Colonialism and the Rise of Nationalism in Nigeria

What Was Colonialism?

Colonialism was the policy of a foreign power (in Nigeria's case, Britain) taking political control over another territory, exploiting its resources and governing its people, from the late 1800s until independence in 1960.

British Rule in Nigeria

Britain administered Nigeria through indirect rule, governing through existing traditional rulers (emirs, obas, chiefs) under British supervision, especially in the North.

Effects of Colonialism

• Introduction of Western education and Christianity.
• Development of railways, roads and ports (mainly to export raw materials).
• Loss of political independence and exploitation of resources.
• Amalgamation of the Northern and Southern Protectorates in 1914 to form Nigeria.

Rise of Nationalism

Nationalism is the desire of a people to govern themselves. Educated Nigerians formed political movements and parties (e.g. NCNC, Action Group, NPC) to demand self-rule.

Key Nationalist Leaders

Figures such as Herbert Macaulay, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo and Ahmadu Bello led the struggle that culminated in Nigeria's independence on 1 October 1960.