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Despite its vast government revenue from the mining of petroleum, Nigeria is beset by a number of societal problems due primarily to a history of inept governance. Some of these problems are listed below. |
Nigeria is widely associated with international 419 scams or advance fee fraud, a fraudulent scheme to extract money from victims after making them believe they will gain an immense fortune. As an example, one of these scams would start out as saying "The former president of (a country or organization) just died and his wife needs a way of wiring money into an American bank for her use...She will give 10% of the funds to you for using YOUR bank account specifically as long as you give her $5,000 up front so she knows you are trust worthy..." Many of them are complimenting of the person reading the message and use phrases such as "your keen business sensibilities", "we heard you are a trustworthy business partner", and more. People still frequently fall for scams such as this. The origin of the 419 scam is currently debated, but the term "419" is based on the section it is written under in Nigerian law (section 419). Many critics believe that the scam slowly began in Nigeria, possibly developing from earlier forms of fraud practiced by Nigerian petroleum companies, criminal gangs, and government agencies in the 1970s or 1980s. The modern 419 scam well predated the widespread use of e-mail, and earlier variants were often sent via fax or even Telex. In recent years the 419ers as they are also known, have come to use the internet as a major tool for their scam, whereas before letters or phone calls were used. The failure of the Federal Government to exercise effective law enforcement has led to the emergence of numerous popular vigilante groups. Some, such as the Bakassi Boys in southeastern Nigeria, enjoy the open endorsement of state governments. |
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While the HIV/AIDS rate in Nigeria is much lower compared to the other African nations, because of its large population, Nigeria has a much higher percentage of total HIV/AIDS patients worldwide as it currently the third highest in the world. Nigeria, like many developing countries, also suffers from a Polio crises as well as periodic outbreaks of Cholera, Malaria, and Sleeping Sickness. As of 2004, there has been a vaccination drive spearheaded by the W.H.O to combat Polio and Malaria that was met with controversy in some regions |
Due to its multitude of diverse, sometimes competing ethno-linguistic groups, Nigeria has been beset since prior to independence with sectarian tensions and violence. This is particularly true in the oil-producing Niger Delta region, where both state and civilian forces employ varying methods of coercion in attempts gain control over regional petroleum resources. The civilian population, and especially certain ethnic groups like the Ogoni, has experienced severe environmental degradation due to petroleum extraction. However, when these groups have attempted to protest these injustices, they have been met with repressive measures by Nigerian government and military forces. As a result, strife and deterioration in this region continues as of 2006. There are also significant tensions on a national scale, especially between the primarily Islamic, highly conservative northern population and the more liberal Christianized and indigenous groups who reside in the south. Extant animosity between major social groupings was exacerbated during the colonial era, as the British utilized divide and rule tactics to subdue and facilitate governance over a diverse and agitated population. Following the victory of the Nigerian state in the Nigerian Civil War during the 1960s, when the largely Igbo southeast attempted to secede and form the independent nation of Biafra. |
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Courtesy of the oil boom years of the 1970s, tertiary education was expanded to reach every sub region of Nigeria. The Federal Government and the State Governments were previously the only bodies licensed to operate universities in Nigeria. Recently, licenses have also been granted to individuals, corporate bodies and religious bodies to establish private universities in Nigeria. The National Universities Commission (NUC) is the major accreditation body that enforces uniform standard and sets admissions capacity of every university in Nigeria. |
Nigeria Information: Inside
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