Nigeria

coup d’état

→ When the military or a group suddenly takes over the government by force.

democratization

→ The process of moving toward a democratic system where people vote and have a say.

dual mandate

→ When a colonial power ruled a territory mainly to benefit itself and claimed it was helping the local people.

Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)

→ A group of West African countries that work together on trade, peace, and politics.

Federal Executive Council (FEC)

→ Nigeria’s top group of ministers who help the president run the country.

federal character

→ A rule meant to make sure different regions and ethnic groups are represented fairly in government jobs.

federalism (in Nigeria)

→ A system where power is shared between the national government and state governments.

Hausa-Fulani

→ One of Nigeria’s largest ethnic groups, mainly in the north.

Igbo

→ A major ethnic group in southeastern Nigeria.

import substitution

→ A policy where a country tries to make goods itself instead of importing them.

Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)

→ The group that organizes and oversees elections in Nigeria.

International Monetary Fund (International Monetary Fund)

→ An international organization that lends money to countries and advises them on their economies.

middle belt

→ A region in central Nigeria where northern and southern cultures overlap.

military rule

→ When the country is governed by the military instead of elected leaders.

Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation)

→ The government-owned company that controls Nigeria’s oil and gas.

parastatal

→ A government-owned or government-controlled organization or company.

patron-client politics (prebendalism)

→ A system where leaders give jobs or money to supporters in exchange for loyalty.

People’s Democratic Party (People’s Democratic Party)

→ One of Nigeria’s major political parties.

Supreme Military Council (SMC)

→ The top decision-making group during periods of military rule.

World Bank (World Bank)

→ An international organization that gives loans and support to help countries develop.

Yoruba

→ One of Nigeria’s largest ethnic groups, mainly in the southwest.

kleptocracy

→ A government where leaders steal public money for themselves.