three arms of government in Nigeria?

The Legislature, the Executive, and the Judiciary.

Q24. What is the doctrine of separation of powers?

The constitutional principle that the legislative, executive, and judicial functions of government must be exercised by distinct, independent organs — so that no single arm accumulates absolute power.

Systematised by French philosopher Montesquieu in "The Spirit of the Laws" (1748); adopted in Nigeria's presidential system.

Q25. Which arm of government makes federal laws in Nigeria?

The Legislature — specifically the National Assembly (Senate and House of Representatives).

Q26. Which arm of government implements and enforces federal laws?

The Executive — headed at the federal level by the President of Nigeria.

Q27. Which arm of government interprets laws and resolves disputes?

The Judiciary — at the apex of which sits the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

Q28. What are checks and balances in Nigerian governance?

Mechanisms by which each arm of government limits the others — for example, the Senate confirms presidential appointments; the President may withhold assent from legislation; the judiciary may declare laws unconstitutional.

Q29. How can the National Assembly override a presidential withholding of assent?

If two-thirds of all members of each chamber of the National Assembly pass the bill again, it becomes law without presidential assent (Section 58(5) of the 1999 Constitution).

Q30. In whom is federal executive power vested under the 1999 Constitution?

The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Section 130).

Q31. What is the term of office of the President of Nigeria?

Four years per term; a person may not serve more than two terms in the same office (Section 137(1)(b)).

Q32. What are the constitutional qualifications for running for the Nigerian presidency?

The candidate must be a citizen by birth, at least 35 years old, a member of a registered political party, educated to at least School Certificate level, and free from all constitutional disqualifications (Section 131).

Q33. Who constitutionally succeeds the President if the office falls vacant?

The Vice President, who serves the remainder of the term (Section 146). If both positions are simultaneously vacant, the Senate President assumes the role as Acting President pending a fresh election.

Q34. What is the Federal Executive Council (FEC)?

The President's cabinet, comprising the Vice President, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, ministers, and the Attorney General of the Federation (Section 148). The President presides over FEC meetings.

Q35. What is the constitutional requirement for ministerial appointments?

The President must appoint at least one minister from each state, and all appointments require Senate confirmation (Section 147) — a direct expression of the federal character principle.

Q37. Under what circumstances may the President declare a state of emergency?

The President may proclaim a state of emergency in any state (or nationwide) when there is an actual breakdown of public order, natural disaster, or threat to national security — but the proclamation requires approval by a two-thirds majority of each chamber of the National Assembly within two days (Section 305).

Q40. How does the National Assembly remove the President through impeachment?

Under Section 143, the National Assembly may impeach the President for gross misconduct: a written notice signed by one-third of members of either chamber triggers a seven-day investigation committee; if two-thirds of all members of each chamber vote to adopt the committee's report finding the President guilty, the President is immediately removed.

Q42. What type of legislature does Nigeria operate at the federal level?

A bicameral legislature — the National Assembly — comprising the Senate (upper chamber) and the House of Representatives (lower chamber).

Q43. How many seats does the Nigerian Senate have, and how are they distributed?

109 seats — three senators per state (36 × 3 = 108) plus one senator representing the Federal Capital Territory.

Q44. How many seats does the House of Representatives have?

360 seats, allocated among the states and FCT based on population (Section 49).

Q45. What is the term of office for National Assembly members?

Four years per term; members may seek re-election without a constitutional limit on the number of terms (Section 64).

Q46. What is the minimum age to run for Senate?

35 years (Section 65(1)(b)).

Q47. What is the minimum age to run for the House of Representatives?

25 years (Section 65(1)(a)).

Q49. Describe the federal law-making process from bill to assent.

A bill is introduced in either chamber (except money bills, which must originate in the House of Representatives) and passes through First Reading (introduction), Second Reading (debate on principles), Committee Stage (detailed clause-by-clause scrutiny), Third Reading (final vote), and then the same process in the other chamber. Once both chambers agree on the same text, the bill goes to the President; if the President assents, it becomes law. If the President withholds assent and the National Assembly overrides that decision with a two-thirds majority in both chambers, the bill still becomes law.

Sections 58–59 govern the process; Section 58(5) covers the override mechanism.

Q51. What special role does the Senate play regarding presidential appointments and treaties?

The Senate must confirm key presidential appointments — ministers, ambassadors, and heads of major federal bodies — and must ratify international treaties before they bind Nigeria (Sections 147, 89, 12).

Q54. What vote is required in NASS to pass a constitutional amendment?

At least two-thirds of all members (not just members present) in each chamber, plus ratification by at least 24 of the 36 State Houses of Assembly (Section 9).

Q55. What is the difference between a simple majority and a special majority in the National Assembly?

A simple majority is more than half of members present and voting; a special (qualified) majority — required for constitutional alterations, overriding presidential veto, or confirming a state of emergency — requires two-thirds of all members of the chamber concerned, irrespective of attendance.

Q56. What is the apex court in Nigeria?

The Supreme Court of Nigeria — its decisions on constitutional matters are final and binding on all other courts (Section 233).

Q57. How many Justices does the Supreme Court of Nigeria have?

A maximum of 21 Justices, including the Chief Justice of Nigeria (Section 230(2)).

Q58. What is the Court of Appeal's primary function?

It hears appeals from the Federal High Court, State High Courts, Customary Courts of Appeal, Sharia Courts of Appeal, the National Industrial Court, and the Code of Conduct Tribunal — and in election petition matters, it hears appeals directly from the Election Tribunal (Section 240).

Q60. What body appoints the Chief Justice of Nigeria?

The President, on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council (NJC), subject to confirmation by the Senate (Section 231).

Q62. What is judicial review in the Nigerian constitutional framework?

The power of the courts to examine whether legislation or executive action conforms with the 1999 Constitution and, if not, to declare such legislation or action unconstitutional, null, and void.

Q68. What is INEC and what is its constitutional basis?

The Independent National Electoral Commission — established by Section 153 and the Third Schedule of the 1999 Constitution to organise, undertake, and supervise all elections to the offices of the President, Vice President, Governor, Deputy Governor, Senators, members of the House of Representatives, and State Assemblies.

Q69. What electoral system does Nigeria use for most elections?

First-Past-The-Post (FPTP) — the candidate who wins the highest number of valid votes in a constituency is declared elected, regardless of whether they achieve an absolute majority.

Q70. What is the special threshold for winning a presidential election in Nigeria?

A candidate must win the highest number of votes AND score at least 25% of votes cast in at least two-thirds (24) of the 36 states plus the FCT (Section 133). If no candidate meets this threshold, a run-off between the top two is held within 21 days.

Q71. How many political parties were registered with INEC as of mid-2026?

21 registered political parties — the two most recently added being the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), registered by INEC in early 2026.

Q73. What major changes did the Electoral Act 2026 introduce?

It abolished the delegate-based party primary system, mandating only direct primaries or consensus for candidate selection; barred political appointees from serving as delegates; required parties to maintain digital membership registers; gave statutory recognition to INEC's electronic result-viewing portal (IREV); set a 90-day voter-register closure before elections; and stiffened vote-buying penalties to a minimum N5 million fine plus two years' imprisonment plus a 10-year ban from contesting.

Signed by President Bola Tinubu on 18 February 2026.

Q74. What types of elections does INEC conduct?

Presidential, governorship, senatorial, federal and state house of assembly elections; it also conducts by-elections to fill vacancies and, where required, referenda.

Q76. What is the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IREV)?

An online platform to which INEC uploads scanned copies of polling-unit result sheets (Form EC8A) immediately after counting, allowing the public to verify results independently. The Electoral Act 2026 gave it statutory recognition and mandated electronic transmission of results to it from polling units.

Q78. What is the ruling party at the federal level in Nigeria as of 2026?

The All Progressives Congress (APC), which won the 2023 presidential election.

The APC was formed in 2013 through a merger of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), and a faction of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

Q79. When was the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) founded, and what is its record?

The PDP was founded in 1998 and ruled Nigeria continuously from 1999 to 2015 — the longest unbroken span by a single party in Nigerian democratic history. It remains the largest opposition party at the federal level.

Q82. What constitutional requirements must a political party meet to legally operate in Nigeria?

It must register with INEC, have a published constitution and manifesto, demonstrate a national character with members in at least 24 states, not link its name or activities to any religion or ethnic group, comply with campaign finance rules, and hold internal elections for party offices (Sections 221–229, 1999 Constitution, and the Electoral Act).

Q85. What is the constitutional status of local government in Nigeria?

The third tier of government, whose existence and democratic character are guaranteed by Section 7 of the 1999 Constitution, which requires each state to ensure that local government councils are democratically elected.

Q86. How many Local Government Areas does Nigeria have?

774 LGAs, distributed among the 36 states and the FCT.

Q87. Which state has the highest number of LGAs?

Kano State, with 44 LGAs — followed by Katsina (34) and Oyo (33).

Q89. What are the primary functions of a Local Government Council under the 1999 Constitution?

The Fourth Schedule assigns LGAs responsibility for: economic planning and development; collection of rates and taxes; establishment of markets, motor parks, slaughterhouses, and public conveniences; maintenance of roads, drains, and streets; primary, adult, and vocational education; primary healthcare delivery; registration of births, deaths, and marriages; and agricultural development within the council area.

Q91. What landmark Supreme Court ruling in 2024 reinforced local government autonomy?

In July 2024, the Supreme Court ruled that state governors who withheld or redirected Federation Account allocations away from elected LGA councils were acting unconstitutionally; it ordered the federal government to pay allocations directly to elected local government councils, bypassing state governments.

The suit was filed by the federal government against states that had replaced elected councils with caretaker committees.

Q92. What is the federal character principle?

The constitutional requirement — under Sections 14(3) and 14(4) — that appointments to federal offices and the distribution of federal resources must reflect the linguistic, ethnic, religious, and geographical diversity of Nigeria, so that no state or ethnic group dominates federal institutions.

Q93. Which body enforces the federal character principle?

The Federal Character Commission (FCC), established by Section 153 and the Federal Character Commission Act, with powers to monitor appointments in federal bodies and sanction agencies that breach the principle.

Q94. How does federal character apply to ministerial appointments?

Section 147(3) requires the President to appoint at least one minister from each of the 36 states of the federation, ensuring every state has representation in the Federal Executive Council.

Q97. What does Section 33 of the 1999 Constitution protect?

The right to life — every person has the right not to be intentionally deprived of life, except in execution of a death sentence imposed by a court for a capital offence under a law in force at the time.

Q98. What does Section 34 guarantee?

The right to dignity of the human person — prohibiting torture, inhuman or degrading treatment, slavery, servitude, and all forms of forced or compulsory labour.

Q99. What does Section 35 of the 1999 Constitution provide?

The right to personal liberty — a person may be deprived of liberty only in specified circumstances (lawful arrest, detention for trial, immigration control, etc.) and must be charged or released within 24 hours, or 48 hours where a court is not accessible within 40 km.

Q100. What right does Section 36 protect?

The right to a fair hearing — every person is entitled to a fair, public, and speedy trial before a court or tribunal established by law, with the presumption of innocence.

Q101. What does Section 38 of the 1999 Constitution guarantee?

Freedom of thought, conscience, and religion — including the right to change one's religion or belief and to manifest it in worship, teaching, practice, and observance, alone or with others.

Q102. What does Section 39 protect?

Freedom of expression and the press — every person is entitled to hold and express opinions, receive and impart ideas and information without interference, and own or operate any medium for disseminating information.

Q103. What does Section 40 guarantee?

Freedom of association — every person is entitled to form or join any political party, trade union, or other association for the protection of their interests.

Q104. Under what conditions may Fundamental Rights be lawfully restricted?

Under Section 45, rights may be derogated: (1) during a declared state of emergency under Section 305; or (2) to the extent reasonably justifiable in a democratic society in the interest of defence, public safety, public order, public morality, or public health.

No derogation is permitted for the rights to life (Section 33) and dignity (Section 34) even in an emergency.

Q105. What duty does Section 13 of the 1999 Constitution impose on government?

It declares it the duty and responsibility of all organs of government, and of all authorities and persons exercising legislative, executive, or judicial powers, to conform to, observe, and apply the Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles in Chapter II.

Q106. Are Chapter II provisions enforceable in court?

No — Section 6(6)(c) makes them non-justiciable, meaning courts cannot be used to directly enforce Chapter II obligations. They guide policy and legislation, but a citizen cannot sue the government for failing to implement them.

This distinguishes them sharply from Chapter IV (Fundamental Rights), which are fully justiciable.

Q109. What does Section 14(1) declare about the nature of Nigeria's government?

The Federal Republic of Nigeria shall be a state based on the principles of democracy and social justice; sovereignty belongs to the people of Nigeria, from whom government derives all its powers and authority.

Q110. What are the three modes of acquiring Nigerian citizenship under the 1999 Constitution?

By birth (Section 25), by registration (Section 26 — available to foreign spouses of Nigerians and persons of Nigerian descent), and by naturalisation (Section 27 — for foreigners resident in Nigeria for at least 15 of the preceding 20 years and meeting other conditions).

Q111. Who qualifies for Nigerian citizenship by birth?

Any person born in Nigeria before or after independence whose parents or grandparents were members of a community indigenous to Nigeria; also any person born outside Nigeria whose father or maternal grandfather is a citizen by birth (Section 25).

Q115. What type of government does Nigeria practise?

A federal presidential republic — the President is both head of state and head of government, directly elected by the people, with constitutionally separated executive, legislative, and judicial powers.

Q116. What distinguishes a presidential system from a parliamentary system?

In a presidential system, the executive is separate from the legislature and not directly accountable to it (as in Nigeria and the USA); in a parliamentary system, the executive (prime minister and cabinet) is drawn from and remains accountable to the legislature (as in the UK, and in Nigeria under the 1963 Republican Constitution).

Q117. What is representative (indirect) democracy?

A system in which citizens elect representatives who then exercise political power on their behalf — contrasted with direct democracy in which citizens vote on laws themselves. Nigeria practises representative democracy.

Q118. What is the difference between a unitary state and a federal state?

In a unitary state, supreme power rests in a central government that may delegate authority but can revoke it at will (e.g., France, the UK). In a federal state like Nigeria, the constitution divides powers between the centre and the states, and neither tier can lawfully abolish the other.

Q119. Is Nigeria a theocracy? Cite the constitutional provision.

No. Section 10 of the 1999 Constitution states: "The Government of the Federation or of a State shall not adopt any religion as State Religion" — explicitly making Nigeria a secular state.

Q120. What is the rule of law and how is it applied in Nigeria?

The rule of law holds that every person and institution — including the government — is subject to, and accountable under, the law equally applied. In Nigeria it underpins the constitutional supremacy clause (Section 1), the right to fair hearing (Section 36), and the ability of any citizen to challenge unlawful government action in court. It was systematised by A.V. Dicey in "Introduction to the Study of the Law of the Constitution" (1885).

Q1. Who is the current President of Nigeria?

Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Inaugurated 29 May 2023; 4-year term.

Q2. Who is the current Vice President of Nigeria?

Kashim Shettima.

