The origin of modern Nigeria can be traced to its transformation under British rule. The colonial governance not only altered geographical boundaries but also engineered social and political institutions that have continued to influence Nigeria’s evolving identity and challenges to this day.
In 1900, British colonialists established the northern and southern Nigeria protectorates, fundamentally altering the region’s history. Prior to colonization, what ultimately became Nigeria was a collection of diverse, mostly centralized states like the Oyo Empire and Hausa city-states. The Igbo communities were generally decentralized. British interest in Nigeria started in the mid-19th century, culminating in the Berlin Conference of 1884-85, which granted Britain control over the lower River Niger area.
Before colonization, diverse ethnic groups were governed by local leaders, each with its own governance system. The formation of the northern and southern protectorates disrupted these indigenous structures. The Royal Niger Company was key in facilitating British influence. The new protectorates integrated a complex tapestry of local systems.
The southern protectorate in Nigeria was formed by British colonialists, driven by economic and strategic factors. The northern protectorate was established through negotiations with local leaders. Both protectorates consolidated diverse regions for administrative efficiency...
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