On 1 October 1960, Nigeria became a fully independent nation, marking the end of British colonial rule and the beginning of a new national journey. The official transition of power took place in Lagos at midnight, when the Union Jack was lowered and Nigeria’s green, white, green flag rose for the first time as the emblem of a sovereign state. While Lagos held the central ceremony, Nigerians living far from home also found ways to honour the moment. Among the earliest documented displays of the new national flag abroad was the Nigerian High Commission building in London, where the green, white, green colours appeared on the day of independence.
Nigeria’s Road to Independence
Nigeria’s path to nationhood had unfolded throughout the 1950s, shaped by constitutional conferences and negotiations between Nigerian political leaders and the British government. These included the London conferences of 1957 and 1958 that helped define the framework of regional autonomy and the future federal system. Nigerian students, professionals, and community groups in the United Kingdom followed these developments closely. Many had been active participants in the intellectual movement that promoted self governance and national identity.
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Thus, when 1 October 1960 arrived, Nigerians abroad experienced the day not only as a political milestone but as a personal affirmation of years of advocacy, anticipation, and collective hope.
The Nigerian Flag in London
Though the central events unfolded in Lagos, Nigeria’s presence was also visibly marked in London. Archival photographs confirm that the new Nigerian flag was raised at the Nigerian High Commission at Nigeria House on Northumberland Avenue on independence day. The sight of the national colours flying in the British capital carried symbolic weight, representing the end of colonial rule and the recognition of Nigeria as an independent member of the international community.
While fewer details survive about the London observance than the recorded ceremonies in Lagos, it is certain that the flag’s appearance reflected the official change in Nigeria’s status. It became one of the earliest instances in which the green, white, green banner was displayed outside the new nation’s borders.
A National Symbol with Deep Meaning
The flag raised that day had been formally adopted on 1 October 1960. It was designed by Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi, a young Nigerian student studying in England who submitted his entry to a nationwide design competition. His original concept included a red sun, but the selection committee chose the simplified vertical tricolour, allowing the green and white to carry clear symbolic meaning. The green represented Nigeria’s natural wealth and agricultural promise, and the white signified peace and unity.
For Nigerians in London, seeing the flag rise for the first time on foreign soil provided a tangible expression of national identity. It marked a beginning, a visual confirmation that their homeland now took its place among the nations of the world.
Celebrations Among the Nigerian Diaspora
Throughout the United Kingdom, Nigerians organised various gatherings to celebrate independence. These included student meetings, cultural activities, social events, and private receptions. Contemporary reports show that the diaspora embraced the moment with pride, reflecting on the political progress that had unfolded in their lifetime. For those living far from home, the day served as a bridge to the celebrations in Lagos, creating a shared sense of unity across borders.
Nigeria Becomes a Sovereign Nation
Diplomatic recognition followed swiftly. The British monarchy formally acknowledged Nigeria’s new status, and the country entered the Commonwealth as an independent state with Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa as its first Prime Minister. International news agencies highlighted Nigeria’s emergence as a nation with significant influence and potential, due to its population, economic promise, and strategic position within Africa.
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These global acknowledgements reinforced the meaning behind the flag raising at Nigeria House. The flying of the new colours in London signified more than celebration, it indicated acceptance, legitimacy, and Nigeria’s arrival on the world stage.
Legacy of the Moment
More than six decades later, the image of the Nigerian flag at the High Commission in London remains a quietly powerful reminder of the global significance of 1 October 1960. It illustrates how independence was experienced not only within Nigeria’s borders but also among citizens scattered across the world.
Although the London ceremony was not recorded with the same level of detail as the formal events in Lagos, what is documented is enough to affirm its historical value. It stood as an early international acknowledgement of Nigeria’s sovereignty and as a moment of profound pride for its citizens abroad.
Author’s Note
The appearance of the Nigerian flag in London on 1 October 1960 symbolised the unity of Nigerians at home and abroad during the birth of their nation. Though distant from the celebrations in Lagos, Nigerians in the United Kingdom witnessed a powerful visual affirmation of independence when the green, white, green colours flew at Nigeria House. The moment captured the shared optimism of a people taking their first steps into nationhood and remains a testament to the enduring connection between Nigeria and its global community.
References
Coleman, J. Nigeria, Background to Nationalism.
National Archives of Nigeria, Independence Constitutional Records.
British Pathé, Nigeria Gains Independence, 1960.