Q3. Who is the current Senate President?

Godswill Akpabio.

Q4. Who is the current Deputy Senate President?

Barau Jibrin.

Q5. Who is the current Speaker of the House of Representatives?

Tajudeen Abbas.

Q6. Who is the current Chief Justice of Nigeria?

Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.

CJN since 22 Aug 2024; 2nd female CJN.

Q7. Who is the current Chief of Defence Staff?

Olufemi Oluyede.

Succeeded Christopher Musa (Oct 2025), who became Minister of Defence.

Q8. Who is the current Chief of Army Staff?

Waidi Shaibu.

Q9. Who is the current Chief of Naval Staff?

Idi Abbas.

Q10. Who is the current Chief of Air Staff?

Sunday Kelvin Aneke.

Q11. Who is the current Chief of Defence Intelligence?

Emmanuel Akomaye Parker Undiandeye.

Q12. Who is the current Inspector-General of Police?

Olatunji Disu.

Acting Feb 2026 after Egbetokun resigned; ratified by Police Council.

Q13. Who is the current Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria?

Olayemi Cardoso.

Q14. Who is the current INEC Chairman?

Joash Ojo Amupitan.

Sworn in 23 Oct 2025 (succeeded Mahmood Yakubu).

Q15. Who is the current EFCC Chairman?

Olanipekun Olukoyede.

Q16. Who is the current NAFDAC Director-General?

Mojisola Adeyeye.

Q17. Who is the current NNPC Group CEO / Managing Director?

Bashir Bayo Ojulari.

Appointed GCEO 2 Apr 2025 (succeeded Mele Kyari).

Q18. Who is the current Minister of Petroleum Resources?

Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

President holds the substantive portfolio; Lokpobiri (Oil) & Ekpo (Gas) are Ministers of State.

Q19. Who is the current National Security Adviser (NSA)?

Nuhu Ribadu.

Appointed 19 Jun 2023 (replaced Babagana Monguno).

Q20. Who is the current Director-General of the DSS?

Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi.

Announced 26 Aug 2024 (replaced Yusuf Magaji Bichi).

Q21. Who is the current Director-General of the NIA?

Mohammed Mohammed.

Announced 26 Aug 2024 (replaced Ahmed Rufai Abubakar).

Q22. Who is the current Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service?

Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.

Substantive CGC since 2023; tenure extended to ~Feb 2027.

Q23. Who is the current Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service?

Kemi Nanna Nandap.

Substantive CGI since 20 Jan 2024; first female CGI.

Q24. Who is the current Controller-General of the Nigeria Correctional Service?

Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche.

Succeeded Haliru Nababa.

Q25. Who is the current Corps Marshal of the FRSC?

Shehu Mohammed.

Succeeded Dauda Biu.

Q26. Who is the current Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service?

Olumode Samuel Adeyemi.

Effective 14 Aug 2025 (replaced Abdulganiyu Jaji).

Q27. Who is the current Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF)?

George Akume.

20th SGF since 2023 (replaced Boss Mustapha).

Q28. Who is the current Chief of Staff to the President?

Femi Gbajabiamila.

Former Speaker; CoS since 2 Jun 2023.

Q29. Who is the current Head of the Civil Service of the Federation?

Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan.

Sworn in 27 Aug 2026, succeeding Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who retired at 60.

Q30. Who is the current Accountant-General of the Federation?

Shamseldeen Babatunde Ogunjimi.

Effective 7 Mar 2025 (replaced Oluwatoyin Madein, retired).

Q31. Who is the current Auditor-General of the Federation?

Shaakaa Kanyitor Chira.

Office since 20 Oct 2023 (replaced Adolphus Aghughu).

Q32. Who is the current Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission?

Tunji Olaopa.

Q33. Who is the current Executive Chairman of the FIRS?

Zacch Adedeji.

Since 14 Sep 2023 (replaced Muhammad Nami). FIRS renamed Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) under the 2025 Act (effective Jan 2026); Adedeji now heads the NRS.

Q34. Who is the current Chairman of the RMAFC?

Mohammed Bello Shehu.

Chairman since 16 Aug 2022 (replaced Elias Mbam).

Q35. Who is the current Director-General of the Budget Office?

Tanimu Yakubu.

Since 13 Jun 2024 (succeeded Ben Akabueze).

Q36. Who is the current Director-General of the BPE?

Ayodeji Gbeleyi.

Appointed Jun 2024 (succeeded Alex Okoh).

Q37. Who is the current Director-General of the SEC?

Emomotimi Agama.

Appointed Apr 2024, Senate-confirmed Jun 2024 (succeeded Lamido Yuguda).

Q38. Who is the current Statistician-General of the Federation (DG, NBS)?

Adeyemi Adeniran.

Substantive since 2022 (after Simon Harry); a.k.a. Semiu Adeyemi Adeniran.

Q39. Who is the current Chairman of the ICPC?

Musa Adamu Aliyu.

Sworn in 13 Dec 2023 (succeeded Bolaji Owasanoye).

Q40. Who is the current Chairman of the NDLEA?

Mohammed Buba Marwa.

Reappointed 14 Nov 2025 for a second 5-year term.

Q41. Who is the current Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC?

Aminu Maida.

Senate-confirmed 15 Nov 2023 (succeeded Umar Danbatta).

Q42. Who is the current Director-General of NIMC?

Abisoye Coker-Odusote.

Since Oct 2023 (succeeded Aliyu Aziz Abubakar).

Q43. Who is the current Registrar of JAMB?

Segun Aina.

Took office 1 Aug 2026 (handover 31 Jul 2026), succeeding Is-haq Oloyede (2016-2026). Appointed 21 May 2026; Professor of Computer Engineering (OAU); JAMB's youngest-ever Registrar.

Q44. Who is the current Head of WAEC's Nigeria National Office?

Suleiman Danlami Kum.

Nigeria national-office head (distinct from the Accra-based Council Registrar).

Q45. Who is the current Registrar of NECO?

Ibrahim Dantani Wushishi.

Retained by Tinubu 22 Apr 2026.

Q46. Who is the current Director-General of the NYSC?

Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu.

23rd DG; assumed office Mar 2025 (replaced YD Ahmed).

Q47. Who is the current Managing Director of the NPA?

Abubakar Dantsoho.

29th MD since 12 Jul 2024 (succeeded Mohammed Bello-Koko).

Q48. Who is the current Managing Director of FAAN?

Olubunmi Kuku.

Since Dec 2023; first female FAAN MD.

Q49. Who is the current Director-General of the NCAA?

Chris Najomo.

Acting Dec 2023; substantive (Senate-confirmed) Feb 2025.

Q50. Who is the current Director-General of NIMASA?

Dayo Mobereola.

Since 11 Mar 2024 (succeeded Bashir Jamoh).

Q51. Who is the current Director-General of NEMA?

Zubaida Umar.

Since 15 Mar 2024; first female NEMA DG.

Q52. Who is the current Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC)?

Vacant as of September 2026.

Dr. Aminu Yusuf, the 8th substantive Chairman (sworn in 2 Dec 2025), died on 28 Aug 2026; no successor had been named.

Q53. Who is the current Director-General of the SON?

Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke.

Since 23 Oct 2023 (replaced Farouk Salim).

Q54. Who is the current Managing Director/CEO of NLNG?

Adeleye Falade.

Assumed office 1 Apr 2026 (succeeded Philip Mshelbila).

Q1. Which ancient culture, dated c. 500 BC – 200 AD, produced terra-cotta figurines and is considered the earliest known sculptural tradition in sub-Saharan Africa?

The Nok culture, centred on the Jos Plateau in present-day Nigeria.

Named after Nok village, Kaduna State, where figurines were first found in 1943.

Q2. Which empire, centred around Lake Chad, is often regarded as the longest-surviving empire in West African history, lasting from the 9th century to the 19th century?

The Kanem-Bornu Empire.

At its peak it controlled trans-Saharan trade routes linking the Lake Chad basin to North Africa.

Q3. What were the seven Hausa city-states collectively known as?

The Hausa Bakwai — Biram, Daura, Gobir, Kano, Katsina, Rano, and Zazzau (Zaria).

Q4. Who launched the 1804 jihad that established the Sokoto Caliphate?

Usman dan Fodio (also written Usman 'dan Fodio), a Fulani Islamic scholar from Gobir.

He declared a jihad to purify Hausa Islam of syncretic practices and replace the Hausa ruling class with Islamic governance.

Q5. When was the Sokoto Caliphate founded?

1804, following Usman dan Fodio's declaration of jihad against the Hausa king of Gobir.

Q7. What title did the ruler of the Oyo Empire hold?

Alaafin.

The Oyo Empire's military strength rested on its cavalry, which gave it dominance over neighbouring states in the savanna and forest zones.

Q9. Which kingdom in present-day Edo State was renowned for its elaborate bronze and ivory artworks?

The Benin Kingdom (Kingdom of Benin / Edo Kingdom).

Its bronze castings — the "Benin Bronzes" — were looted by British forces during the 1897 Punitive Expedition.

Q14. The Sokoto Caliphate at its peak was subdivided into administrative units. What were these units called?

Emirates (e.g., Kano, Zaria, Bauchi, Adamawa) — each governed by an emir appointed by or accountable to the Sultan of Sokoto.

This structure survived colonialism and remains influential in northern governance today.

Q16. Which European nation first made maritime contact with the coast of present-day Nigeria?

Portugal; Portuguese sailors reached the Bight of Benin and Niger Delta in the 1470s–1480s.

Portuguese traders first purchased pepper and ivory; the slave trade developed later in the 16th century.

Q19. Britain abolished the trans-Atlantic slave trade in what year?

1807, under the Slave Trade Act; full emancipation across British territories followed in 1833.

Parliament's leading abolitionist campaigner was William Wilberforce; Granville Sharp and Thomas Clarkson were also pivotal.

Q21. What principle did the Berlin Conference of 1884–85 establish regarding African territory?

"Effective occupation" — a European power had to demonstrate actual administrative control of territory to claim it, not merely prior discovery.

The conference, convened by Otto von Bismarck, formalised the Scramble for Africa among 14 European nations.

Q23. The 1897 British Punitive Expedition attacked which Nigerian kingdom and seized its treasures?

The Benin Kingdom; British forces burned Benin City and looted thousands of bronze plaques and ivory carvings now held in museums worldwide.

Q24. Who was the key British figure behind the amalgamation of British trading companies into the National African Company (later the Royal Niger Company)?

George Taubman Goldie (later Sir George Goldie), who merged rival British firms in 1879 and secured the Royal Charter in 1886.

Q27. When did Britain formally annex Lagos?

6 August 1861, when Oba Dosunmu signed the Treaty of Cession under duress from British Consul Benjamin Campbell.

Q28. What two protectorates were created on 1 January 1900 after the Royal Niger Company's charter was revoked?

The Protectorate of Northern Nigeria (under Frederick Lugard) and the Protectorate of Southern Nigeria.

Q29. Who amalgamated the Protectorates of Northern and Southern Nigeria in 1914?

Frederick Lugard (later Lord Lugard), as Governor-General, on 1 January 1914.

Q30. Who coined the name "Nigeria"?

Flora Shaw (later Lady Lugard), a journalist for The Times of London, in a January 1897 article proposing the name for the Niger territories.

Q31. What system of colonial administration did Lord Lugard introduce in Northern Nigeria?

Indirect rule — governing through existing traditional rulers (emirs and chiefs) rather than replacing them with British officials.

Lugard codified this approach in his 1922 book The Dual Mandate in British Tropical Africa.

Q32. What was the significance of the Clifford Constitution of 1922?

It introduced the first elected legislative seats in Nigeria — four elective seats in Lagos (three) and Calabar (one) — marking the first time Nigerians voted for representatives.

Named after Governor Hugh Clifford, who served 1919–1925.

Q33. What was the Richards Constitution of 1946 notable for?

Introduced by Governor Arthur Richards, it created a bicameral central legislature and divided Nigeria into three regions (North, East, West), laying the structural foundation for Nigeria's federal system.

Nationalists criticised it for being imposed without adequate consultation with Nigerians.

Q35. What federal structure did the Lyttelton Constitution of 1954 formally establish?

Nigeria became a federation of three regions (North, East, West) plus the Southern Cameroons and the Federal Territory of Lagos; each region gained the right to internal self-government.

Oliver Lyttelton was Britain's Secretary of State for the Colonies when the constitution was introduced.

Q36. When did the Eastern and Western Regions gain internal self-government?

1957.

Q37. When did the Northern Region gain internal self-government?

1959.

Q38. What major uprising did Igbo and Ibibio women stage against colonial rule in 1929?

The Aba Women's Riots (Ogu Umunwanyi / Women's War), protesting against threatened taxation and the erosion of women's traditional rights; British troops killed approximately 50 women.

It was one of the largest anti-colonial uprisings in West Africa and forced the British to review indirect rule in the south.

Q41. Who is known as the "Father of Nigerian Nationalism"?

Herbert Heelas Macaulay, who founded the Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP) in 1923 and championed self-determination until his death in 1946.

Q42. Which newspaper did Nnamdi Azikiwe found in 1937, making it a major vehicle for nationalist agitation?

The West African Pilot.

Azikiwe used it to galvanise anti-colonial sentiment across Nigeria and West Africa.

Q43. What political party did Herbert Macaulay and Nnamdi Azikiwe co-found in 1944?

The National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC), later renamed the National Council of Nigerian Citizens.

Q44. Who founded the Action Group (AG) in 1951, and what region did it dominate?

Obafemi Awolowo founded the Action Group; it was the dominant party in the Western Region and championed Yoruba interests.

Q45. Who led the Northern People's Congress (NPC), founded in 1949?

Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto and Premier of Northern Nigeria.

Q46. When did Nigeria gain independence, and from whom?

1 October 1960 from Britain.

Q47. Who became Nigeria's first Prime Minister at independence in 1960?

Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa of the NPC — he served under the NPC–NCNC coalition government.

Q48. Who was Nigeria's first indigenous Governor-General after independence?

Nnamdi Azikiwe, appointed 16 November 1960 (succeeding the British Governor-General James Robertson).

Q49. When did Nigeria become a republic, and who became its first President?

1 October 1963; Nnamdi Azikiwe became the first President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria — a ceremonial role; Tafawa Balewa remained Prime Minister.

Q50. Which two parties formed the coalition government that led Nigeria to independence in 1960?

The NPC (Northern People's Congress) and the NCNC (National Council of Nigerian Citizens).

Q51. What traditional title did Ahmadu Bello hold?

The Sardauna of Sokoto — a senior royal title in the Sokoto Caliphate hierarchy.

Q53. What internal crisis shook the Action Group in 1962?

A split between Obafemi Awolowo and Deputy Premier Samuel Ladoke Akintola; the federal government declared a state of emergency in the Western Region, and Awolowo was later convicted of treasonable felony and imprisoned.

Q54. Why was the 1962–63 Nigerian census so controversial?

The North returned figures giving it an outright population majority, which critics charged was inflated to entrench northern political dominance; the initial 1962 results were annulled, and the 1963 recount remained disputed.

Q58. When did the first military coup in Nigeria occur?

