For the month of August we look at the African powerhouse that is Nigeria.
Nigeria is a country located in West Africa, bordered by Niger to the north, Chad to the northeast, Cameroon to the east, and Benin to the west. It is the most populous country in Africa and the seventh-most populous country in the world, with over 200 million people (223 Million in 2023). Nigeria's population growth is set to overtake China in 2100 to become the world's second most populous country. With the median age of 17.2 years compared to the median age of 44.4 for the EU's population, it is easy to see that the future Nigeria's population lays in its youth.
The capital city of Nigeria is Abuja, while Lagos is its largest city and the economic hub it is also its chief port. Nigeria is rich in cultural diversity, with over 250 ethnic groups and languages spoken across the country. The major ethnic groups include the Hausa-Fulani, Yoruba, and Igbo, but there are numerous other smaller groups as well.
Nigeria has a diverse landscape, ranging from coastal plains in the south to savannah and plateaus in the central regions and arid regions in the north. The Niger River, one of Africa's principal rivers, flows through the country, giving it its name.
The country gained independence from British colonial rule on October 1, 1960, becoming a federal republic. However, Nigeria has faced various challenges since independence, including political instability, corruption, poverty, and ethnic and religious tensions.
Nigeria's economy is one of the largest in Africa, primarily driven by its abundant natural resources, including oil and gas. It is a member of OPEC (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries) and heavily relies on oil exports. Apart from oil, Nigeria also has significant reserves of natural gas, minerals, and agricultural resources, though economic diversification remains a crucial goal for the country's sustainable development.
English is the official language, inherited from British colonial rule, and serves as the lingua franca, bridging communication among the diverse ethnic groups.
Nigeria has a vibrant cultural scene with music, dance, and literature playing a significant role in its cultural expression. Nollywood, Nigeria's film industry, is one of the largest in the world in terms of film production. With over 2,500 films each year, Nollywood is only surpassed in size by Bollywood as the biggest global film industry.
SON Nigeria's Standards Organisation. Is the statutory body responsible for setting and enforcing standards for products, processes, and services in Nigeria. Established by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria Act No. 56 of 1971, SON operates under the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment.
The primary objective of SON is to ensure that goods produced in Nigeria or imported into the country meet specified quality and safety standards. This helps to protect consumers from substandard products, promote fair trade practices, and enhance the competitiveness of Nigerian goods in both local and international markets.
SON turned 50 in 2022 making one of Africa's oldest standards organizations.