Nigeria’s attainment of independence on 1 October 1960 marked the formal termination of British colonial authority and the emergence of a sovereign African state within the international system. Independence symbolised political self-determination, but it was not a singular or spontaneous event. Rather, it represented the culmination of decades of nationalist agitation, institutional reform, labour activism, and negotiated compromise between Nigerian political leaders and the British colonial government.
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Nigeria’s historical experience invites renewed reflection on the forces, personalities, and structural contradictions that shaped the post-colonial state. Understanding independence as a process rather than a moment is essential to appreciating both its significance and its limitations.
The independence ceremony took place at the Race Course in Lagos, later renamed Tafawa Balewa Square. Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Nigeria’s first Prime Minister, delivered the independence address on behalf of the incoming government. Nnamdi Azikiwe was sworn in as Governor-General, reflecting Nigeria’s initial status as a constitutional monarchy within the Commonwealth, with the British monarch retained as ceremonial head of state. Princess Alexandra of Kent presented the formal instruments of independence on behalf of Queen Elizabeth II. The event was attended by Nigerian political leaders, colonial officials, and foreign representatives, symbolising Nigeria’s entry into the community of sovereign states.
The Road to Independence
The roots of Nigerian nationalism developed within the framework of British colonial rule established after the amalgamation of Northern and Southern Nigeria in 1914. Colonial governance prioritised administrative efficiency and economic extraction while sharply limiting African participation in political decision-making. Early resistance emerged in response to taxation, land policies, and racial exclusion, particularly in Lagos and other coastal centres.
Organised nationalist politics began to take shape in the early twentieth century. The formation of the Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP) in 1923 by Herbert Macaulay marked a decisive shift from protest to formal political organisation. Operating under the restricted franchise of the Clifford Constitution, the NNDP contested elections to the Legislative Council and articulated demands for increased African representation and accountability.
Nationalist politics expanded during the 1930s and 1940s. The Nigerian Youth Movement (NYM), founded in 1937, mobilised educated professionals and urban elites and promoted a broader nationalist outlook. In 1944, the creation of the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC), co-founded by Macaulay and Nnamdi Azikiwe, further transformed nationalist politics. The NCNC articulated a national programme for constitutional reform, civil liberties, and self-government, even though its organisational strength varied across regions.
Labour, Protest, and Colonial Repression
The end of the Second World War intensified nationalist agitation across Nigeria. Wartime economic dislocation, rising living costs, and heightened political awareness generated widespread unrest. The general strike of 1945, led by organised labour unions, disrupted colonial administration and demonstrated the capacity of workers to exert political pressure.
Colonial responses to growing dissent frequently relied on coercive measures. Opposition to the Richards Constitution of 1946 stemmed from its imposition without broad consultation and its reinforcement of regional divisions. In 1949, the killing of striking coal miners by colonial police in Enugu exposed the violent foundations of colonial authority and significantly radicalised nationalist opinion. These events reinforced demands for self-rule and eroded the legitimacy of continued colonial governance.
Colonial Administration and Constitutional Politics
British colonial administration in Nigeria relied heavily on indirect rule, particularly in Northern Nigeria, where existing emirate systems were incorporated into governance structures. While this approach preserved traditional authority, it constrained political participation and shaped the pace and form of political mobilisation. In Eastern Nigeria, the warrant chief system generated widespread resistance and mistrust, further undermining colonial legitimacy.
Constitutional reforms gradually expanded African participation. The Richards Constitution of 1946 and the Macpherson Constitution of 1951 formalised Nigeria’s division into three regions, Northern, Western, and Eastern, and increased African representation in legislative bodies. However, these arrangements also entrenched regionalism and uneven political influence.
Political parties increasingly reflected regional power bases. The Northern Peoples Congress (NPC) dominated Northern politics under the leadership of Ahmadu Bello. The Action Group (AG), led by Obafemi Awolowo, emerged as the principal party in the Western Region, advocating federalism and social reform. The NCNC retained its influence in the Eastern Region while competing nationally. These parties advanced constitutional development but also laid the foundations for post-independence political rivalry.
Negotiating Self-Government
The transition to independence was achieved through a series of constitutional conferences held in London during the 1950s. British authorities initially resisted demands for immediate independence, citing administrative capacity and regional disparities, particularly in the North.
Regional self-government was granted to the Western and Eastern Regions in 1957, with the Northern Region attaining the same status in 1959. Federal elections held in December 1959 produced no outright majority. The NPC emerged as the largest party and formed a coalition government with the NCNC. Abubakar Tafawa Balewa became Prime Minister, leading the final transition to independence in October 1960.
Key Figures in the Independence Struggle
Herbert Macaulay laid the foundations of Nigerian nationalism through political organisation, journalism, and sustained public opposition to colonial policies. Nnamdi Azikiwe mobilised nationalist sentiment through the press and constitutional politics, later serving as Nigeria’s last Governor-General and first President.
Obafemi Awolowo articulated a coherent vision of federalism, education, and social welfare, while Ahmadu Bello consolidated Northern political unity and played a decisive role in coalition politics. Tafawa Balewa represented Nigeria internationally and contributed to early African diplomacy.
Anthony Enahoro’s 1953 parliamentary motion calling for independence symbolised growing impatience with gradual constitutional reform. Women activists such as Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti and Margaret Ekpo expanded nationalist politics beyond elite male circles. Aminu Kano and Yusuf Maitama Sule contributed to political thought, reformist advocacy, and national integration.
Independence and Its Legacy
Independence ended formal colonial domination and restored Nigerian sovereignty over political institutions. It expanded opportunities for education, political participation, and cultural expression. However, Nigeria inherited an economy structured around primary commodity exports, deep regional inequalities, and fragile institutions.
These structural weaknesses contributed to post-independence instability, including military coups beginning in 1966 and a civil war between 1967 and 1970. While these developments shaped popular disillusionment with independence, they do not diminish its historical significance as a decisive break from foreign rule.
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Author’s Note
Nigeria’s independence was neither accidental nor inevitable. It was the outcome of sustained nationalist struggle, labour mobilisation, constitutional negotiation, and political compromise. Understanding this history remains essential to evaluating both the achievements and contradictions of the Nigerian state.
References
Falola, T. History of Nigeria. Cambridge University Press.
Coleman, J. S. Nigeria: Background to Nationalism. University of California Press.
Crowder, M. The Story of Nigeria. Faber and Faber.