15 January 1966 — the "Nzeogwu coup" or "January coup."

Q59. Who led the January 1966 coup?

Major Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu led the northern action; Major Emmanuel Ifeajuna coordinated the Lagos operation. The plotters were primarily Igbo officers.

Q60. Which major political leaders were killed in the January 1966 coup?

Prime Minister Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Northern Premier Ahmadu Bello (Sardauna of Sokoto), and Western Premier Samuel Ladoke Akintola, among senior military officers.

Q61. Who became head of state after the January 1966 coup?

Major-General Johnson Thomas Umunakwe Aguiyi-Ironsi, the GOC of the Nigerian Army, who took control when the coup plotters failed to consolidate power.

Q62. What did Aguiyi-Ironsi's Unification Decree (Decree No. 34) of May 1966 propose?

It abolished the federal structure and created a unitary government — widely seen in the North as an attempt by Igbo officers to impose southern dominance.

Q63. When did the counter-coup occur, and who emerged as head of state?

29 July 1966; northern officers killed Aguiyi-Ironsi and many Igbo officers. Lieutenant-Colonel Yakubu Gowon emerged as head of state.

Q64. What mass violence against Igbo people followed the 1966 coups in the North?

Anti-Igbo pogroms in May and September–October 1966 killed an estimated 10,000–30,000 Igbo and drove over one million Igbo back to the Eastern Region.

This exodus hardened Eastern Region sentiment toward secession.

Q65. What was the Aburi Accord of January 1967, and why did it fail?

A conference in Aburi, Ghana between Gowon and Eastern Military Governor Odumegwu Ojukwu produced an agreement for a looser confederation; Gowon's civilian advisers rejected its implementation, leading directly to Biafra's secession.

Q66. Who declared the secession of the Republic of Biafra on 30 May 1967?

Lieutenant-Colonel Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, Military Governor of the Eastern Region.

Q67. What was Gowon's immediate trigger for Biafra's secession declaration?

Gowon's decree of 27 May 1967 splitting Nigeria into 12 states — which divided the Eastern Region, cut off Igbo access to oil revenue, and denied Biafra direct access to the sea.

Q68. When did the Nigerian Civil War begin?

6 July 1967, when Nigerian federal troops launched an offensive into Biafra from the north.

Q69. When did the Nigerian Civil War end, and who signed the surrender?

15 January 1970; Brigadier Philip Effiong signed the instrument of surrender on behalf of Biafra (Ojukwu had fled to Ivory Coast on 11 January).

Q70. What was Gowon's famous declaration after Biafra's surrender?

"No victor, no vanquished" — he framed reconciliation over retribution as the basis of post-war policy.

Q71. How many states did Gowon create on 27 May 1967, replacing the four regions?

12 states.

Q73. What humanitarian crisis accompanied the Biafran War?

A severe famine caused by the federal blockade; kwashiorkor-stricken Biafran children were widely photographed, prompting international aid appeals and diplomatic pressure on both sides.

Q76. What was Nigeria's troop strength policy known as the "3Rs" after the Civil War?

Reconciliation, Rehabilitation, and Reconstruction — Gowon's framework for reintegrating Biafra and rebuilding the war-damaged East.

Q78. Who overthrew General Yakubu Gowon in a bloodless coup in July 1975?

Brigadier Murtala Ramat Mohammed, on 29 July 1975, while Gowon was attending an OAU summit in Kampala.

Q79. How many states did Murtala Mohammed create in February 1976, and what was the new total?

He created 7 additional states on 3 February 1976, bringing the total to 19 states.

He also announced the plan to move Nigeria's capital from Lagos to Abuja.

Q80. When and how was Murtala Mohammed killed?

He was assassinated on 13 February 1976 during an abortive coup led by Lieutenant-Colonel Buka Suka Dimka — shot in his car in Lagos traffic.

Q81. Who succeeded Murtala Mohammed as head of state?

General Olusegun Obasanjo (Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters), who took power on 13 February 1976.

Q82. What was historic about Obasanjo's transition to civilian rule in 1979?

He voluntarily handed power to elected President Shehu Shagari on 1 October 1979 — the first time a Nigerian military government peacefully transferred power to a civilian administration.

Q83. Under which military leader was the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) formally designated?

Murtala Mohammed designated the FCT on 3 February 1976; the actual government relocation from Lagos to Abuja was completed under Ibrahim Babangida in December 1991.

Q85. Who won the 1979 presidential election to lead Nigeria's Second Republic?

Alhaji Shehu Usman Aliyu Shagari of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN).

Q88. When did the military overthrow Shagari's Second Republic government?

31 December 1983; Major-General Muhammadu Buhari led the coup.

Q89. What was the War Against Indiscipline (WAI)?

A social reform campaign launched by the Buhari government in 1984 to combat corruption, indiscipline, and inefficiency through military-style enforcement including public floggings and queue-orderliness drills.

Q90. Who overthrew Muhammadu Buhari in 1985?

General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida overthrew Buhari on 27 August 1985 in a palace coup, declaring himself "President" — the first Nigerian ruler to adopt that title for a military head of state.

Q91. What was Nigeria's Structural Adjustment Program (SAP) introduced in 1986?

An IMF/World Bank-backed economic reform under Babangida that devalued the naira, removed subsidies, liberalised trade, and privatised state enterprises; it caused widespread hardship and inflation.

Q92. When was the June 12 presidential election held?

12 June 1993.

Q93. Who won the June 12, 1993 presidential election?

Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), widely regarded as the freest and fairest election in Nigerian history.

Q94. What did Babangida do with the June 12 election result?

He annulled the results on 23 June 1993, citing pending court injunctions, triggering mass protests and a profound political crisis.

Q95. Who was Ernest Shonekan, and how long did he govern?

A Lagos businessman who headed the Interim National Government (ING) installed by Babangida on 26 August 1993 when he "stepped aside"; Shonekan governed for just 83 days before Sani Abacha ousted him on 17 November 1993.

Q96. When did Sani Abacha seize power?

17 November 1993.

Q97. What happened to MKO Abiola under Abacha's government?

Abiola declared himself President in June 1994 and was arrested; he died in custody on 7 July 1998 — four days after Abacha's own death — while meeting a U.S. diplomatic delegation.

Q98. Who were the "Ogoni Nine" executed on 10 November 1995?

Environmental activist and writer Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight other Ogoni leaders executed by Abacha's military tribunal for alleged murder; the executions led to Nigeria's suspension from the Commonwealth of Nations.

Ken Saro-Wiwa had led the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) against Shell's environmental damage in Ogoniland.

Q99. When and how did Sani Abacha die?

Abacha died suddenly on 8 June 1998 at Aso Rock Villa, officially of a heart attack; widespread speculation of poisoning was never officially confirmed.

Q100. Who succeeded Abacha and oversaw the transition to civilian rule?

General Abdulsalami Abubakar, who took power on 9 June 1998 and quickly released political detainees and organised elections, handing power to Olusegun Obasanjo on 29 May 1999.

Q101. When was June 12 declared Nigeria's Democracy Day, replacing May 29?

President Muhammadu Buhari made the proclamation on 6 June 2018, also posthumously awarding MKO Abiola the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR).

Q103. When did the Fourth Republic begin?

29 May 1999, when Olusegun Obasanjo was inaugurated as President — a date celebrated as Democracy Day until 2018.

Q104. How many consecutive civilian terms did Olusegun Obasanjo serve as elected president?

Two terms (1999–2003 and 2003–2007), the constitutional maximum.

Q105. What was Obasanjo's "Third Term Agenda" and what happened to it?

A 2006 constitutional amendment bid to remove presidential term limits and allow Obasanjo a third term; the National Assembly defeated it, asserting legislative independence.

Q106. Who succeeded Obasanjo as president in 2007?

Umaru Musa Yar'Adua of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), in elections that international observers criticised as seriously flawed.

Q107. What constitutional crisis arose from Yar'Adua's illness in 2009–2010?

Yar'Adua travelled to Saudi Arabia for heart treatment in November 2009 without formally transmitting power; after public pressure and a Senate resolution (February 2010), Goodluck Jonathan became Acting President and then full President after Yar'Adua died on 5 May 2010.

Q108. Who was Nigeria's first president from the South-South geopolitical zone?

Goodluck Ebele Jonathan of Bayelsa State.

Q109. What was historic about the 2015 presidential election?

It was the first time in Nigerian history that an incumbent president (Goodluck Jonathan) was defeated at a general election and conceded peacefully to the winner (Muhammadu Buhari).

Q110. When did Boko Haram abduct the Chibok schoolgirls, and how many were taken?

The night of 14–15 April 2014; 276 girls were abducted from Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State.

The #BringBackOurGirls campaign gained global attention, with Michelle Obama and others holding placards worldwide.

Q111. Who was the first female Chief Justice of Nigeria?

Mariam Aloma Mukhtar, appointed in 2012; she served until 2014.

Kudirat Kekere-Ekun (2024) is the second female CJN.

Q112. Which Nigerian writer was the first African to win the Nobel Prize in Literature, and in what year?

Wole Soyinka, in 1986.

Q113. When did Nigeria join the United Nations?

7 October 1960 — one week after independence.

Q114. What is the highest national honour in Nigeria, and who is eligible?

The Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR), awarded exclusively to serving and former Heads of State/Presidents.

Q115. Nigeria created its 36th state in what year, and which state was it?

Zamfara State (and five others) were created on 1 October 1996 under Abacha, bringing the total from 30 to 36; the accompanying FCT made 36 states + FCT the current structure.

Q116. How many local government areas (LGAs) does Nigeria have?

774 LGAs, established under the 1999 Constitution across 36 states and the FCT.

Q118. What party dominated Nigeria's federal government from 1999 to 2015?

The People's Democratic Party (PDP), which won four consecutive presidential elections (1999, 2003, 2007, 2011) before losing to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2015.

Q119. When was the All Progressives Congress (APC) formed, and from which parties?

The APC was registered in February 2013, merging the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), and a faction of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

Q120. What was the significance of 1 October 1960 for Nigeria's place in the Commonwealth of Nations?

Nigeria joined the Commonwealth of Nations on independence, 1 October 1960; it was suspended in November 1995 following the execution of Ken Saro-Wiwa and readmitted in May 1999 after Abacha's death and the transition to democracy.

Q1. Who served as Nigeria's first and only Prime Minister?

Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa.

Led the NPC–NCNC coalition government from independence on 1 October 1960 until his assassination during the 15 January 1966 coup — the only person to hold the Prime Minister's office in Nigerian history.

Q2. Who was Nigeria's first President?

Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe — widely known as "Zik of Africa."

Served as a ceremonial President under the 1963 Republican Constitution from 1 October 1963; he held no executive power, which remained with Prime Minister Balewa.

Q6. Who was Nigeria's first military Head of State?

Major-General Johnson Thomas Umunnakwe Aguiyi-Ironsi.

Took power on 16 January 1966; ruled for approximately six months before being killed in a counter-coup on 29 July 1966.

Q8. Who succeeded Aguiyi-Ironsi as Head of State?

Lt.-Colonel (later General) Yakubu "Jack" Gowon.

Assumed power on 1 August 1966; was among the youngest Nigerian leaders at the time of accession.

Q10. Under which Head of State was the Nigerian Civil War (1967–70) fought?

Yakubu Gowon.

Gowon created 12 states on 27 May 1967 — three days before Ojukwu declared Biafra's independence — partly to undercut secessionist support. The war ended 15 January 1970 with the federal slogan "No victor, no vanquished."

Q11. Who succeeded Yakubu Gowon in 1975?

Brigadier (later General) Murtala Ramat Mohammed.

Came to power on 29 July 1975; immediately launched anti-corruption purges and announced a concrete return-to-democracy timetable — a first for Nigerian military governments.

Q12. How did Murtala Mohammed leave office?

He was shot dead in his car on 13 February 1976 during an attempted coup led by Lt.-Colonel Buka Suka Dimka — the only Nigerian Head of State killed in a targeted assassination.

Murtala ruled for only about seven months; his portrait appears on the Nigerian ₦20 note in his honour.

Q13. Who succeeded Murtala Mohammed after his assassination in February 1976?

General Olusegun Obasanjo.

As Chief of Staff (Supreme Headquarters), Obasanjo automatically assumed control on 13 February 1976 and completed the planned transition to civilian rule.

Q14. What was Obasanjo's defining achievement as military Head of State (1976–79)?

He handed power to the democratically elected government of Shehu Shagari on 1 October 1979 — the first military ruler in Nigerian history to voluntarily transfer power to civilians.

This act set a democratic precedent that Abdulsalami Abubakar later followed in 1999.

Q16. Who was Nigeria's first executive President?

Alhaji Shehu Usman Aliyu Shagari.

Inaugurated 1 October 1979 under the US-style 1979 Constitution, which replaced the Westminster parliamentary model. Shagari was the first President to hold executive (not ceremonial) power.

Q19. Who led Nigeria's military government from December 1983 to August 1985?

Major-General Muhammadu Buhari.

Ruled through the Supreme Military Council; the period is noted for the War Against Indiscipline (WAI) and Decree No. 4 of 1984, which criminalised publishing embarrassing information about the government.

Q21. What unique title did Ibrahim Babangida give himself upon seizing power?

"Military President" — the only Nigerian ruler to adopt that designation.

All predecessors used "Head of State and Commander-in-Chief." The title signalled a more presidential-style governance while retaining military authority.

Q22. What was the most controversial act of Babangida's rule?

The annulment on 23 June 1993 of the 12 June 1993 presidential election, widely believed to have been won by Chief MKO Abiola of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

The annulment triggered mass protests. On 6 June 2018 President Buhari declared June 12 a national public holiday and posthumously honoured Abiola with the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR).

Q24. Who headed the Interim National Government (ING) set up in August 1993?

Chief Ernest Adegunle Oladeinde Shonekan.

A Lagos businessman and chairman of UAC Nigeria; he was Babangida's handpicked transitional leader.

Q25. How long did Ernest Shonekan's government last, and how did it end?

83 days — from 27 August to 17 November 1993 — when Defence Minister Sani Abacha pressured him to resign and seized power.

A Lagos High Court had also declared the ING illegal on 10 November 1993. Shonekan is Nigeria's shortest-serving Head of State.

Q26. Who was Nigeria's Head of State from November 1993 to June 1998?

General Sani Abacha.

His rule was marked by severe political repression — the execution of writer and activist Ken Saro-Wiwa in November 1995 and the detention of MKO Abiola drew global condemnation and Nigeria's suspension from the Commonwealth.

Q27. How did Sani Abacha leave office?

He died in office on 8 June 1998, reportedly of cardiac arrest — Nigeria's second Head of State to die while in power (after Aguiyi-Ironsi).

His death opened the way for a rapid democratic transition under his successor Abdulsalami Abubakar.

Q28. Who succeeded Sani Abacha in June 1998?

General Abdulsalami Alhaji Abubakar.

Took power on 9 June 1998; immediately released political prisoners, including Olusegun Obasanjo, and organised elections to restore civilian rule.

Q31. Who was inaugurated as President on 29 May 1999, marking the start of the Fourth Republic?

