Thus, Britain did not just "rule" Nigeria. It by forcing alien governance structures onto decentralized societies.
The nationalist movement gained momentum in the 1940s and 1950s, with the formation of political parties such as the Nigerian People's Congress (NPC) and the Action Group (AG). These parties demanded greater autonomy and self-governance for Nigeria, and their efforts ultimately led to the country's independence on October 1, 1960. what britain did to nigeria pdf free download
Two events exemplify British brutality in Nigeria: Thus, Britain did not just "rule" Nigeria
The British also introduced a system of forced labor, which was used to construct infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and railways. While these projects were presented as beneficial to Nigeria, they were primarily designed to facilitate the exploitation of the country's natural resources. Nigerians received artificially low prices fixed by British
Nigerians received artificially low prices fixed by British trading companies (UAC, John Holt, Lever Brothers). Meanwhile, Nigerian farmers were forced to pay and head taxes – payable only in British currency, which forced men to leave their villages and work as laborers in coal mines (Enugu) or on railway construction.
By emphasizing regional and ethnic differences, the British utilized a "divide and rule" strategy to prevent a unified front against colonial authority.