Nigeria’s Journey To Independence: A 30-step chronicle of a nation’s rise
As we celebrate 64 years of Nigeria’s independence, we reflect on the path that led to the birth of this great nation—a journey rich in history, triumphs, and lessons.
Nigeria, a land of vibrant cultures, indomitable spirit, and immense potential, has evolved from colonial rule to become a beacon of hope on the African continent.
Yet, while we commemorate how far we’ve come, the future still holds even greater promise.
Here is a captivating 30-step chronicle of how Nigeria came to be:
1. The Seizure of Lagos – It all began on August 6, 1861, when the British seized Lagos, planting the first seeds of colonial control over Nigerian soil.
2. Lagos Becomes a Crown Colony – On March 5, 1862, Lagos was officially declared a Crown Colony, governed directly from London, marking the start of formal British administration.
3. George Goldie’s Ambition – In 1881, British explorer George Goldie expanded British influence in the Niger region, laying the groundwork for deeper colonisation.
4. End of the Royal Niger Company’s Charter – January 1, 1890, saw the British government revoke the Royal Niger Company’s charter, taking control of what is now Northern Nigeria.
5. Birth of Northern and Southern Protectorates – By January 1, 1900, Britain had merged its territories to create the Northern and Southern Nigeria protectorates, signaling the start of modern Nigeria’s territorial structure.
6. Formation of Southern Nigeria Protectorate – In 1900, the Southern Nigeria Protectorate was created, with Calabar as its capital, bringing more areas under British imperial rule.
7. Appointment of Frederick Lugard – In 1902, Frederick Lugard was appointed as the High Commissioner of Northern Nigeria, becoming a key figure in Nigeria’s unification.
8. Lagos Merged with Southern Nigeria – In 1906, Lagos was merged with Southern Nigeria to form the Colony and Protectorate of Southern Nigeria.
9. Northern Nigeria Protectorate Established – That same year, Britain formalized the Northern Nigeria Protectorate after conquering the Sokoto Caliphate.
10. The Amalgamation – January 1, 1914, marked the historic unification of the Northern and Southern protectorates, creating a single political entity—the Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria.
11. Capital Moved to Kaduna – In 1917, Lugard moved Northern Nigeria’s capital to Kaduna, establishing it as a regional center of governance.
12. The Clifford Constitution – The 1922 Clifford Constitution created Nigeria’s first legislative council, paving the way for limited self-governance.
13. Nigeria’s First Elections – The first ever elections were held in September 1923, marking the birth of Nigerian democratic participation.
14. Creation of Three Regions – In 1939, Nigeria was divided into three regions—Northern, Eastern, and Western—laying the foundation for regional governance.
15. The Richards Constitution – Enacted in 1946, this constitution expanded legislative powers, empowering regional assemblies to address local issues.
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16. Rise of Political Parties – Between 1944 and 1951, major political parties such as the National Council for Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC), Action Group (AG), and Northern People’s Congress (NPC) emerged, giving voice to Nigerian aspirations for independence.
17. Regional Elections – In 1951, Nigeria held regional elections, allowing Nigerians to elect representatives into regional Houses of Assembly.
18. Emergence of Regional Leaders – By 1952, Ahmadu Bello, Obafemi Awolowo, and Eyo Ita assumed the roles of regional Leaders of Government Business, heralding greater Nigerian control over governance.
19. The First Push for Independence – In 1953, Anthony Enahoro made a bold move in parliament, calling for Nigeria’s independence, sparking a wave of nationalist fervor.
20. Federation of Nigeria – The 1954 Lyttelton Constitution officially declared Nigeria a federation, granting more autonomy to the regions.
21. Autonomy Realized – On October 1, 1954, Nigeria became an autonomous federation, and regional assemblies were elected, giving Nigerians direct control over their regions for the first time.
22. London Constitutional Conference – In 1957, Nigeria’s key political figures gathered in London to chart the final steps toward independence.
23. Akintola’s Independence Motion – Chief Ladoke Akintola successfully moved a motion for independence in 1957, though Britain hesitated to set a date.
24. Tafawa Balewa Becomes Chief Minister – In 1957, Abubakar Tafawa-Balewa was elected Nigeria’s chief minister, leading a coalition government as independence drew near.
25. Fani-Kayode’s Independence Motion – Remi Fani-Kayode moved the decisive motion in 1958, securing Nigeria’s independence for October 1, 1960.
26. Final Constitutional Conference – The second London conference in 1958 sealed the arrangements for Nigeria’s independence.
27. Federal Elections – The 1959 federal elections saw leading figures such as Nnamdi Azikiwe and Obafemi Awolowo relinquish regional roles to contest for federal positions.
28. Nigeria’s First Speaker – In 1959, Jaja Wachukwu became Nigeria’s first Speaker of the House of Representatives, overseeing Nigeria’s nascent parliamentary system.
29. Independence Day – On October 1, 1960, Nigeria celebrated its long-awaited independence, with Tafawa Balewa as prime minister, Nnamdi Azikiwe as governor-general, and a new era of self-governance began.
30. Lowering the Union Jack – Jaja Wachukwu lowered the Union Jack, Nigeria’s colonial flag, and raised the green-white-green national flag, symbolizing the dawn of a new, independent Nigeria.
As we look back at this remarkable journey of resilience and determination, it is clear that Nigeria’s story is far from over. We have faced challenges, celebrated victories, and, most importantly, endured.
Today, we honour the heroes who brought us to this point and look forward with hope and confidence. The best is yet to come, and Nigeria’s future is as bright as the dreams we dare to dream.