Olusegun Obasanjo.

29 May is now celebrated as Democracy Day. Obasanjo served two consecutive terms (1999–2003 and 2003–2007) under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Q32. What made Obasanjo's return in 1999 historically unusual?

He was the first — and to date only — person to serve Nigeria as both military Head of State (1976–79) and elected civilian President (1999–2007).

He had been imprisoned by the Abacha government (1995–98) before contesting and winning the 1999 election.

Q33. Who succeeded Obasanjo as President in May 2007?

Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar'Adua.

From Katsina State; won the April 2007 election under the PDP and notably acknowledged publicly that the election had been flawed, pledging reform.

Q34. How did President Umaru Yar'Adua leave office?

He died in office on 5 May 2010 from complications of a chronic kidney condition after prolonged medical treatment in Saudi Arabia — the only democratically elected Nigerian President to die in office.

His prolonged incapacitation prompted the "Doctrine of Necessity" resolution in February 2010.

Q35. What was the "Doctrine of Necessity" in Nigerian constitutional history?

On 9 February 2010 the National Assembly passed a resolution empowering Vice President Goodluck Jonathan to act as President, invoking constitutional necessity because Yar'Adua had been abroad for months without formally transmitting power to his deputy.

The Constitution required the President to notify the Assembly before travelling; Yar'Adua had not done so. The doctrine bridged the legal gap until his death.

Q38. What was historically significant about the 2015 presidential election result?

It was the first time a sitting Nigerian President — Goodluck Jonathan — was defeated at the polls by an opposition candidate, and the first time a losing incumbent conceded defeat peacefully.

Jonathan's concession call to Buhari was widely praised as a landmark democratic moment across Africa.

Q39. Who won the 2015 presidential election, and under which party?

Muhammadu Buhari, under the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Buhari had contested and lost three previous presidential elections (2003, 2007, 2011) before the APC alliance delivered his win in 2015.

Q42. Who succeeded Buhari as President on 29 May 2023?

Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Won the 25 February 2023 presidential election under the APC; his running mate and Vice President is Kashim Shettima, former Governor of Borno State.

Q43. From which state does President Bola Tinubu hail, and what office did he previously hold?

Lagos State; he served as Lagos State Governor from 1999 to 2007 and was a founding figure of the APC coalition.

Q45. Who is the current President of Nigeria as of 2026?

Bola Ahmed Tinubu, inaugurated 29 May 2023.

Q46. Name Nigeria's Heads of State and Presidents in correct chronological order from 1960 to 2026.

Tafawa Balewa (PM, 1960–66) → Azikiwe (President, 1963–66) → Aguiyi-Ironsi → Gowon → Murtala Mohammed → Obasanjo (military) → Shagari → Buhari (military) → Babangida → Shonekan → Abacha → Abdulsalami Abubakar → Obasanjo (civilian) → Yar'Adua → Jonathan → Buhari (civilian) → Tinubu.

17 tenures held by 15 unique individuals; Obasanjo and Buhari each served twice.

Q47. Which two individuals each served Nigeria as both a military Head of State and a civilian President?

Olusegun Obasanjo (military 1976–79; civilian 1999–2007) and Muhammadu Buhari (military 1983–85; civilian 2015–23).

Obasanjo is further distinguished by having voluntarily handed power to civilians in 1979 before later winning election as a civilian.

Q49. Who is the shortest-serving Head of State in Nigerian history?

Ernest Shonekan — 83 days (27 August to 17 November 1993).

Q51. Which Nigerian Heads of State died while in office?

Three: Aguiyi-Ironsi (killed in the 29 July 1966 counter-coup), Sani Abacha (died of cardiac arrest, 8 June 1998), and Umaru Musa Yar'Adua (died of kidney disease, 5 May 2010).

Abacha and Yar'Adua both died as the country's substantive leader; Ironsi died in the military era during a coup.

Q52. Which Nigerian Head of State was shot dead in a targeted ambush?

Murtala Mohammed — killed in his car on 13 February 1976 during an attempted coup by Lt.-Colonel Buka Suka Dimka.

His portrait appears on the ₦20 note. Aguiyi-Ironsi also died during the 1966 counter-coup, but Murtala's death is the most clearly documented assassination.

Q54. What was June 12, and why is it significant?

12 June 1993 was the date of Nigeria's most credible presidential election, believed won by MKO Abiola of the SDP but annulled by Babangida. President Buhari declared it a national public holiday in 2018, replacing the former Democracy Day date of 29 May.

Q55. Under which Head of State did Nigeria's current 36-state structure come into force?

Sani Abacha — he created six new states on 1 October 1996, raising the total from 30 to 36.

Full milestones: Gowon (12 states, 1967) → Murtala/Obasanjo (19, 1976) → Babangida (21, 1987; 30, 1991) → Abacha (36, 1996).

Q56. Who was the first military ruler to hand power peacefully to an elected civilian government?

Olusegun Obasanjo (military) — transferred power to President Shehu Shagari on 1 October 1979.

Abdulsalami Abubakar repeated this in 1999, handing over to Obasanjo (civilian) — itself an unusual echo.

Q57. Which republic is Nigeria currently in, and when did it begin?

The Fourth Republic, which began on 29 May 1999 when Abdulsalami Abubakar handed power to Olusegun Obasanjo.

It is the longest unbroken period of civilian rule in Nigerian history, still ongoing under Tinubu.

Q59. Who was the first opposition candidate to defeat a sitting President in a Nigerian general election?

Muhammadu Buhari (APC) defeated incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan (PDP) in the March 2015 presidential election.

The peaceful transfer of power from Jonathan to Buhari on 29 May 2015 was a democratic landmark for West Africa.

Q60. How many unique individuals have served as Nigeria's Prime Minister, Head of State, or President from 1960 to 2026?

15 unique individuals, holding 17 tenures in total (Obasanjo and Buhari each served twice).

In order: Balewa, Azikiwe, Ironsi, Gowon, Murtala, Obasanjo, Shagari, Buhari, Babangida, Shonekan, Abacha, Abdulsalami, Yar'Adua, Jonathan, Tinubu.

Q1. How many states does Nigeria have?

36 states, plus the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) — Abuja.

Q2. What is the capital of Nigeria?

Abuja, located in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Q3. How many geopolitical zones does Nigeria have, and what are they?

Six (6): North-Central, North-East, North-West, South-East, South-South, South-West.

Q115. Who is the current governor of Abia State?

Alex Otti.

Q116. Who is the current governor of Adamawa State?

Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri.

Q117. Who is the current governor of Akwa Ibom State?

Umo Eno.

Q118. Who is the current governor of Anambra State?

Charles Soludo.

Q119. Who is the current governor of Bauchi State?

Bala Mohammed.

Q120. Who is the current governor of Bayelsa State?

Douye Diri.

Q121. Who is the current governor of Benue State?

Hyacinth Alia.

Q122. Who is the current governor of Borno State?

Babagana Zulum.

Q123. Who is the current governor of Cross River State?

Bassey Otu.

Q124. Who is the current governor of Delta State?

Sheriff Oborevwori.

Q125. Who is the current governor of Ebonyi State?

Francis Nwifuru.

Q126. Who is the current governor of Edo State?

Monday Okpebholo.

Q127. Who is the current governor of Ekiti State?

Biodun Oyebanji.

Q128. Who is the current governor of Enugu State?

Peter Mbah.

Q129. Who governs the Federal Capital Territory (FCT)?

The FCT has no governor; it is administered by the Minister of the FCT, currently Nyesom Wike.

Q130. Who is the current governor of Gombe State?

Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya.

Q131. Who is the current governor of Imo State?

Hope Uzodimma.

Q132. Who is the current governor of Jigawa State?

Umar Namadi.

Q133. Who is the current governor of Kaduna State?

Uba Sani.

Q134. Who is the current governor of Kano State?

Abba Kabir Yusuf.

Q135. Who is the current governor of Katsina State?

Dikko Umar Radda.

Q136. Who is the current governor of Kebbi State?

Nasir Idris.

Q137. Who is the current governor of Kogi State?

Ahmed Usman Ododo.

Q138. Who is the current governor of Kwara State?

AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

Q139. Who is the current governor of Lagos State?

Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

Q140. Who is the current governor of Nasarawa State?

Abdullahi Sule.

Q141. Who is the current governor of Niger State?

Mohammed Umar Bago.

Q142. Who is the current governor of Ogun State?

Dapo Abiodun.

Q143. Who is the current governor of Ondo State?

Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

Succeeded Rotimi Akeredolu (died Dec 2023); won the Nov 2024 election.

Q144. Who is the current governor of Osun State?

Ademola Adeleke.

Q145. Who is the current governor of Oyo State?

Seyi Makinde.

Q146. Who is the current governor of Plateau State?

Caleb Mutfwang.

Q147. Who is the current governor of Rivers State?

Siminalayi Fubara.

Q148. Who is the current governor of Sokoto State?

Ahmad Aliyu.

Q149. Who is the current governor of Taraba State?

Agbu Kefas.

Q150. Who is the current governor of Yobe State?

Mai Mala Buni.

Q151. Who is the current governor of Zamfara State?

Dauda Lawal.

Q1. In which part of Africa is Nigeria located?

West Africa, on the Gulf of Guinea coast.

Nigeria lies entirely in the tropics, straddling both the savanna and rainforest belts, between roughly 4°N and 14°N latitude.

Q3. Which body of water forms Nigeria's southern coastline?

The Gulf of Guinea, an arm of the Atlantic Ocean.

Nigeria's coastline stretches approximately 853 km along the Gulf, encompassing the Niger Delta creeks, sandy barrier beaches, and Lagos Lagoon.

Q6. What is the total land area of Nigeria?

923,769 km² (approximately 924,000 km²).

Nigeria is the 14th largest country in Africa by area but the most populous on the continent and in West Africa — a striking contrast between size and population density.

Q7. Which country borders Nigeria to the west?

Benin Republic (formerly Dahomey).

Key crossing points include Seme (Lagos–Cotonou corridor) and Idiroko (Ogun State); the border runs approximately 773 km.

Q8. Which countries border Nigeria to the north?

Niger Republic (north) and Chad (far northeast, at Lake Chad).

Niger's border runs about 1,608 km; Chad's border is the shortest at roughly 85 km, defined by the receding shores of Lake Chad.

Q9. Which country borders Nigeria to the east?

Cameroon.

The Nigeria–Cameroon border runs approximately 1,975 km (the UN-backed Mixed Commission puts the demarcated line at about 2,100 km), passing through the Mandara Mountains and tracing the Cross River basin before reaching the Bight of Bonny.

Q10. How many countries share land borders with Nigeria?

Four: Benin (west), Niger (north), Chad (northeast), and Cameroon (east).

Q14. What is the longest river in Nigeria?

The River Niger.

The Niger is also the third-longest river in Africa (after the Nile and Congo), with a total length of about 4,180 km; roughly 1,100 km flows through Nigerian territory.

Q15. What is the chief (largest) tributary of the River Niger?

The River Benue.

The Benue rises in the Adamawa highlands of Cameroon, enters Nigeria near Jimeta (Adamawa State), and flows westward about 1,400 km before joining the Niger at Lokoja.

Q16. Where do the Rivers Niger and Benue meet?

At Lokoja, in Kogi State.

Lokoja is known as "the Confluence City." The combined river downstream of Lokoja fans into the Niger Delta before emptying into the Gulf of Guinea.

Q18. What is the Niger Delta?

A vast coastal fan of wetlands, creeks, and mangrove forest where the River Niger fans out into the Gulf of Guinea, covering roughly 70,000 km².

It is Africa's largest river delta and one of the world's largest, containing Nigeria's major crude-oil and natural-gas reserves.

Q19. What is Kainji Dam, and where is it located?

Nigeria's first and largest hydroelectric dam, built on the River Niger in Niger State and commissioned in 1968.

The dam created Kainji Lake — the country's largest man-made lake — and has an installed hydroelectric capacity of approximately 760 MW.

Q20. Why is Lake Chad geographically significant to Nigeria?

It is the only major inland lake bordering Nigeria (at the far northeast corner), shared with Chad, Niger Republic, and Cameroon, and it defines Nigeria's shortest international boundary.

Lake Chad has shrunk by over 90% since the 1960s due to climate change and over-extraction from irrigation, threatening water security for tens of millions in the basin.

Q27. What is the highest point in Nigeria?

Chappal Waddi (also Chappal Wadi), at approximately 2,419 m above sea level.

The name means "Mountain of Death" in local Fulani. It sits on the Mambilla Plateau straddling the Taraba–Cameroon border area.

Q28. In which state is Chappal Waddi located?

Taraba State (North-East geopolitical zone).

Q29. What is the Jos Plateau?

A high, flat-topped massif in Plateau State (North-Central zone), averaging 1,200–1,400 m elevation.

It has a cooler climate than surrounding lowlands, receives higher rainfall, and is the primary source of Nigeria's tin and columbite deposits.

Q35. How many main vegetation belts does Nigeria have (south to north)?

Five: mangrove/swamp forest, tropical rainforest, Guinea savanna, Sudan savanna, and Sahel savanna.

Q36. Which vegetation zone covers Nigeria's southernmost coastal fringe?

Mangrove swamp (and freshwater swamp forest).

Mangroves line the estuarine and tidal creek systems of the Niger Delta and coastal Cross River State, adapted to saline, waterlogged conditions.

Q37. Which vegetation belt lies immediately inland from the mangrove zone?

Tropical rainforest (high forest).

It covers the southern states — Edo, Delta, Cross River, Ondo, Ogun, Rivers, Bayelsa, and parts of Osun — with dense multi-canopy forest and high biodiversity.

Q40. Which is the northernmost vegetation belt in Nigeria?

The Sahel savanna (Sahel zone).

Found in extreme northern Borno, Yobe, and parts of Katsina and Sokoto; sparse grasses and thorny shrubs prevail, annual rainfall falls below 500 mm, and desertification is an active threat.

Q41. What is the harmattan, and how does it affect Nigeria?

A dry, dust-laden northeast trade wind blowing from the Sahara Desert across Nigeria, typically November–March.

It slashes humidity and visibility (creating a thick reddish haze), lowers overnight temperatures in the north, and carries fine particulates that settle as dust; its intensity weakens progressively toward the coast.

Q43. How many seasons does Nigeria have?

Two: the wet (rainy) season and the dry season.

In the south, the wet season runs roughly April–October; in the far north it is shorter — about June–September — with a long, hot dry season dominating the rest of the year.

Q48. Which natural resource generates the largest share of Nigeria's export earnings?

Crude oil and natural gas (petroleum).

Nigeria is Africa's largest crude-oil producer and holds the continent's largest natural gas reserves; oil and gas typically account for 80–90% of government export revenues.

Q49. In which region of Nigeria are oil and natural gas deposits concentrated?

The Niger Delta region, in the South-South geopolitical zone.

Q50. Which nine states fall under the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) mandate?

Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo, and Rivers.

Rivers and Bayelsa consistently rank as the highest crude-producing states; offshore fields extend into Akwa Ibom's maritime area.

Q51. Where are Nigeria's coal deposits primarily found?

