The years 1922 to 1960 were pivotal in Nigeria’s history. Colonial governance, nationalist activism, and constitutional reforms intertwined to set the stage for independence. This period witnessed the emergence of political parties, regional divisions, and increasing popular participation in governance, marking Nigeria’s path from colonial rule to sovereignty.
The Rise of Nationalism
Early Political Organisations
The first major nationalist party, the Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP), was founded in 1923 by Herbert Macaulay in Lagos to contest the limited elective seats introduced by the Clifford Constitution. This marked the beginning of organised political participation under colonial rule.
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The Nigerian Youth Movement (NYM), established in 1934, expanded nationalist activities beyond Lagos, advocating greater Nigerian involvement in governance and fostering early national consciousness among educated elites.
Post-World War II Nationalism
The impact of the Second World War accelerated nationalist activity. Newspapers such as the West African Pilot, founded by Nnamdi Azikiwe, mobilised public opinion. The National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC), established in 1944, campaigned for self-government and gained support across regions.
Regional parties emerged to represent local identities. The Northern People’s Congress (NPC) was formed in 1949, reflecting the North’s political interests. The Action Group (AG), also formed in 1949, represented the Yoruba population in the West. Trade unions, veterans’ associations, and student groups contributed to the political awakening of Nigerians and amplified demands for constitutional reform.
Constitutional Reforms
Clifford Constitution 1922
The Clifford Constitution introduced elective representation in the Legislative Council, though the franchise was extremely limited, applying only to males with property or income in Lagos and Calabar. Real power remained with the colonial governor, but it provided the first platform for Nigerian political organisation.
Richards Constitution 1946
The Richards Constitution created regional councils for the North, East, and West, expanding legislative representation. Drafted without extensive Nigerian consultation, it was criticised for reinforcing regional divisions and failing to create genuine national unity.
Macpherson Constitution 1951
The Macpherson Constitution expanded political participation by establishing regional assemblies alongside a central House of Representatives. It granted Nigerians limited executive responsibilities and encouraged the development of regional parties.
Lyttleton Constitution 1954
The Lyttleton Constitution formally established federalism in Nigeria, clearly delineating powers between central and regional governments. It gave each region autonomy in governance and allowed for the election of regional premiers. This framework prepared Nigeria for self-government while recognising the country’s diverse social and cultural structure.
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Political Tensions and Regionalism
The 1950s saw political parties consolidate along regional and ethnic lines. The NPC dominated the North, the NCNC the East, and the AG the West. Competition among these parties often focused on regional interests, creating tensions within the emerging federal system.
Political disagreements occasionally led to unrest, such as disputes over the timing of self-government and independence. These challenges reflected the difficulty of reconciling regional loyalties with national ambitions in a diverse society.
Towards Independence
The Western and Eastern Regions achieved self-government in 1957, followed by the Northern Region in 1959. The 1959 federal elections resulted in a coalition government, with Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa as Prime Minister and Nnamdi Azikiwe as Governor-General.
On 1 October 1960, Nigeria became independent within the Commonwealth, adopting a federal constitution with a parliamentary system. Independence represented both the culmination of nationalist aspirations and the beginning of efforts to manage a complex, multi-ethnic federation.
From 1922 to 1960 Nigeria’s nationalist movements and constitutional reforms created a pathway from colonial rule to sovereignty. While reforms expanded Nigerian political participation, they also intensified regional and ethnic divisions, influencing early post-independence politics. The emergence of federal structures, regional parties, and a parliamentary government ensured that independence was a negotiated achievement, reflecting the aspirations of a diverse population united in pursuit of self-rule.
Author’s Note
Between 1922 and 1960 Nigeria transformed from a British colony with limited local participation into an independent nation. Nationalist movements, driven by educated elites, urban activists and political parties, campaigned for self-government and challenged colonial authority. A series of constitutional reforms gradually expanded Nigerian involvement in governance, from the Clifford Constitution of 1922 to the Lyttleton Constitution of 1954. These reforms created regional assemblies and introduced federal principles, preparing the country for sovereignty while highlighting regional differences and political tensions. The rise of regional parties and competition among the North, East and West shaped political behaviour and influenced national decisions. By the time Nigeria achieved independence on 1 October 1960, it had a parliamentary system within a federal framework, reflecting both negotiated compromise and the aspirations of a nationalist movement that united diverse groups in pursuit of self-rule.
References
- Senate Committee on Constitution Review – Constitution History, Nigeria
- Main Stages in Nigeria’s Independence, Kawa.ac.ug
