It is no longer a matter of how or why Nigeria is called the giant of Africa? Rather, it is a matter of what and what are the strengths of Nigeria that keep the nation so string above all others.
Nigeria’s economy is the largest in Africa, the 31st-largest in the world by nominal GDP, and 26th-largest by PPP. Nigeria is often referred to as the Giant of Africa owing to its large population and economy and is considered to be an emerging market by the World Bank.
There have been several debates and arguments about why Nigeria is called the giant of Africa. Some people are of the opinion that Nigeria is only a giant in words and not in deeds.
Others believe that the country has out shined other countries in Africa in several areas and deserves the title. Below are verified facts that confirm Nigeria deserves and has earned the title of Africa’s foremost country.
Why Nigeria is Called the Giant of Africa?
Nigerians are likewise considered the most travelled and exposed people in Africa. It is believed that Nigerians are present in every country in the world. Little wonder, you don’t have to ask the question of why Nigeria is called the GIANT of Africa before you know what the answers will be. Below are few points you may need to check through to find the truths about Nigeria:
Population
Nigeria is the most populous country in the African continent and the most populated black race in the world. The country has a staggering population of over 180 million people. Nigeria is also the 8th most populous in the world — after China, India, USA, Indonesia, Brazil, Pakistan, and Russia. The country also has one of the largest populations of youth in the world.
Economy and Industry
Although Bloomberg announced in August 2016 that South Africa has overtaken Nigeria as Africa’s biggest economy, recent reports from IMF confirms that Nigeria has reclaimed the foremost position in October in spite of the current economic recession in the country. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Nigeria’s GDP stood around $415.08 billion in October while South Africa at $280.36 billion sparking discussions of the nation standing firm against the storm.
It is also the first country in the continent to have an indigenous automobile manufacturing industry (Innoson)
Education
Nigeria also has Africa’s largest university educated population of approximately 35 million which happens to be the only leading figure in the whole of African continent currently.
IT, Technology and Innovation
Technology-wise, Nigeria is the first African country to launch a satellite into space. Nigeria equally leads in Africa in terms of the number of internet users. As at 30-June-2016, the country had a staggering number of 97,210,000 internet users. In the second position was Egypt with 34,800,000.
Military and War Assistance
In terms of military strength, Nigeria possesses one of the top 3 most powerful military forces in Africa. Nigeria has often assumed leadership roles in Africa , playing a “fatherly” role in the continent’s politics, providing economic support and peacekeeping assistance when and where necessary.
