By Naeemah Abdulrahman Busari, JSS1
Nigeria’s journey to independence is a significant part of its history, marked by a series of events and movements that eventually led to its freedom from British colonial rule. Here’s an overview of the key milestones:
Early Colonial Period
1861: The British annexed Lagos, starting the formal colonial rule in Nigeria.
1900: The British government took control over the Royal Niger Company’s territories, forming the Southern Nigeria Protectorate and the Northern Nigeria Protectorate.
Amalgamation
1914: The British merged the Southern and Northern Protectorates to form the Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria, primarily for administrative convenience and to unify their colonial rule.
Rise of Nationalism
1920s-1940s: Nigerian nationalism began to grow, with political parties and movements emerging. Key figures such as Herbert Macaulay, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo, and Ahmadu Bello played pivotal roles in advocating for self-governance.
1946: The Richard’s Constitution was introduced, providing limited self-governance and a legislative council with Nigerian representatives.
Path to Self-governance
1951: The Macpherson Constitution allowed for greater regional autonomy and introduced a federal system.
1954: The Lyttleton Constitution further decentralised power, making Nigeria a federation of regions with more autonomy.
Move towards Independence
1957: The Eastern and Western Regions attained self-governance. The Northern Region followed in 1959.
1959: Nationwide elections were held, leading to the formation of a coalition government headed by Prime Minister Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa.
Independence Achieved
October 1, 1960: Nigeria gained full independence from British rule, with Nnamdi Azikiwe becoming the Governor General and the Queen remaining the head of state.
1963: Nigeria became a republic within the Commonwealth, with Nnamdi Azikiwe as the first President and Tafawa Balewa continuing as Prime Minister.
Nigeria’s independence was achieved through a blend of political negotiation, nationalist movements, and constitutional reforms, setting the stage for its emergence as a sovereign nation.
Naeemah is of I-Scholars International Academy, Gwarinpa, Abuja.
