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• Nigeria: Current Issues and U.S. Policy [Updated September 18, 2020]

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  From the Overview: "Nigeria is Africa's most populous country, largest economy, and leading oil producer. Successive U.S. Administrations have described the U.S.-Nigeria relationship as among the most important in sub-Saharan Africa: the country is the United States' second-largest trading partner and third-largest destination for U.S. foreign direct investment in the region, and it routinely ranks among the top annual recipients of U.S. foreign aid globally. Nigeria plays a major political and economic role in Africa and wields influence regionally. Nigerians make up the largest African-born population in the United States, generating billions of dollars in annual remittance outflows."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Husted, Tomas F.; Blanchard, Lauren Ploch

  2020-09-18
• Nigeria: Current Issues and U.S. Policy [Updated February 1, 2019]

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  "Successive Administrations have described the U.S. relationship with Nigeria, Africa's largest producer of oil and its largest economy, to be among the most important on the continent. The country is Africa's most populous, with more than 200 million people, roughly evenly divided between Muslims and Christians. Nigeria, which transitioned from military to civilian rule in 1999, ranked for years among the top suppliers of U.S. oil imports, and it is a major recipient of U.S. foreign aid. The country is the United States' second-largest trading partner in Africa and the third-largest beneficiary of U.S. foreign direct investment on the continent. Nigerians comprise the largest African diaspora group in the United States. [...] U.S.-Nigeria relations under the Trump Administration appear generally consistent with U.S. policy under the Obama Administration. Both Administrations have supported reform initiatives in Nigeria, including anticorruption efforts, economic and electoral reforms, energy sector privatization, and programs to promote peace and development. Congress oversees more than $500 million in U.S. foreign aid programs in Nigeria and regularly monitors political developments; some Members have expressed concern with corruption, human rights abuses, and violent extremism in Nigeria."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Blanchard, Lauren Ploch; Husted, Tomas F.

  2019-02-01
• Nigeria: Current Issues and U.S. Policy [March 11, 2016]

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  "The U.S. government considers its relationship with Nigeria, Africa's largest producer of oil and its largest economy, to be among the most important on the continent. The country is Africa's most populous, with more than 180 million people, roughly evenly divided between Muslims and Christians. Nigeria, which transitioned from military to civilian rule in 1999, ranked until recently among the top suppliers of U.S. oil imports, and is a major recipient of U.S. foreign aid. It is an influential actor in African politics and a major troop contributor to U.N. peacekeeping missions. [...] The Obama Administration has been supportive of reform initiatives in Nigeria, including anti-corruption efforts, economic and electoral reforms, energy sector privatization, and programs to promote peace and development in the Niger Delta. In 2010, the Administration established the U.S.-Nigeria Binational Commission, a strategic dialogue to address issues of mutual concern. Congress regularly monitors Nigerian political developments, and some Members have expressed concern with corruption, human rights abuses, and the threat of violent extremism in Nigeria. Congress oversees more than $600 million in U.S. foreign aid programs in Nigeria-one of the largest U.S. bilateral assistance packages in Africa."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Husted, Tomas F.; Blanchard, Lauren Ploch

  2016-03-11
• Nigeria: Current Issues and U.S. Policy [November 15, 2013]

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  "The U.S. government considers its relationship with Nigeria, Africa's largest producer of oil and its second largest economy, to be among the most important on the continent. Nigeria is Africa's most populous country, with more than 170 million people, roughly divided between Muslims and Christians. U.S. diplomatic relations with Nigeria, which is regularly among the top six suppliers of U.S. oil imports, have improved since the country made the transition from military to civilian rule in 1999, and Nigeria is a major recipient of U.S. foreign aid. The country is an influential actor in African politics, having mediated disputes in several African countries and ranking among the top five troop contributors to U.N. peacekeeping missions. Nigeria is a country of significant promise, but it also faces serious social, economic, and security challenges that have the potential to threaten the stability of both the state and the region, and to affect global oil prices. The country has faced intermittent political turmoil and economic crises since independence. Political life has been scarred by conflict along ethnic, geographic, and religious lines, and corruption and misrule have undermined the authority and legitimacy of the state. Despite its extensive oil and natural gas resources, Nigeria's human development indicators are among the world's lowest, and a majority of the population suffers from extreme poverty. Years of social unrest, criminality, and corruption in the oil-producing Niger Delta have hindered oil production and impeded the southern region's economic development. Perceived neglect and economic marginalization have also fueled resentment in the predominately Muslim north. Thousands have been killed in periodic ethno-religious clashes in the past decade."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Blanchard, Lauren Ploch

