article_snippet: Nigeria is home to about 173 million people and is considered a powerhouse in the region.
article_snippet: Nigeria is also one of Africa's largest oil producers and is a major supplier of crude oil to the United States.
article_snippet: Nigeria hosts many international oil companies and workers.
article_snippet: Nigeria overtook South Africa as the region's largest economy last year.
article_snippet: As many as 70% of Nigerians live below the poverty line and survive on less than a dollar a day, according to the CIA World Factbook.
article_snippet: Nigeria is under economic pressure because of falling crude oil prices worldwide and a weakened currency.
article_snippet: During campaigns, President Goodluck Jonathan talked about growing up without shoes,  a message that resonated with average Nigerians.