Nigeria Vocab

National Assembly

Nigeria's legislative body composed of the Senate (upper house) and the House of Representatives (lower house).

Supreme Court of Nigeria

The highest court in Nigeria, making final decisions on legal matters.

National Judicial Council

Oversees the judiciary, recommending judges and ensuring the independence of the courts.

INEC

Independent National Electoral Commission responsible for organizing and conducting fair elections in Nigeria.

Boko Haram

A militant group in northeastern Nigeria that opposes Western education and influences.

People’s Democratic Party (PDP)

One of Nigeria's major political parties, which was in power from 1999 to 2015.

All Progressives Congress (APC)

Another major political party in Nigeria that came to power in 2015.

MOSOP

Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People, advocating for rights and environmental protection in the Niger Delta.

MEND

Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, a militant group seeking greater autonomy and fair distribution of oil wealth.

Rentier State

A state that relies heavily on income from natural resources, like oil, exemplified by Nigeria.

Prebendalism

A system where public offices are used for personal gain and power.

The Fourth Republic of Nigeria

Began in 1999, marking Nigeria's return to democratic rule.

Igbo

An ethnic group in southeastern Nigeria.

Hausa-Fulani

An ethnic group in northern Nigeria.

Yoruba

An ethnic group in southwestern Nigeria.

IMF

International Monetary Fund that provides financial help and advice to countries facing economic problems.

Structural Adjustment Program

An economic plan to stabilize a country's economy, often imposed by the IMF.

NNPC

Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, the state-owned oil company managing Nigeria's oil and gas resources.

NSIP

National Social Investment Programmes including social welfare programs aimed at reducing poverty.

NHIS

National Health Insurance Scheme providing affordable healthcare in Nigeria.

Sunni Islam

The largest branch of Islam, widely practiced in northern Nigeria.

Protestant

A branch of Christianity practiced in southern Nigeria.

Biafra Secessionist Movement

Seeks independence for the Igbo people from Nigeria.

OPEC

Organization of oil-producing countries that coordinates oil production and sales.

Nollywood

Nigeria's film industry, one of the largest in the world.

State Quota System in Nigeria

Ensures representation from all states in federal appointments and education.

Entrepreneurship

Involves starting and running a business, often with innovation and risk.

ECOWAS

A regional economic community promoting economic integration among West African countries.

NEPAD

African Union program aiming to promote economic growth and development across Africa.

Runoff Election

A second round of voting when no candidate wins a majority in the first round.

First Past the Post System

An electoral system where the candidate with the most votes wins the seat.

Brain Drain

The emigration of highly skilled individuals from one country to another.

Referendum

A direct vote by citizens on a specific issue.

Parastatals

State-owned enterprises operating in various sectors.

Sharia Law

Islamic law applied in some northern Nigerian states.

Single Member Plurality District

An electoral district where one representative is elected using the first past the post system.

Tariff

A tax on imported goods to protect domestic industries and generate revenue.

Deficit

Occurs when government spending exceeds revenue.

Revenue

The income generated by a government through taxes, fees, and other sources.

Immigration

The movement of people into a country to settle.

Migration

The broader term for moving from one place to another, whether within or between countries.

Difference between Government & Regime Change

Government Change replaces one set of leaders or party; Regime Change is a fundamental transformation of the political system.