Enugu State (the Udi–Ogbete coalfield), with smaller deposits in Kogi and Benue states.

Coal mining in Enugu began in 1909 under British colonial administration and gave the region its early economic identity; the Nigerian Coal Corporation was headquartered there.

Q52. Which plateau is Nigeria's primary source of tin and columbite?

The Jos Plateau, in Plateau State.

Nigeria was once the world's largest columbite producer; output peaked in the mid-20th century and has declined sharply since, though significant reserves remain.

Q54. Where is iron ore mined in Nigeria?

Primarily at Itakpe in Kogi State; smaller deposits exist in Enugu, Zamfara, and Niger states.

The National Iron Ore Mining Company (NIOMCO) operates at Itakpe; ore is railed to the nearby Ajaokuta Steel Complex, also in Kogi State.

Q55. In which state is the Ajaokuta Steel Complex located?

Kogi State.

Ajaokuta is Nigeria's largest integrated steel plant; construction began in 1979 but the plant has never operated at commercial capacity — a symbol of long-stalled industrialisation.

Q56. Which state is known for bitumen (tar sand) deposits?

Ondo State (Agbabu and surrounding areas), with Nigeria's estimated bitumen reserves of roughly 42 billion barrels of oil equivalent.

Ogun and Edo states also carry bitumen deposits; commercial exploitation has been planned for decades but remains limited.

Q61. Which state holds Nigeria's most significant natural gas processing and export infrastructure?

Rivers State, home to Nigeria LNG Ltd's Bonny Island LNG export terminal — one of the world's largest LNG facilities.

Nigeria LNG exports liquefied gas to Europe and Asia; Nigeria has the largest natural-gas reserves in Africa and the 9th largest proven reserves globally.

Q62. What was Nigeria's official population figure from the 2006 national census?

140,431,790 (approximately 140.4 million).

The 2006 census remains Nigeria's last completed national census; a new census was planned but had not been completed as of 2026.

Q63. What is Nigeria's current estimated population?

Approximately 220–230 million (UN estimates placed Nigeria at around 224 million in 2024), making it Africa's most populous country.

Nigeria surpassed Egypt for the top spot in the early 2010s; projections suggest 400+ million by 2050, which would rank it among the world's five most populous countries.

Q64. Why is Nigeria's population globally significant?

Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa and the 6th most populous in the world, home to approximately 1 in every 6 Africans.

Q65. What are Nigeria's three largest ethnic groups?

Hausa-Fulani (north), Yoruba (southwest), and Igbo (southeast).

Each group comprises roughly 18–25% of the population; combined they account for about 60–70% of Nigerians.

Q66. Approximately how many distinct ethnic groups exist in Nigeria?

Over 250 (some classifications reach 500+, depending on methodology).

Major minorities include Ijaw, Tiv, Kanuri, Ibibio, Edo, Urhobo, Nupe, Gbagyi, Efik, and Idoma, among many others.

Q67. What are the two dominant religions in Nigeria?

Islam (predominantly in the north) and Christianity (predominantly in the south and Middle Belt).

Traditional indigenous religions also persist as minority practice; the religious divide broadly follows geographic zones, though significant Muslim and Christian communities exist in every region.

Q68. What is Nigeria's official language?

English.

English was adopted at independence in 1960, inherited from British colonial administration; it functions as the language of government, education, commerce, and the judiciary.

Q69. What are Nigeria's three constitutionally recognised major indigenous languages?

Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo — used in the National Assembly and for wider national communication alongside English.

Q70. Which states belong to the North-Central geopolitical zone?

Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT, Abuja).

Q71. Which states make up the North-East geopolitical zone?

Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe.

Q72. Which states belong to the North-West geopolitical zone?

Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara.

Q73. Which states form the South-East geopolitical zone?

Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo.

Q74. Which states make up the South-South geopolitical zone?

Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, and Rivers.

This zone encompasses the Niger Delta oil-producing heartland; all six states receive derivation-based oil revenue allocations.

Q75. Which states belong to the South-West geopolitical zone?

Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, and Oyo.

Lagos is Nigeria's commercial capital and most populous state; all six are predominantly Yoruba-speaking.

Q76. What time zone does Nigeria observe?

West Africa Time (WAT), UTC+1 — one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.

Nigeria does not observe daylight saving time; WAT applies year-round across the entire country.

Q77. Which cash crops are predominantly cultivated in southern Nigeria?

Oil palm, rubber, cocoa, kola nut, and cassava.

The rainforest belt of southwestern and southeastern states dominates cocoa and rubber output; the Niger Delta states lead oil-palm cultivation.

Q78. Which agricultural products are mainly grown in northern Nigeria?

Groundnuts (peanuts), cotton, sorghum (guinea corn), millet, cowpeas (beans), wheat, and gum arabic.

Kano, Katsina, and Sokoto formed the historic "groundnut triangle"; irrigation from rivers and the Hadejia-Nguru wetlands supports dry-season farming.

Q79. What agricultural produce is Nigeria's Middle Belt known for?

Yams, rice, maize, soybeans, and vegetables.

Benue State is called Nigeria's "Food Basket of the Nation" for its yam and rice output; Taraba and Kebbi are also major rice-producing states.

Q80. Nigeria shares land borders with four countries — starting from the west and moving clockwise, in what order do they appear?

Benin Republic (west) → Niger Republic (north) → Chad (northeast) → Cameroon (east).

This clockwise sequence helps anchor the border map: the short Chad frontier at Lake Chad sits between the long Niger border to its west and the long Cameroon border to its south.

Q1. What colours appear on the Nigerian national flag, and in what arrangement?

Three equal vertical bands — green, white, green — from left to right.

The pattern is commonly written "GWG" (green-white-green) and appears across all official Nigerian insignia.

Q2. Who designed the Nigerian national flag?

Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi.

He was a 23-year-old engineering student at Norwood Technical College, London, when he entered the 1959 flag competition and won.

Q4. When was the Nigerian flag first officially hoisted?

1 October 1960 — Nigeria's Independence Day.

Q5. What does the green colour on the Nigerian flag represent?

Nigeria's lush agricultural land and abundant natural resources (forests).

Q6. What does the white colour on the Nigerian flag represent?

Peace and unity among Nigeria's diverse peoples.

Q11. What is the title of Nigeria's current national anthem?

"Nigeria, We Hail Thee."

Restored on 29 May 2024 when President Tinubu signed the National Anthem Act 2024, replacing "Arise, O Compatriots."

Q12. When was "Nigeria, We Hail Thee" first adopted as the national anthem?

1960, at independence — it was Nigeria's original anthem from independence until 1978.

Q13. Who wrote the lyrics of "Nigeria, We Hail Thee"?

Lillian Jean Williams, a British expatriate who worked at Nigeria's Federal Ministry of Labour and Welfare.

Williams donated her prize money from the anthem competition to the Nigerian Red Cross.

Q14. Who composed the music for "Nigeria, We Hail Thee"?

Frances Benda (a pen name for Mrs Charles Kernot, a private music teacher and pianist in London).

The name is frequently misspelt "Frances Berda" in Nigerian textbooks — the correct spelling is Benda.

Q15. Which anthem replaced "Nigeria, We Hail Thee" in 1978?

"Arise, O Compatriots."

It served as Nigeria's anthem for 46 years (1978–2024) until Tinubu signed its repeal on 29 May 2024.

Q16. On what date did President Tinubu sign the bill restoring "Nigeria, We Hail Thee"?

29 May 2024.

The National Assembly passed the National Anthem Bill on 23 May 2024; Tinubu signed it into law on 29 May 2024 — the first anniversary of his own inauguration.

Q20. What year did "Arise, O Compatriots" stop being Nigeria's national anthem?

2024 — specifically 29 May 2024, when the National Anthem Act 2024 took effect.

Q21. Who wrote the Nigerian National Pledge?

Felicia Adebola Adeyoyin (also rendered Adedoyin).

She wrote it in 1976; it was first published in the Daily Times. Military Head of State Olusegun Obasanjo adopted and modified it as the official pledge.

Q22. What is the opening line of the Nigerian National Pledge?

"I pledge to Nigeria my country."

Q25. What colour is the shield on the Nigerian coat of arms, and what does it represent?

Black; it represents Nigeria's fertile soil.

Q26. What do the two wavy white bands forming a Y-shape on the coat of arms symbolise?

The Rivers Niger and Benue, which meet (confluence) at Lokoja.

Q27. What animals support the shield on the Nigerian coat of arms, and what do they represent?

Two white horses (chargers), one on each side, representing dignity.

Q28. What animal sits atop the Nigerian coat of arms, and what does it represent?

An eagle, representing strength.

Q29. What is Nigeria's national motto, and where does it appear?

"Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress" — inscribed on the band at the base of the coat of arms.

Q33. What is Nigeria's national animal?

The eagle.

Q34. What is Nigeria's official currency, and how is it subdivided?

The naira (₦), subdivided into 100 kobo.

Q35. When was the naira introduced, and what currency did it replace?

1 January 1973; it replaced the Nigerian pound.

Q36. Which institution issues the Nigerian naira?

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Q37. Who coined the name "naira," and what is the name derived from?

Chief Obafemi Awolowo coined it as a contraction of "Nigeria."

Awolowo's portrait also appears on the ₦100 note.

Q44. When did Nigeria gain independence, and from which country?

1 October 1960, from the United Kingdom.

The Nigerian flag was first hoisted and "Nigeria, We Hail Thee" first performed as the anthem on that date.

Q45. When did Nigeria become a republic?

1 October 1963 — Republic Day.

Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe became the first President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; Nigeria also left the Commonwealth as a republic (later rejoining).

Q46. When is Nigeria's Democracy Day, and why is that date significant?

12 June — it commemorates the 12 June 1993 presidential election, widely regarded as the fairest in Nigerian history, won by MKO Abiola.

President Buhari moved Democracy Day from 29 May to 12 June in 2018. May 29 had marked the 1999 handover to civilian rule; June 12 honours the annulled 1993 mandate.

Q50. When did Nigeria's federal capital officially move from Lagos to Abuja, and who declared the move?

12 December 1991; declared by General Ibrahim Babangida.

The decision to relocate the capital was made in 1976 (Decree No. 6, under Murtala Muhammed) as Abuja's central location was seen as more ethnically neutral. Physical relocation took until 1991.

Q1. What type of economy does Nigeria operate?

A mixed economy — both private enterprise and the state play major roles, with oil revenue heavily influencing public finances.

It is also classified as a lower-middle-income and an emerging market economy.

Q2. Where does Nigeria rank among Africa's largest economies?

Fourth as of 2026 — behind South Africa, Egypt and Algeria — though the IMF projects it will overtake Algeria into third place during 2026.

The 2025 GDP rebasing did NOT restore the top spot that Nigeria held before 2020; South Africa remains Africa's largest economy.

Q5. Which sector contributes the largest share of Nigeria's GDP?

Services — including ICT, trade and finance — is the biggest contributor, well ahead of agriculture and industry.

Oil is a small share of GDP (under 10%) but supplies most foreign exchange and a large slice of government revenue.

Q9. Where and when was crude oil first discovered in commercial quantity in Nigeria?

At Oloibiri, in present-day Bayelsa State, in 1956 by Shell-BP.

Commercial export began in 1958; Oloibiri is regarded as the birthplace of Nigeria's oil industry.

Q10. When did Nigeria join OPEC?

In 1971, becoming the organisation's 11th member.

OPEC (Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries) coordinates oil output among member states; its headquarters is in Vienna, Austria.

Q12. What replaced the old NNPC, and when?

NNPC Limited — the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited — a commercial entity that took over from the former corporation in 2022 under the Petroleum Industry Act.

It now operates as a limited-liability company expected to publish accounts and pay dividends.

Q15. Where is the Dangote Refinery located and what is its capacity?

In the Lekki Free Zone, Lagos State, with a designed capacity of 650,000 barrels per day.

Built by Aliko Dangote, it is the largest single-train refinery in the world.

Q21. What is Nigeria's currency, and who issues it?

The naira (₦), issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). The subunit is the kobo (100 kobo = ₦1).

Q22. Who is the current Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria?

Olayemi Cardoso, who took office in September 2023.

Q23. When did President Tinubu announce the removal of the fuel subsidy?

On 29 May 2023, during his inauguration speech — the "subsidy is gone" declaration.

It ended decades of subsidised petrol pricing and sharply raised pump prices.

Q24. What major foreign-exchange reform did Nigeria carry out in June 2023?

It unified the multiple exchange-rate windows and allowed the naira to float more freely, letting market forces set the rate.

The reform caused a large naira devaluation but aimed to attract investment and curb arbitrage.

Q25. What is the approximate naira-to-dollar exchange rate?

Around ₦1,380 per US$1 at the official window as of late June 2026 (the parallel-market rate sat near ₦1,400).

Highly volatile — always re-verify against the CBN's published rate before relying on it.

Q26. What is Nigeria's current inflation rate?

15.93% year-on-year in May 2026, per the NBS — down sharply from 26.06% a year earlier.

Food inflation, the largest basket component, ran higher at about 17.8%.

Q27. What is the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR), and what is it now?

The MPR is the benchmark interest rate the CBN sets to steer borrowing costs and inflation; it stood at 26.5% after the May 2026 MPC meeting.

The rate-setting Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meets several times a year.

Q29. What are Nigeria's foreign (external) reserves used for?

To defend the naira, settle import bills and meet external obligations; they hit a 17-year high of about US$51 billion in June 2026.

Reserves are built mainly from oil earnings, diaspora inflows and portfolio investment.

Q32. What is the size and name of Nigeria's 2026 budget?

The 2026 Appropriation Act totals ₦68.32 trillion, signed into law by President Tinubu in 2026.

Tinubu first presented a ₦58.18 trillion bill in December 2025, later raised by a supplementary request.

Q35. What was FIRS renamed, and under what reform?

The Federal Inland Revenue Service became the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) under the 2025 tax reform laws, effective January 2026.

Zacch Adedeji heads the new NRS.

Q41. What is Nigeria's current national minimum wage?

₦70,000 per month, signed into law in July 2024 (up from ₦30,000).

A fresh review is expected to begin around July 2026, as labour says ₦70,000 no longer matches the cost of living.

Q44. Why did Nigeria's reported unemployment rate fall sharply in 2023?

The NBS adopted a new ILO-aligned methodology that counts anyone working at least one hour a week (including informal work) as employed.

The change moved the headline rate into single digits, drawing debate about whether it reflects real conditions.

Q47. What was historically Nigeria's number-one agricultural export crop?

Cocoa — long the leading cash-crop export, grown mainly in the South-West (Ondo, Ogun, Osun, Cross River).

Nigeria remains among the world's top cocoa producers.

Q48. What were the "groundnut pyramids," and where were they found?

Large stacked bags of groundnuts awaiting export, a symbol of northern Nigeria's farm wealth in the 1950s–60s — most famously around Kano.

They collapsed as the oil boom drew attention away from agriculture.

Q51. Which state is nicknamed the "Food Basket of the Nation"?

Benue State, in North-Central Nigeria, a major producer of yams, rice, soybeans and citrus.

