This text provides an account of the dynamic interplay between the political and economic forces that have shaped government priorities and strategies in Africa's most populous country. The author examines efforts to build a stronger federal centre, to develop national policies, to counter uneven development, and to reduce conflicts that have arisen from ethnic, regional, class and religious differences. A final section analyzes the evolution of economic policy and performance, looking specifically at agrarian policy, the programme of economic liberalization, and the impact of oil revenues.