  2013-11-15
• Nigeria: Current Issues and U.S. Policy [April 24, 2013]

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  "The U.S. government considers its relationship with Nigeria, Africa's largest producer of oil and its second largest economy, to be among the most important on the continent. Nigeria is Africa's most populous country, with more than 170 million people, roughly divided between Muslims and Christians. U.S. diplomatic relations with Nigeria, which is regularly among the top six suppliers of U.S. oil imports, have improved since the country made the transition from military to civilian rule in 1999, and Nigeria is a major recipient of U.S. foreign aid. The country is an influential actor in African politics, having mediated disputes in several African countries and ranking among the top five troop contributors to U.N. peacekeeping missions. Nigeria is a country of significant promise, but it also faces serious social, economic, and security challenges that have the potential to threaten the stability of both the state and the region, and to affect global oil prices. The country has faced intermittent political turmoil and economic crises since independence. Political life has been scarred by conflict along ethnic, geographic, and religious lines, and corruption and misrule have undermined the authority and legitimacy of the state. Despite its extensive oil and natural gas resources, Nigeria's human development indicators are among the world's lowest, and a majority of the population suffers from extreme poverty. Years of social unrest, criminality, and corruption in the oil-producing Niger Delta have hindered oil production and impeded the southern region's economic development. Perceived neglect and economic marginalization have also fueled resentment in the predominately Muslim north. Thousands have been killed in periodic ethno-religious clashes in the past decade."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Blanchard, Lauren Ploch

  2013-04-24
• Nigeria: Current Issues and U.S. Policy [July 18, 2012]

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  "The U.S. government considers its strategic relationship with Nigeria, Africa's largest producer of oil and its second largest economy, to be among the most important on continent. Nigeria is Africa's most populous country, with more than 170 million people, roughly divided between Muslims and Christians. U.S. diplomatic relations with Nigeria, which is among the top five suppliers of U.S. oil imports, have improved since the country made the transition from military to civilian rule in 1999, and Nigeria is a major recipient of U.S. foreign aid. The country is an influential actor in African politics, having mediated disputes in several African countries and ranking among the top five troop contributors to U.N. peacekeeping missions. […] Inter-communal conflicts are common in parts of Nigeria. Thousands have been killed in periodic ethno-religious clashes in the past decade. The attempted terrorist attack on an American airliner by a Nigerian in December 2009 and the resurgence of a militant Islamist group, Boko Haram, have also heightened concerns about extremist recruitment in Nigeria, which has one of the world's largest Muslim populations. […] The Obama Administration has been supportive of Nigeria's recent reform initiatives, including anti-corruption efforts, economic and electoral reforms, energy sector privatization, and programs to promote peace and development in the Niger Delta. In 2010, the Administration established the U.S.-Nigeria Binational Commission, a strategic dialogue to address issues of mutual concern. Congress regularly monitors Nigerian political developments and has expressed concerns with corruption, human rights abuses, and environmental damage in the Delta, as well as with the threat of violent extremism in Nigeria."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Blanchard, Lauren Ploch

  2012-07-18
• Nigeria: Elections and Issues for Congress [January 19, 2012]