Q57. What is Nollywood, and why does it matter economically?

Nigeria's film industry — one of the world's largest by output — a major employer and a leading creative-economy export.

It anchors the "creative economy" portfolio alongside music and fashion.

Q61. What does AfCFTA stand for, and where is its secretariat?

The African Continental Free Trade Area; its secretariat is in Accra, Ghana.

It aims to create a single continental market for goods and services; Nigeria ratified it in 2020.

Q65. How important are diaspora remittances to Nigeria?

Very — Nigerians abroad send home tens of billions of dollars a year, one of the largest foreign-exchange inflows after oil.

The CBN has rolled out schemes to channel remittances through formal banking.

Q66. To which regional economic bloc does Nigeria belong, and where is its commission based?

ECOWAS — the Economic Community of West African States — with its commission headquartered in Abuja.

Q67. What is the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI)?

A measure that captures deprivation beyond income — in health, education and living standards. An NBS survey found roughly 133 million Nigerians (about 63%) multidimensionally poor.

It gives a fuller picture than the income-only poverty line.

Q1. Which body conducts the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME)?

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

JAMB also coordinates admissions into universities, polytechnics and colleges of education.

Q2. In what year was JAMB established?

1978.

Created by Decree No. 2 of 1978 to standardise entry into Nigerian tertiary institutions.

Q4. Who is the JAMB Registrar as of August 2026?

Professor Segun Aina.

Took office 1 August 2026, succeeding Professor Is-haq Oloyede (2016–2026). Appointed 21 May 2026, Aina — a Professor of Computer Engineering at Obafemi Awolowo University — is JAMB's youngest-ever Registrar.

Q6. What does WAEC stand for?

The West African Examinations Council.

A regional body serving five member countries: Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, The Gambia and Liberia.

Q8. Which examination does WAEC conduct for senior secondary school candidates?

The West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

Q9. What does NECO stand for?

The National Examinations Council.

Q15. What is the maximum obtainable score in the UTME?

400 marks.

Candidates sit four subjects scored 100 marks each.

Q16. How many subjects does a candidate take in the UTME?

Four subjects.

Use of English is compulsory; the other three depend on the intended course of study.

Q17. Which subject is compulsory for every UTME candidate?

Use of English.

Q18. In what mode is the UTME conducted today?

Computer-Based Test (CBT).

JAMB moved fully to CBT from 2015, replacing paper-and-pencil examinations.

Q19. What is the difference between UTME and Direct Entry admission?

UTME admits candidates into Year 1 via the matriculation examination; Direct Entry admits holders of A-Level, NCE, ND or equivalent qualifications, usually into Year 2.

Q20. What is Post-UTME?

A screening exercise institutions conduct after the UTME to further assess candidates before admission.

It may take the form of a test, a documents/credentials screening, or both.

Q21. What is a cut-off mark in the admission process?

The minimum UTME score a candidate needs to qualify for consideration into a programme or institution.

JAMB sets a national minimum benchmark; institutions then set their own higher departmental cut-offs.

Q23. Which body regulates universities in Nigeria?

The National Universities Commission (NUC).

It accredits programmes, approves new universities and sets minimum academic standards.

Q24. Which body regulates polytechnics and technical colleges?

The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).

Q25. Which body regulates colleges of education?

The National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE).

Q27. Which agency oversees Universal Basic Education?

The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).

It coordinates the free, compulsory basic education programme and disburses matching grants to states.

Q28. What does the 6-3-3-4 system of education mean?

Six years of primary, three of junior secondary, three of senior secondary and four of tertiary education.

Introduced under the National Policy on Education in the 1980s.

Q29. What is the 9-3-4 system of education?

Nine years of basic education (primary plus junior secondary), three of senior secondary and four of tertiary education.

It replaced 6-3-3-4 to align with the Universal Basic Education scheme, making the first nine years free and compulsory.

Q30. What does Universal Basic Education (UBE) guarantee?

Free and compulsory education for the first nine years — primary and junior secondary school.

Q32. What was the controversial age limit for tertiary admission introduced in 2024?

A minimum age of 16 for entry into Nigerian universities.

The policy drew strong public debate; the minimum age has been a recurring point of revision since.

Q33. Who is the Minister of Education as of June 2026?

Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa.

Appointed in October 2024; Suwaiba Said Ahmad serves as Minister of State for Education.

Q34. Which is the first university in Nigeria?

The University of Ibadan, established in 1948.

It began as University College, Ibadan, affiliated to the University of London.

Q35. Which is the first full-fledged indigenous university in Nigeria?

The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), founded in 1960.

It was the country's first autonomous university, not affiliated to a foreign institution.

Q36. Which were the first private universities licensed in Nigeria?

Igbinedion University (Okada), Babcock University and Madonna University, all approved in 1999.

Q37. Which is the oldest secondary school in Nigeria?

CMS Grammar School, Lagos, founded in 1859.

Q40. How many universities did the NUC recognise in Nigeria as of early 2026?

309 universities.

As of February 2026, after the NUC approved 33 new institutions (7 federal, 6 state, 20 private). Re-verify at each refresh.

Q43. What does TETFund stand for, and what does it do?

The Tertiary Education Trust Fund; it finances infrastructure, research and staff development in public tertiary institutions.

Funded mainly by a tertiary education tax on the profits of registered companies.

Q44. What is NELFUND?

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund, which provides interest-free student loans for tuition and upkeep.

Established under the 2024 student loan law; began full operations in May 2024.

Q46. What is ASUU, and what is it known for?

The Academic Staff Union of Universities, the union of academic staff in Nigeria's public universities, known for recurrent strikes over funding and welfare.

The 2022 strike lasted about eight months, one of the longest in the union's history.

Q50. What is the out-of-school children problem in Nigeria?

Nigeria has one of the world's highest numbers of out-of-school children, estimated in the millions, concentrated in the north.

Estimates vary widely by source and methodology; cite the figure with its source and year.

Q1. Who is the Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces?

The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, by virtue of the office.

Section 218(1) of the 1999 Constitution vests supreme command in the President. Currently Bola Ahmed Tinubu. No military officer supersedes this constitutional authority.

Q2. Which body coordinates the three services of the Nigerian Armed Forces?

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ), Abuja.

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) heads the DHQ and coordinates the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force without directly commanding any individual service — each service chief commands his own force.

Q3. What is the role of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS)?

The CDS is the highest-ranking military officer in Nigeria and the principal military adviser to the President; he chairs the Defence Council and coordinates the three armed services.

The CDS ranks above the three service chiefs (COAS, CNS, CAS) but does not hold operational command over them. He is the first point of contact between the military and the civilian Commander-in-Chief.

Q4. In what year was the Nigerian Air Force formally constituted?

1964.

The Nigerian Air Force was established in January 1964, making all three services of the modern Nigerian Armed Forces operational from 1964. The Army traces its lineage to the Royal West African Frontier Force (RWAFF) formed in 1900; the Navy was constituted in 1956.

Q5. What are the full titles of the three service chiefs of the Nigerian Armed Forces?

Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), and Chief of Air Staff (CAS).

Each service chief commands his branch, reports to the CDS and through him to the President. Appointment is by the President, subject to Senate confirmation.

Q6. Under which ministry do the Nigerian Armed Forces fall?

The Federal Ministry of Defence.

The Minister of Defence exercises civilian oversight over the military establishment. The Defence Headquarters provides professional military command. The two roles are constitutionally distinct.

Q7. What is the highest military rank in the Nigerian Army, and is it currently awarded?

Field Marshal — it is an honorary rank and has never been substantively awarded. The highest substantive attainable rank is General (4-star).

The equivalent honorary ranks in the other services are Admiral of the Fleet (Navy) and Marshal of the Air Force (Air Force). All three remain ceremonial in Nigeria.

Q8. What is Armed Forces Remembrance Day, and when is it observed?

15 January each year — a national day to honour Nigerian military personnel who fell in wars and peacekeeping operations.

The date marks the end of the Nigerian Civil War (15 January 1970). Wreath-laying ceremonies are held at the National Arcade, Abuja, led by the President, and at state capitals nationwide.

Q9. List the Nigerian Army commissioned officer ranks from highest to lowest.

General → Lieutenant General → Major General → Brigadier General → Colonel → Lieutenant Colonel → Major → Captain → Lieutenant → Second Lieutenant.

Above General sits the honorary Field Marshal. This sequence of ten ranks appears on virtually every Nigerian Army recruitment written test; memorise it in order.

Q10. What rank sits immediately above Brigadier General in the Nigerian Army?

Major General (2-star).

Star count: Brigadier General = 1 star; Major General = 2 stars; Lieutenant General = 3 stars; General = 4 stars. Field Marshal = 5 stars (honorary).

Q11. What rank sits immediately below Colonel in the Nigerian Army?

Lieutenant Colonel.

Q12. List the Nigerian Army non-commissioned officer and enlisted ranks from highest to lowest.

Warrant Officer → Staff Sergeant → Sergeant → Corporal → Lance Corporal → Private.

Some establishments include Master Warrant Officer above Warrant Officer. The core six-rank sequence is what recruitment tests examine.

Q13. What is the entry rank for a newly commissioned Nigerian Army officer?

Second Lieutenant.

NDA graduates and direct-entry officer cadets are commissioned as Second Lieutenants upon passing out parade. Promotion to Lieutenant typically follows two to three years of satisfactory service.

Q14. What is the entry rank for a Nigerian Army soldier upon enlistment?

Private.

Q15. Which rank sits immediately above Major in the Nigerian Army?

Lieutenant Colonel.

Q16. A Nigerian Army officer holds the rank of Major General. How many stars does he wear?

Two stars (2-star general).

The star system: BG = 1, MG = 2, LtGen = 3, Gen = 4. This is a frequent multiple-choice distractor — do not confuse with Brigadier General (one star).

Q17. What distinguishes a Warrant Officer from a Commissioned Officer in the Nigerian Army?

A Warrant Officer holds the highest non-commissioned rank — appointed by a warrant instrument, not a presidential commission. A Commissioned Officer holds a commission signed by the President and commands troops at officer level from Second Lieutenant upward.

Q18. Which Nigerian Army rank falls immediately below Captain?

Lieutenant (First Lieutenant), with Second Lieutenant being junior to Lieutenant.

The three junior officer ranks in ascending order: Second Lieutenant → Lieutenant → Captain. All are OF-1 and OF-2 equivalents respectively.

Q19. List the Nigerian Navy commissioned officer ranks from highest to lowest.

Admiral of the Fleet (honorary) → Admiral → Vice Admiral → Rear Admiral → Commodore → Captain → Commander → Lieutenant Commander → Lieutenant → Sub-Lieutenant → Midshipman.

The highest substantive attainable rank is Admiral (4-star). Admiral of the Fleet is honorary — the Navy equivalent of Field Marshal.

Q20. What is the Nigerian Navy equivalent of a Major General?

Rear Admiral.

Cross-service alignment: General = Admiral; Lieutenant General = Vice Admiral; Major General = Rear Admiral; Brigadier General = Commodore.

Q21. What Nigerian Navy rank is equivalent to the Army's Colonel?

Captain (Navy).

Key distinction: "Captain" in the Navy is a senior rank (equivalent to Colonel, OF-5), while "Captain" in the Army is a junior officer rank (equivalent to OF-2). Always note the service context in exam questions.

Q22. What Nigerian Navy rank is equivalent to the Army's Major?

Lieutenant Commander.

Q23. What is the most junior commissioned rank in the Nigerian Navy?

Midshipman.

NDA naval cadets hold this rank during training. Sub-Lieutenant is the first post-commission rank, awarded upon passing out.

Q24. List the Nigerian Navy enlisted (rating) ranks from highest to lowest.

Master Chief Petty Officer → Chief Petty Officer → Petty Officer → Leading Seaman → Able Seaman → Ordinary Seaman.

Q25. What Nigerian Navy rank is equivalent to the Army's Brigadier General?

Commodore.

Q26. List the Nigerian Air Force commissioned officer ranks from highest to lowest.

Marshal of the Air Force (honorary) → Air Chief Marshal → Air Marshal → Air Vice Marshal → Air Commodore → Group Captain → Wing Commander → Squadron Leader → Flight Lieutenant → Flying Officer → Pilot Officer.

The highest substantive attainable rank is Air Chief Marshal (4-star). Marshal of the Air Force is honorary. These ranks follow RAF tradition inherited at independence — eleven ranks in total.

Q27. What Nigerian Air Force rank is equivalent to the Army's Colonel?

Group Captain.

Q28. What Nigerian Air Force rank is equivalent to the Army's Major?

Squadron Leader.

Q29. What is the most junior commissioned rank in the Nigerian Air Force?

Pilot Officer.

NDA air force cadets are commissioned as Pilot Officers on graduation. The next rank up is Flying Officer.

Q30. What Nigerian Air Force rank is equivalent to the Army's Lieutenant General?

Air Marshal (3-star).

Four-rank general alignment: Air Chief Marshal = General; Air Marshal = Lt General; Air Vice Marshal = Major General; Air Commodore = Brigadier General.

Q31. List the Nigerian Air Force airmen (other ranks) from highest to lowest.

Warrant Officer → Flight Sergeant → Sergeant → Corporal → Lance Corporal → Aircraftman.

Q32. What Air Force rank is equivalent to the Navy's Commander and the Army's Lieutenant Colonel?

Wing Commander.

All three are OF-4 equivalents: Army = Lieutenant Colonel; Navy = Commander; Air Force = Wing Commander. This cross-service equivalence is a frequent exam question.

Q33. When was the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) established in its modern, unified form?

1930 — the colonial administration unified previously separate regional constabularies under a single national command by the Police Ordinance of 1930.

The earliest predecessor force was the Lagos Consular Guard (1861). The 1930 ordinance created the unified NPF as Nigeria knows it today.

Q34. What is the motto of the Nigeria Police Force?

"Police is Your Friend."

Q35. List all Nigeria Police Force ranks from highest to lowest.

Inspector-General of Police (IGP) → Deputy Inspector-General (DIG) → Assistant Inspector-General (AIG) → Commissioner of Police (CP) → Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) → Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) → Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) → Superintendent of Police (SP) → Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) → Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) → Inspector → Sergeant → Corporal → Constable.

Graduate direct entrants join as Cadet ASPs. The IGP is appointed by the President on the advice of the Nigeria Police Council and confirmed by the Senate. This 14-rank sequence is the single most tested item on NPF recruitment exams.

Q36. Which body appoints, promotes, and disciplines Nigeria Police officers?

The Police Service Commission (PSC), established under Section 153 of the 1999 Constitution.

The PSC handles all officers from Constable through Deputy Inspector-General. The IGP is appointed directly by the President. The PSC Chairman is appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate.

Q37. Where is the Nigeria Police Academy located, and what programme does it run?

Wudil, Kano State — it runs a 5-year undergraduate programme for cadet officers, awarding degrees and commissioning graduates as Cadet ASPs.

Established by the Nigeria Police Academy Act 2013. It is distinct from the Police Staff College Jos, which handles in-service training for mid-career officers.

Q38. How is the Nigeria Police Force geographically organised below national level?

