Overview

A former British colony, Nigeria became independent in October 1960.  The Federal Republic of Nigeria, which comprises 36 states and one territory, is a multiparty democracy with a president as both head of state and head of government.  The country's bicameral legislature consists of 109 senators (three from each state and one from Abuja) and 360 representatives, all of whom are elected by universal suffrage for four-year terms.  The Federal Executive Council is chaired by the...