23 September 2010 Last updated at 11:29 ET

Fifty years of Nigeria in graphics

Nigeria is Africa's leading oil producer, but the nation's fortunes remain vulnerable to volatility on the commodities markets. Despite huge windfalls from oil, notably during the 1970s oil price spike, the majority of Nigeria's 150 million people still live in poverty.

Although better provision of healthcare has substantially improved life expectancy and reduced infant mortality rates, Nigeria remains one of the worst performing countries in the world on these measures.