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  "Nigeria, Africa's largest producer of oil and its largest democracy, is one of the U.S. government's key strategic partners on the continent. It is Africa's most populous country, with over 155 million people, roughly half Muslim and half Christian, and its second-largest economy. Diplomatic relations with Nigeria, which is among the top five oil exporters to the United States, are strong, and the country is a major recipient of U.S. foreign assistance. After 16 years of military rule, Nigeria made the transition to civilian governance in 1999, and emerged as a powerful actor in African politics. Nigeria's government has mediated disputes in several African countries, and the country ranks fourth among troop contributors to U.N. peacekeeping missions. […] The Obama Administration has been supportive of Nigeria's recent reform initiatives, including anti-corruption efforts, economic and electoral reforms, energy sector privatization, and programs to promote peace and development in the Niger Delta. In 2010, the Administration established the U.S.-Nigeria Binational Commission, a strategic dialogue to address issues of mutual concern. Congress regularly monitors Nigerian political developments and has expressed concerns with corruption and human rights abuses. Congress provides oversight for over $600 million in U.S. foreign assistance programs in Nigeria--one of the largest U.S. assistance packages in Africa."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Blanchard, Lauren Ploch

  2012-01-19
• Nigeria: Elections and Issues for Congress [May 17, 2011]

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  "Nigeria, Africa's largest producer of oil and its largest democracy, is one of the U.S. government's key strategic partners on the continent. It is Africa's most populous country, with over 150 million people, roughly half Muslim and half Christian, and its second-largest economy. Diplomatic relations with Nigeria, which is regularly the fourth- or fifth-largest oil exporter to the United States, are strong, and the country is a major recipient of U.S. foreign assistance. After 16 years of military rule, Nigeria made the transition to civilian governance in 1999, and the country emerged as a powerful actor in African politics. The government has mediated disputes in several African countries, and the country ranks fourth among troop contributors to U.N. peacekeeping missions. [...] The Obama Administration has been supportive of Nigeria's recent reform initiatives, including anti-corruption efforts, economic and electoral reforms, energy sector privatization, and programs to promote peace and development in the Niger Delta. In 2010, the Administration established a U.S.-Nigeria Binational Commission, a strategic dialogue to address these and other issues of mutual concern. Congress regularly monitors political developments in Nigeria and has expressed concerns with corruption and human rights abuses. Congress also provides oversight for over $600 million in U.S. foreign assistance programs in the country."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Blanchard, Lauren Ploch

  2011-05-17
• Nigeria: Elections and Issues for Congress [April 1, 2011]

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  "Nigeria, Africa's largest producer of oil and its largest democracy, is one of the U.S. government's key strategic partners on the continent. It is Africa's most populous country, with over 150 million people, roughly half Muslim and half Christian, and its second-largest economy. Diplomatic relations with Nigeria, which is regularly the fourth- or fifth-largest oil exporter to the United States, are strong, and the country is a major recipient of U.S. foreign assistance. After 16 years of military rule, Nigeria made the transition to civilian governance in 1999, and the country subsequently emerged as a powerful actor in African politics. The government has helped to resolve political disputes in several African countries, and the country ranks fourth among troop contributors to U.N. peacekeeping missions around the world. Nigeria faces serious social and economic challenges, however, that some analysts contend threaten both the stability of the state and the region, and which may affect global oil markets. The country today is relatively stable, but it has faced intermittent political turmoil and economic crises since gaining independence in 1960. Political life has been scarred by conflict along ethnic, religious, and geographic lines, and misrule has undermined the authority and legitimacy of the state. Nigeria's oil and natural gas revenues are estimated at over $60 billion per year, but its human development indicators are among the world's lowest, and a majority of the population suffers from extreme poverty."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Blanchard, Lauren Ploch

  2011-04-01
• Nigeria [June 4, 2010]