Zonal Commands (headed by AIGs) → State Commands (Commissioners of Police) → Area Commands → Divisional Commands → Police Stations → Outposts.

Nigeria has 12 police zones. Each of the 36 states plus the FCT has its own State Command under a CP, giving 37 State Commands in total.

Q39. Which rank is immediately above Superintendent of Police in the NPF?

Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP).

Q40. Under what law is the Nigeria Police Force primarily governed?

The Police Act 2020, which repealed and replaced the earlier Police Act (Cap P19 LFN 2004).

The 2020 Act modernised police powers, introduced accountability mechanisms, and codified the IGP's statutory role. A separate law governs the PSC; the Armed Forces are governed by the Armed Forces Act (Cap A20 LFN 2004).

Q41. What does NSCDC stand for, and what is its mandate?

Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps — it protects critical national infrastructure, prevents crimes against government assets, and supports disaster and emergency management.

Established by the NSCDC Act 2003 (amended 2007). Headed by a Commandant-General. Motto: "To Serve and Protect." Officers wear khaki uniforms; the corps has its own rank structure parallel to the police.

Q42. What is the mandate of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS)?

Border control, issuance of travel documents (passports, visas, and residence permits), regulation of the entry and departure of persons, and enforcement of immigration laws.

Established under the Immigration Act 1963. Headed by a Comptroller-General of Immigration, under the Ministry of Interior. Entry rank for enlisted officers is Immigration Assistant.

Q43. What is the mandate of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS)?

Collection of import and export duties at borders, ports, and airports; prevention of smuggling; enforcement of trade and excise regulations.

Governed by the Customs and Excise Management Act (Cap C45 LFN 2004). Headed by a Comptroller-General of Customs. Motto: "Keeping the Nation Safe and Prosperous." Under the Ministry of Finance.

Q44. What is the Nigerian Correctional Service, and when was it renamed?

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) — formerly the Nigeria Prisons Service — was renamed by the Nigerian Correctional Service Act 2019, reflecting a shift in focus from punishment to rehabilitation.

Headed by a Controller-General of Corrections. Operates under the Ministry of Interior. Manages custodial centres, Borstal institutions, and non-custodial programmes such as community service.

Q45. When was the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) established, and who is credited with founding it?

1988 — established by Federal Road Safety Commission Decree No. 45 of 1988; Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka is credited as the founding visionary who led the advocacy campaign that created it.

The FRSC enforces road traffic laws, reduces accidents, and rescues crash victims. Headed by a Corps Marshal. Under the Ministry of Transportation.

Q46. What does NDLEA stand for, and what is its mandate?

National Drug Law Enforcement Agency — it detects, investigates, and prosecutes drug trafficking, manufacture, and substance abuse offences.

Established by Decree No. 48 of 1989. The NDLEA Amendment Act 2022 expanded its powers to include asset forfeiture and heavier penalties for large-scale trafficking. Headed by a Chairman/Chief Executive.

Q47. Which title is used for the head of each of the following: FRSC, NIS, NCS, NSCDC, NCoS?

FRSC — Corps Marshal; NIS — Comptroller-General of Immigration; NCS — Comptroller-General of Customs; NSCDC — Commandant-General; NCoS — Controller-General of Corrections.

A classic exam trick: only the FRSC uses "Corps Marshal." NIS and NCS use "Comptroller-General," NSCDC uses "Commandant-General," and NCoS uses "Controller-General." Distinguish carefully.

Q48. Under which ministry do the NIS, NCS, and NCoS each fall?

NIS and NCoS fall under the Ministry of Interior; NCS falls under the Ministry of Finance.

The FRSC falls under the Ministry of Transportation; NSCDC falls under the Ministry of Interior. Knowing the supervising ministry is tested in government/public-service recruitment papers.

Q49. What are Nigeria's three principal intelligence agencies?

The Department of State Services (DSS/SSS) for internal security; the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) for external intelligence; the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) for military intelligence.

All three operate under the broad supervision of the National Security Adviser (NSA). Each is headed by a Director-General appointed by the President. The NSS Act 1986 established their predecessor structures.

Q50. What is the primary role of the Department of State Services (DSS)?

Domestic counter-intelligence, counter-terrorism, counter-espionage, VIP protection, and internal security operations within Nigeria.

Also known as the SSS. Operates under the President via the NSA. Its DG is a presidential appointee confirmed by the Senate. Headquarters: Abuja. It does not operate abroad — that mandate belongs to the NIA.

Q51. What is the primary role of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA)?

Collection, analysis, and dissemination of foreign intelligence to protect Nigeria's national interests abroad — the equivalent of the CIA (USA) or MI6 (UK).

The NIA operates exclusively outside Nigeria's borders. The DSS handles internal matters; the DIA handles military/defence intelligence. Conflating these three is a common exam error.

Q52. What is the role of the National Security Adviser (NSA)?

The NSA coordinates all national security agencies, advises the President on security policy, and chairs National Security Council sessions. He directly supervises the DSS, NIA, and DIA.

The NSA is not a cabinet minister but holds equivalent rank. Currently Nuhu Ribadu (appointed June 2023). The office is created by executive fiat, not a dedicated enabling law, and derives authority from the President.

Q53. What is the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) and where is it located?

The NDA is Nigeria's premier tri-service military university, located in Kaduna; it trains and commissions officers into the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

Founded in 1964. Became a degree-awarding institution in 1985 under a federal charter. Cadets complete a 5-year programme and are commissioned on passing-out parade. Motto: "Per Ardua Ad Astra."

Q54. What is the motto of the Nigerian Defence Academy?

"Per Ardua Ad Astra" — Latin for "Through Hardship to the Stars."

Shared with the Royal Air Force (UK), reflecting Nigeria's colonial military heritage. The motto reflects the demanding nature of cadet training across all three services.

Q55. In what year did the NDA begin awarding university degrees?

1985.

Before 1985, graduates received diplomas only. The 1985 charter upgraded the NDA to a full degree-awarding institution, enabling cadets to earn B.Sc., B.Eng., or B.A. degrees alongside their military commission.

Q56. What is the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC) and where is it located?

The AFCSC at Jaji, Kaduna State, is the highest military educational institution in Nigeria; it trains senior officers at Colonel level and above for higher command and staff duties.

Graduates earn the psc (passed staff college) post-nominal. The College also admits officers from other African and Commonwealth nations. Completion is typically required for promotion to Brigadier General and equivalent.

Q57. In what year did Nigeria first participate in UN peacekeeping operations, and where?

1960 — Nigerian troops deployed to the Congo as part of the United Nations Operation in the Congo (ONUC), shortly after Nigeria's independence on 1 October 1960.

Nigeria is one of the largest historical troop contributors to UN peacekeeping worldwide, having served in Congo, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Darfur, Lebanon, and many other theatres.

Q58. What is ECOMOG, and what was Nigeria's role in it?

ECOMOG is the ECOWAS Monitoring Group — a multilateral peacekeeping and intervention force of the Economic Community of West African States. Nigeria was the principal contributor of troops, logistics, and funding.

Nigeria led ECOMOG interventions in Liberia (1990–1998) and Sierra Leone (1997–2000). The Sierra Leone mission restored the elected government of President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah after the RUF/AFRC coup. These operations cemented Nigeria's role as a regional security anchor.

Q59. What law governs the Nigerian Armed Forces?

The Armed Forces Act (Cap A20, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004), which covers the establishment, discipline, command, and administration of the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

Individual service regulations (Army Act, Naval Act, Air Force Act) derive from this parent legislation. The Police Act 2020 governs the NPF separately.

Q60. Which law established the NDLEA, and what key amendment expanded its powers?

Decree No. 48 of 1989 established the NDLEA; the NDLEA Amendment Act 2022 significantly expanded its powers to include asset forfeiture, civil forfeiture proceedings, and heavier penalties for large-scale drug trafficking.

The 2022 amendment was a landmark reform — it enabled the NDLEA to pursue drug kingpins through their assets even without a criminal conviction, making it one of the strongest anti-narcotics mandates in West Africa.

Q1. How many times has Nigeria won the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON)?

Three times — 1980, 1994 and 2013.

Nigeria hosted and won the 1980 edition in Lagos; the 1994 title came in Tunisia and the 2013 title in South Africa under Stephen Keshi.

Q4. Who coached Nigeria to the 2013 AFCON title?

Stephen Keshi.

Keshi became only the second man to win the AFCON as both player (1994) and coach (2013), after Egypt's Mahmoud El-Gohary.

Q6. What was Nigeria's result at the 2023 AFCON (played in early 2024)?

Runner-up — Nigeria lost the final 2-1 to hosts Côte d'Ivoire.

The tournament was held in Côte d'Ivoire in January and February 2024 because of weather scheduling; William Troost-Ekong scored Nigeria's goal in the final.

Q7. Where was the 2025 AFCON held and when?

In Morocco, from December 2025 into January 2026.

The final was played on 18 January 2026 in Rabat.

Q8. How did Nigeria finish at the 2025 AFCON?

Third place (bronze). Nigeria beat Egypt in the third-place play-off after losing the semi-final to hosts Morocco.

The semi-final ended 0-0, with Morocco winning 4-2 on penalties.

Q9. Who was declared the winner of the 2025 AFCON?

Morocco. Senegal won the final 1-0 on the pitch, but CAF's appeal board later overturned the result and awarded Morocco a 3-0 default win.

Senegal's players briefly walked off in protest at a late penalty and were ruled to have forfeited the final; CAF announced the reversal in March 2026, and Senegal said it would appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. (Status as of June 2026.)

Q11. In what year did Nigeria first qualify for the FIFA World Cup?

1994, in the United States.

Nigeria topped its group ahead of Argentina before losing 2-1 to Italy in the round of 16 after extra time.

Q12. How many times has Nigeria appeared at the FIFA World Cup?

Six times — 1994, 1998, 2002, 2010, 2014 and 2018.

Q14. Who scored Nigeria's first goal at a FIFA World Cup?

Rashidi Yekini, against Bulgaria at USA 1994.

His celebration, gripping the net and shouting, is one of the most iconic images in Nigerian football.

Q15. Did Nigeria qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

No. Nigeria lost the CAF play-off final to DR Congo on penalties in November 2025.

Nigeria beat Gabon 4-1 in the play-off semi-final, then drew 1-1 with DR Congo after extra time before losing 4-3 in the shoot-out, missing a second straight World Cup. (Verified June 2026.)

Q17. At which Olympics did Nigeria win gold in men's football?

Atlanta 1996.

Nigeria became the first African nation to win Olympic football gold, beating Argentina 3-2 in the final.

Q21. Which Nigerian midfielder was nicknamed "Jay-Jay" and famed for his dribbling?

Augustine "Jay-Jay" Okocha.

He starred at PSG, Bolton and Fenerbahçe and captained the Super Eagles; the saying "so good they named him twice" became his trademark.

Q26. Who won the 2023 CAF Men's Player of the Year award?

Victor Osimhen.

He had just fired Napoli to the Italian Serie A title, becoming the first Nigerian to win the award since the 1990s era and the first back-to-back Nigerian run when Lookman followed him.

Q27. Who won the 2024 CAF Men's Player of the Year award?

Ademola Lookman.

The Atalanta forward scored a hat-trick in the 2024 UEFA Europa League final; he and Osimhen gave Nigeria back-to-back winners (2023 and 2024). (Verified June 2026.)

Q28. How many times have the Super Falcons won the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON)?

A record 10 times.

Nigeria's 10th title came at WAFCON 2024 (staged in mid-2025), a 3-2 comeback win over hosts Morocco. (Verified June 2026.)

Q32. Which Nigerian striker has won the CAF Women's Player of the Year a record number of times?

Asisat Oshoala, a six-time winner, most recently in 2023.

She has starred for Barcelona and the Super Falcons; the 2024 award went to Zambia's Barbra Banda.

Q35. Who won Nigeria's first individual Olympic gold medal?

Chioma Ajunwa, in the women's long jump at Atlanta 1996.

She was the first Nigerian and the first Black African woman to win Olympic gold in a field event, leaping 7.12m.

Q36. Who holds the world record in the women's 100m hurdles?

Nigeria's Tobi Amusan, with 12.12 seconds.

She set the mark in the semi-final at the 2022 World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon, then won the final to become world champion. The record still stands. (Verified June 2026.)

Q41. Which British-Nigerian boxer became a two-time unified world heavyweight champion?

Anthony Joshua.

Of Nigerian (Ogun State) descent, he won Olympic super-heavyweight gold for Great Britain at London 2012 before turning professional.

Q44. Which Nigerian-American is a basketball Hall of Famer and former NBA champion with the Houston Rockets?

Hakeem "The Dream" Olajuwon.

Born in Lagos, he won back-to-back NBA titles (1994, 1995) and is the league's all-time leader in blocked shots.

Q48. What is the name of Nigeria's national stadium in Abuja?

The Moshood Abiola National Stadium (MKO Abiola National Stadium).

It was renamed in 2019 in honour of MKO Abiola, presumed winner of the annulled 1993 presidential election.

Q53. What is Nigeria's U-17 men's football team called, and what is it famous for?

The Golden Eaglets — record winners of the FIFA U-17 World Cup (five titles).

Nigeria first won the competition in 1985 in China, becoming the first nation to lift the trophy.

Q60. Which two Nigerians have won the CAF Men's Player of the Year in consecutive years most recently?

Victor Osimhen (2023) and Ademola Lookman (2024).

It echoed an earlier Nigerian double of Nwankwo Kanu (1996) and Victor Ikpeba (1997). (Verified June 2026.)

Q1. What does ECOWAS stand for?

Economic Community of West African States.

Q2. When was ECOWAS founded?

28 May 1975, through the Treaty of Lagos.

Fifteen West African heads of state signed the founding treaty in Lagos, Nigeria.

Q3. Where is the ECOWAS headquarters located?

Abuja, Nigeria.

The ECOWAS Commission sits in Abuja; the Community Court of Justice and ECOWAS Parliament are also based there.

Q4. Which two leaders are credited with championing the formation of ECOWAS?

General Yakubu Gowon of Nigeria and President Gnassingbé Eyadéma of Togo.

Their joint diplomacy across West Africa secured the treaty's signing in 1975.

Q5. How many member states does ECOWAS currently have?

Twelve (12), as of June 2026.

Down from 15 after Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso withdrew; their exit took effect 29 January 2025.

Q6. Which three countries left ECOWAS, and what bloc did they form?

Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso — they formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).

The three military-led governments announced their exit in January 2024; withdrawal became effective 29 January 2025.

Q8. Who is the President of the ECOWAS Commission as of June 2026?

Dr Omar Alieu Touray of The Gambia.

In office since 3 July 2022; his four-year tenure ends in July 2026, with a successor to be named at the July 2026 summit.

Q11. When was the African Union (AU) formed?

2002, in Durban, South Africa.

It replaced the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) as the continent's premier body.

Q12. Which organisation did the AU succeed?

The Organisation of African Unity (OAU).

Q13. When was the OAU founded?

25 May 1963, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The date is commemorated every year as Africa Day.

Q14. What is celebrated on 25 May each year?

