National Conference 2014 Report August 2014

1.1 BACKGROUND

1.1.1 The Federal Republic Nigeria with a population of approximately 170 million, located in West Africa, has 36 States, 774 Local Government Areas and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The country has had a history of national dialogue that has impacted on its constitutional and political development. In different phases of the 100 years of Nigeria as a nation from the amalgamation of the Northern and Southern Protectorates on January 1, 1914 to the convocation of a National Conference in March 2014, the nature, character and prospects of national conferences have been turning points in the history of the country. Each phase has had a defining moment as a result of the issues, demands, struggles and movements peculiar to it.