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  "Nigeria, the most populous African nation with an estimated 149 million people, is one of the United States government's key strategic partners on the continent. It is Africa's largest producer of oil and is regularly the fifth largest oil exporter to the United States. By some estimates, Nigeria could rank among the world's top five exporters of oil within a few years, although social unrest and corruption in the country's Niger Delta region have posed significant challenges to oil production. As Africa's second largest economy, Nigeria's stability and prosperity affect not only those in the market for Nigerian oil, but the entire region. The country has faced intermittent political turmoil and economic crisis since gaining independence in 1960. […] In 2007, Nigerians witnessed the country's first civilian transfer of power with the election of a new president, Umaru Yar'Adua. Nigeria continues to face serious social and economic challenges. Although Nigeria's oil and natural gas revenues are estimated at over $50 billion per year, its human development indicators are among the world's lowest, and a majority of the population suffer from extreme poverty. […] Nigeria's most recent general elections, which the U.S. State Department called 'deeply flawed,' were held in April 2007. […] His Vice President, Goodluck Jonathan, who had served as acting president since February, was subsequently sworn in as head of state. He has pledged to uphold President Yar'Adua's reform agenda and to prioritize anticorruption efforts, peace and development in the Niger Delta, and electoral reform in preparation for the upcoming 2011 elections. The Obama Administration has expressed support for these initiatives, and in April established a U.S.-Nigeria Binational Commission, a strategic dialogue to address issues of mutual concern."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Blanchard, Lauren Ploch

  2010-06-04
• Nigeria [February 12, 2010]

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  "Nigeria, the most populous African nation with an estimated 149 million people, is one of the United States government's key strategic partners on the continent. It is Africa's largest producer of oil and is regularly the fifth largest oil exporter to the United States. By some estimates, Nigeria could rank among the world's top five exporters of oil within a few years, although social unrest and corruption in the country's Niger Delta region have posed significant challenges to oil production. […] As Africa's second largest economy, Nigeria's stability and prosperity affect not only those in the market for Nigerian oil, but the entire region. […] Nigeria's most recent general elections, which the U.S. State Department called 'deeply flawed,' were held in April 2007. Ruling party candidate Umaru Yar'Adua was announced the winner of the presidential contest with over 70% of the vote according to official returns. Domestic and international election observers reported widespread fraud, intimidation, and violence and the results of several gubernatorial, parliamentary, and local races were later annulled by election tribunals. The two largest opposition presidential candidates rejected the results and called for new polls, but the country's Supreme Court upheld Yar'Adua's victory. Despite the election controversy, President Yar'Adua's pledges of reform were welcomed by many Nigerians; however, questions regarding his health and the pace of reform increased during his tenure. His Vice President, Goodluck Jonathan, was named Acting President in February 2010, more than two months after the President was hospitalized in Saudi Arabia in November 2009 for a heart condition."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Blanchard, Lauren Ploch

  2010-02-12
• Nigeria: Current Issues [January 30, 2008]

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  "Nigeria, the most populous nation in Africa, with an estimated 135 million people, has faced intermittent political turmoil and economic crisis since gaining independence in October 1960. Nigerian political life has been scarred by conflict along both ethnic and geographic lines and misrule has undermined the authority and legitimacy of the state apparatus. After 16 years of military rule, Nigeria made a transition to civilian governance in 1999, when Olusegun Obasanjo, a former general, was elected president. Efforts to allow Obasanjo to stand for a third term were defeated in 2006. In May 2007, Obasanjo transferred power to a new administration, marking the country's first transfer of power from one civilian government to another. Nigeria faces serious social and economic challenges. Although Nigeria's oil and natural gas revenues are estimated at over $40 billion per year, its human development indicators are among the world's lowest, and a majority of the population suffer from extreme poverty. Nigeria remains relatively stable, although ethnic and religious clashes in parts of the country are common. Thousands have been killed and many more wounded in periodic religious clashes. […] Nigeria's most recent general elections were held in April 2007. The U.S. State Department called the elections 'deeply flawed.' Ruling party candidate Umaru Yar'Adua was announced as the winner of the presidential contest with over 70% of the vote, according to official returns. Domestic and international election observers reported widespread fraud, intimidation and violence. The two primary opposition presidential candidates have rejected the elections and called for new polls. The results of several gubernatorial races have been annulled by election tribunals, and judicial rulings on a number of other electoral complaints are pending. Despite controversy surrounding his election, though, public opinion toward President Yar'Adua appears increasingly positive. This report will be updated as the situation warrants."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Blanchard, Lauren Ploch