Africa Day, marking the founding of the OAU in 1963.

Q15. Where is the headquarters of the African Union?

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Q16. Who is the Chairperson of the African Union Commission as of June 2026?

Mahmoud Ali Youssouf of Djibouti.

Elected 15 February 2025 at the 38th AU Summit; he succeeded Moussa Faki Mahamat of Chad for a four-year term.

Q21. When did Nigeria join the United Nations?

7 October 1960, days after gaining independence.

Nigeria became the 99th member of the UN.

Q22. Where is the headquarters of the United Nations?

New York City, United States.

Q23. How many permanent members does the UN Security Council have?

Five (5): China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Nigeria is not a permanent member but has repeatedly served as a non-permanent member.

Q27. Who is the current Secretary-General of the United Nations?

António Guterres of Portugal, as of June 2026.

He has led the UN since 1 January 2017.

Q29. What does OPEC stand for?

Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries.

Q30. When did Nigeria join OPEC?

1971.

Nigeria joined as oil became the mainstay of its economy.

Q31. Where is the headquarters of OPEC?

Vienna, Austria.

The cartel moved its secretariat from Geneva to Vienna in 1965.

Q35. When did Nigeria become a member of the Commonwealth?

1960, on gaining independence from Britain.

Q36. Why was Nigeria suspended from the Commonwealth in 1995?

Over the execution of Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight other Ogoni activists under General Sani Abacha.

The hangings drew global condemnation; Nigeria was suspended at the 1995 Auckland summit.

Q37. When was Nigeria readmitted to the Commonwealth?

1999, after the return to civilian rule under President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Q41. What does AfCFTA stand for?

African Continental Free Trade Area.

Q42. Where is the AfCFTA Secretariat located?

Accra, Ghana.

The secretariat coordinates Africa's single market for goods and services.

Q43. Who is the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO)?

Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala of Nigeria, as of June 2026.

She first took office on 1 March 2021 — the first woman and first African to lead the WTO — and was reappointed for a second term running to 31 August 2029.

Q45. Who is the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB) as of June 2026?

Dr Sidi Ould Tah of Mauritania.

He assumed office on 1 September 2025 as the bank's 9th president, succeeding Nigeria's Akinwumi Adesina, who served two terms (2015–2025).

Q47. What is BRICS, and what is Nigeria's status in it?

BRICS is a bloc of major emerging economies (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa and others); Nigeria became a partner country on 17 January 2025.

Partner status allows participation in BRICS sessions and documents but stops short of full membership.

Q1. When did Nigeria establish its national honours system?

1963, the year Nigeria became a Republic.

Created under the National Honours Act; honours are conferred by the President, usually on Independence Day (1 October).

Q2. What is Nigeria's highest national honour?

Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR).

Reserved by convention for the President (sitting or former). Examples: every elected President from Shagari to Tinubu holds it.

Q9. Who was the first African to win the Nobel Prize in Literature?

Wole Soyinka, in 1986.

Playwright, poet and essayist; major works include "Death and the King's Horseman" and the memoir "Aké". He remains the only Nigerian literature laureate.

Q10. Who wrote "Things Fall Apart", and when was it published?

Chinua Achebe, published in 1958.

The most widely read African novel; it has sold over 20 million copies in 50+ languages. Achebe is often called the "father of African literature".

Q12. Who is the Director-General of the World Trade Organization, and what record does she hold?

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala — the first woman and first African to lead the WTO.

A former Nigerian Finance Minister (twice) and ex-Managing Director of the World Bank; she took office in March 2021.

Q15. Which acclaimed author wrote "Half of a Yellow Sun" and "Americanah"?

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.

"Half of a Yellow Sun", set during the Biafran war, won the Orange Prize (now Women's Prize for Fiction) in 2007. Her TED talks "The Danger of a Single Story" and "We Should All Be Feminists" are globally cited.

Q16. Who was the first Nigerian to win a Grammy Award for a full album?

Burna Boy, who won Best Global Music Album in 2021 for "Twice as Tall".

The category was renamed from Best World Music Album. Burna Boy (Damini Ogulu) is a leading global Afrobeats act.

Q18. Who became the first Nigerian woman to win a Grammy?

Tems, in 2023.

She won Best Melodic Rap Performance as a featured writer/vocalist on Future's "Wait for U". She won a second Grammy in 2025 for "Love Me JeJe" (Best African Music Performance).

Q21. Did any Nigerian win a Grammy at the 2026 ceremony?

No — nominees including Burna Boy, Wizkid, Davido, Ayra Starr and Omah Lay lost their categories; Best African Music Performance went again to Tyla.

Verified June 2026. Nigerian acts remain perennial nominees as Afrobeats globalises.

Q23. Who is the richest person in Africa?

Aliko Dangote, founder of the Dangote Group.

Verified June 2026: Forbes still ranks him Africa's wealthiest, with a fortune around the low-$30-billions, lifted by the Dangote Refinery in Lekki, plus cement and sugar.

Q30. By output, where does Nigeria's film industry rank globally?

Nollywood is among the world's largest by number of films produced — frequently cited as second only to India's, ahead of Hollywood in volume.

It releases roughly a thousand titles a year and is a major employer and cultural export.

Q33. Which genre of music, pioneered in Nigeria, has become a leading African global export?

Afrobeats (distinct from Fela's older "Afrobeat").

Driven by Wizkid, Burna Boy, Davido, Rema and others; now a staple on global charts and festival stages.

Q34. Which Nigerian song by Rema became a record-breaking global Afrobeats hit?

"Calm Down", especially the remix with Selena Gomez.

It became one of the longest-charting African songs on the US Billboard Hot 100 and topped charts worldwide.

Q39. Tyla, who has repeatedly beaten Nigerian acts at the Grammys, is from which country?

South Africa — not Nigeria.

A common exam trap: she sings amapiano-pop, a South African sound, and won Best African Music Performance in 2024 and 2026.

Q44. At which Olympics did Nigeria's "Dream Team" win football gold, and who won the first individual Olympic gold for Nigeria?

Atlanta 1996 — and Chioma Ajunwa won Nigeria's first individual Olympic gold (long jump) at the same Games.

Two landmark golds in one Olympics. (Full sports detail in Section 11.)

Q45. Who pioneered the Afrobeat music genre and used it as a tool of political protest?

Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.

Fusing jazz, funk and Yoruba rhythms, he attacked military misrule in songs like "Zombie"; his Kalakuta Republic was raided by soldiers in 1977.

Q46. Who was Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti?

A pioneering women's-rights activist and the first Nigerian woman to drive a car.

She led the Abeokuta Women's Union against unfair taxation and was mother to Fela Kuti. A towering figure in Nigeria's anti-colonial and feminist history.

Q48. Who was the first African woman to publish a novel in English?

Flora Nwapa, with "Efuru" (1966).

Often called the mother of modern African women's writing; she later founded her own publishing house.

Q50. Which institution and year mark Nigeria's first university?

The University of Ibadan, founded in 1948 (initially a college of the University of London).

It became a full, independent university in 1962 — Nigeria's premier university.

Q51. What was Nigeria's first newspaper, and who founded it?

"Iwe Irohin", established in 1859 by Reverend Henry Townsend in Abeokuta.

Printed in Yoruba and later English; it pioneered the Nigerian press.

Q52. Who was Nigeria's first President (1963–1966)?

Nnamdi Azikiwe ("Zik of Africa").

A ceremonial President under the parliamentary system; he had earlier been the first indigenous Governor-General (1960–1963). (See Section 4 for heads of state.)

Q53. Who was Nigeria's first and only Prime Minister?

Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa (1960–1966).

Head of government under the parliamentary First Republic; killed in the January 1966 coup.

Q55. Who was Nigeria's first female Chief Justice?

Aloma Mariam Mukhtar, who served as CJN from 2012 to 2014.

The first woman to head the Supreme Court; Kudirat Kekere-Ekun later became the second female CJN.

Q56. Which station was the first television station in Africa, and when did it launch?

Western Nigeria Television (WNTV), Ibadan, in 1959.

It beat the rest of the continent to broadcast television, a point of national pride.

Q57. Has Nigeria ever sent an astronaut to space?

No. Despite a long-running internet hoax about a "stranded Nigerian astronaut", no Nigerian has flown to space.

Nigeria does operate satellites (the NigeriaSat and NigComSat programmes) through its space agency, NASRDA — but no human spaceflight.

Q1. What replaced "Arise, O Compatriots" as Nigeria's national anthem in 2024?

"Nigeria, We Hail Thee" — the colonial-era anthem restored under the National Anthem Act 2024.

President Bola Tinubu signed the Act on 29 May 2024 (his first anniversary in office), and it took effect immediately.

Q2. What did the Supreme Court rule about local government funding in July 2024?

It granted financial autonomy to the 774 local government areas, ordering that federal allocations go directly to LGAs instead of through state governments.

Delivered on 11 July 2024; the court barred governors from withholding or controlling council funds.

Q5. What happened in Rivers State in March 2025?

Tinubu declared a state of emergency and suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy and the State Assembly for six months, appointing retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as sole administrator.

The declaration was made on 18 March 2025, following a protracted political feud with Nyesom Wike's camp.

Q6. When was Governor Fubara reinstated in Rivers State?

On 18 September 2025, when Tinubu lifted the state of emergency and Fubara, his deputy and the Assembly resumed office.

Q8. Which party did the opposition coalition adopt in 2025 as its platform for the 2027 elections?

The African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Unveiled in Abuja on 2 July 2025; Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi and others joined, with David Mark as interim national chairman.

Q9. Who became INEC chairman in October 2025?

Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN), succeeding Mahmood Yakubu.

Sworn in on 23 October 2025 after Senate confirmation.

Q10. Which sitting governors defected from the PDP to the APC during 2025?

Delta's Sheriff Oborevwori, Akwa Ibom's Umo Eno, Enugu's Peter Mbah, Bayelsa's Douye Diri and Rivers' Siminalayi Fubara.

The wave ran from April 2025 through late 2025, beginning with Oborevwori in April.

Q14. When did President Tinubu sign the Electoral Act 2026 into law?

On 18 February 2026, repealing the Electoral Act 2022.

The new law sets the legal framework for the 2027 general elections.

Q15. What date did INEC fix for Nigeria's 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections?

Saturday, 16 January 2027, with governorship and State House of Assembly elections on Saturday, 6 February 2027.

INEC brought the dates forward in a revised timetable issued on 27 February 2026 to comply with the Electoral Act 2026.

Q19. Who won the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primary for the 2027 election?

President Bola Tinubu, who polled 10,999,162 votes in a nationwide direct primary.

He defeated his only challenger, Stanley Osifo, and was declared winner on 24 May 2026.

Q20. Who won the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential primary for the 2027 election?

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, with 1,846,370 votes.

Rotimi Amaechi came second with 504,117; Atiku was declared winner on 27 May 2026.

Q22. Which party affirmed Peter Obi as its presidential candidate for the 2027 election?

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

The NDC affirmed him at the end of May 2026.

Q24. What national minimum wage did Tinubu sign into law in July 2024?

₦70,000 per month, up from ₦30,000.

Signed on 29 July 2024 and backdated to take effect from May 2024; it remained the national minimum wage as of October 2026, with labour unions pressing for a review.

Q37. Who became Chief of Defence Staff in the October 2025 service-chief reshuffle?

General Olufemi Oluyede, previously Chief of Army Staff, replacing Christopher Musa.

Tinubu replaced all the service chiefs at once on 24 October 2025.

Q39. Who became acting Inspector-General of Police in early 2026?

Olatunji Disu, after Kayode Egbetokun left office.

Named acting IGP in late February 2026 and confirmed substantive in March 2026.

Q41. How many pupils were abducted in the Kuriga, Kaduna school kidnapping of March 2024?

About 287 pupils were seized in one of the largest mass school abductions.

The attack occurred on 7 March 2024; the children were released after about two weeks.

Q42. What major school abduction took place in Niger State in November 2025?

315 people — students and teachers — were kidnapped from St Mary's School, Papiri.

The mass abduction on 21 November 2025 prompted Tinubu to cancel foreign trips; the captives were freed in staged releases by late December.

Q46. How did Nigeria fare in the AFCON 2023 final played in February 2024?

The Super Eagles finished runners-up, losing 2–1 to hosts Côte d'Ivoire.

The final was played on 11 February 2024 in Abidjan; William Troost-Ekong scored for Nigeria.

Q47. Where did Nigeria finish at AFCON 2025?

Third place, winning the bronze-medal match against Egypt on penalties.

AFCON 2025 was held in Morocco from December 2025 into January 2026; Nigeria beat Egypt in the third-place playoff on 17 January 2026.

Q48. Did Nigeria qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

No. The Super Eagles lost the CAF play-off final to DR Congo on penalties.

The play-off defeat came in November 2025; it was Nigeria's second straight missed World Cup.

Q49. How many medals did Nigeria win at the Paris 2024 Olympics?

Zero — Nigeria's first medal-less Games since London 2012.

The Paris Games ran from July to August 2024.

Q50. Who won the 2024 CAF African Footballer of the Year award?

Ademola Lookman of Nigeria and Atalanta.

Announced in Marrakech on 16 December 2024.

Q51. What did Nigeria's Super Falcons achieve at WAFCON in 2025?

They won a record-extending 10th women's AFCON title, beating hosts Morocco 3–2 after trailing 0–2.

The final, for the "WAFCON 2024" edition, was played on 26 July 2025 in Rabat.

Q54. How many medals did Nigeria win at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games?

24 medals (10 gold, 7 silver and 7 bronze), the best haul of any African nation.

The Games were held in July and August 2026.

Q64. Who succeeded Is-haq Oloyede as Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB)?

Professor Segun Aina, a professor of computer engineering at Obafemi Awolowo University.

He took office on 1 August 2026 as JAMB's youngest Registrar.

Q69. When did Nigeria's student loan scheme (NELFUND) open for applications?

On 24 May 2024, when the Nigerian Education Loan Fund portal went live nationwide.

First disbursements began in August 2024; by 2026 it had reached over a million students.

Q70. What technical failure marred the JAMB 2025 UTME?

A processing error caused nearly 380,000 candidates to receive abnormally low scores.

The May 2025 glitch traced to mishandled results at 157 centres, mostly in Lagos and the South-East.

Q71. How did JAMB respond to the 2025 UTME error?

Then-Registrar Is-haq Oloyede publicly apologised, taking responsibility, and a free re-sit was ordered for affected candidates.

Oloyede broke down in tears at a 14 May 2025 briefing; the re-sit ran 16–18 May 2025.

Q72. Which former Nigerian president died in July 2025?

Muhammadu Buhari, aged 82, who died in a London clinic.

He died on 13 July 2025 and was buried in Daura, Katsina State, two days later.

Q80. Who is Nigeria's National Security Adviser (NSA)?

Nuhu Ribadu, a former EFCC chairman.

Appointed on 19 June 2023, replacing Babagana Monguno; in office as of October 2026.

Q82. Who is the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF)?

Senator George Akume.

He has held the post since 2023, when he succeeded Boss Mustapha; in office as of October 2026.