Nigeria is Africa’s most populous nation and perhaps
also its most poorly understood. It has endured six
successful and numerous failed military coups, a civil
war that cost well over a million lives, three
inconclusive transitions to democracy and recurrent
factional violence. Despite more than $400 billion in
oil revenue since the early 1970s, the economy underperforms,
and the great majority of citizens have
benefited little. More effective institution-building is
imperative.