  2008-01-30
• Nigeria: Current Issues [December 11, 2007]

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  "Nigeria, the most populous nation in Africa, with an estimated 135 million people, has faced intermittent political turmoil and economic crisis since gaining independence in October 1960. After 16 years of military rule, Nigeria made a transition to civilian governance in 1999, when Olusegun Obasanjo, a former general, was elected president. Efforts to allow Obasanjo to stand for a third term were defeated in 2006. In May 2007, Obasanjo transferred power to a new administration, marking the country's first transfer of power from one civilian government to another. Nigeria faces serious social and economic challenges. Although Nigeria's oil and natural gas revenues are estimated at over $40 billion per year, its human development indicators are among the world's lowest, and a majority of the population suffer from extreme poverty. Nigeria also played an important role in facilitating negotiations between the government of Sudan and the Darfur rebels. Nigerian troops have played a vital role in peacekeeping operations in Sierra Leone and Liberia, and are currently in Cote d'Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia and Sudan. Nigeria is one of the United States' key strategic partners in Africa. The country is Africa's largest producer of oil, and is America's fifth largest oil provider. According to some estimates, Nigeria could replace Norway as the world's third largest exporter of oil by 2010. As the continent's second largest economy, Nigeria's stability and prosperity affect not only those in the market for Nigerian oil, but the entire region."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Blanchard, Lauren Ploch

  2007-12-11
• Nigeria: Current Issues [June 18, 2007]

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  "Nigeria, the most populous nation in Africa, with an estimated 132 million people, has faced intermittent political turmoil and economic crisis since gaining independence in October 1960. Nigerian political life has been scarred by conflict along both ethnic and geographic lines and misrule has undermined the authority and legitimacy of the state apparatus, but many Nigerians feel a significant degree of national pride and belief in Nigeria as a state. After 16 years of military rule, Nigeria made a transition to civilian governance in 1999, when Olusegun Obasanjo, a former general, was elected president. Efforts to allow Obasanjo to stand for a third term were defeated in 2006. In May 2007, Obasanjo transferred power to a new administration, marking the country's first transfer of power from one civilian government to another. […] The U.S. State Department has called the elections 'deeply flawed.' Ruling party candidate Umaru Yar'Adua was announced as the winner of the presidential contest with over 70% of the vote, according to official returns. Some reports suggest that over 200 people were killed in election-related violence, and domestic and international election observers reported widespread fraud, intimidation and violence. The two primary opposition presidential candidates have rejected the elections and have called for new polls. Judicial rulings on a number of electoral complaints are pending. A credible and peaceful electoral process is seen as critical to the future of both the country and the region. This report will be updated as the situation warrants."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Blanchard, Lauren Ploch

  2007-06-18
• Nigeria: Current Issues [April 12, 2007]

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  "Nigeria, the most populous nation in Africa, with an estimated 132 million people, has faced intermittent political turmoil and economic crisis since gaining independence in October 1960. Nigerian political life has been scarred by conflict along both ethnic and geographic lines and misrule has undermined the authority and legitimacy of the state apparatus, but many Nigerians feel a significant degree of national pride and belief in Nigeria as a state. After 16 years of military rule, Nigeria made a transition to civilian governance in 1999, when Olusegun Obasanjo, a former general, was elected president. In May 2007, after two terms in office, Obasanjo is scheduled to transfer power to a new administration. […] Nigeria's next general elections are scheduled for April 14 and 21, 2007. They are significant because if successfully held, they will mark the country's first transfer of power from one civilian government to another. Efforts to allow Obasanjo to stand for a third term were defeated in 2006. Some analysts suggest that the threat of domestic regional tensions triggering wider civil unrest or controversies surrounding the elections themselves could lead to an electoral delay. Credible and peaceful elections are critical to the future of both the country and the region. This report will be updated as the situation warrants."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Blanchard, Lauren Ploch

  2007-04-12