around which the norms and imperatives of good governance are being established. Nonetheless, and inevitably, the task of nation building and reconstruction, as well as mobilising the national psyche towards unity and development, still poses a formidable challenge for Nigeria. 61. Years of being profiled in enclaves on the basis of ethnicity or religion by the political leadership at federal and state level in the political and economic sector have taken their toll on the Nigerian nation-building and unification project. As political practice became increasingly exclusionary and repressive, separatist and identitarian tussles and agitations arose among Nigeria’s constituent ethnic groups, with lasting repercussions on the political, cultural and socioeconomic scene. The tendency to exploit these socially mobilising factors at the expense of the development of a national agenda has affected the ability of the sanctioning mechanisms and corrective institutions that have been established to ensure effective government. Several efforts have been made by the various governments of the day to combat the manifestations of impunity and indiscipline, with varying degrees of success. Nonetheless, and increasingly, Nigerian governments have employed several measures and interventions to repair the past harms done and to infuse a sense of optimism and invincibility, especially in the last decade. 62. This chapter offers a synopsis of the current issues that are pertinent to the development and progress of Nigeria, from pre-colonial times to present-day Nigeria. It outlines the salient features that single Nigeria out as a unique African state. Social background 42 63. Located in the Gulf of Guinea on the west coast of Africa, Nigeria covers an area of 923,768 square kilometres. It is flanked to the west by the Republic of Benin, to the north by the republics of Niger and Chad, and to the east by the Republic of Cameroon. 64. A national census undertaken in 2006 estimates the country’s population at 140,003,542, making it Africa’s most populous nation. Constituting about half of West Africa’s population, Nigeria is one of the most ethnically and linguistically diverse societies in the world. Nigeria has about 250 ethnic groups and approximately 400 languages and dialects. Hausa-Fulani, Igbo and Yoruba are more dominant and widely spoken, while the official language is English. 65. Nigeria is also religiously diverse. Nigerians subscribe to one or more of the main religious groups, namely Christianity, Islam and African Traditional Religion (ATR). The major ‘imported’ religions – Christianity and Islam – are dominant mainly in the southern and northern parts of Nigeria respectively. Islam has become a major social force for many of its adherents. 66. Administratively, Nigeria has 36 states grouped into six geopolitical zones and 774 local government areas. In addition, there is the Federal Capital