The period from 1945 to 1960 marked a decisive phase in Nigeria’s political history. Unlike the elite-driven, gradualist movements of the 1920s and 1930s, this era saw the emergence of radical nationalism, characterised by mass mobilisation, militant activism, and demands for immediate self-governance.
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Radical nationalism was shaped by multiple factors: experiences of Nigerians during World War II, exposure to global anti-colonial movements, Pan-Africanist ideas, and socialist critiques of colonial economies. Returning soldiers, who fought for Britain yet returned to limited rights and social inequality, became vocal advocates for political and economic change.
Key Movements and Organisations
Nigerian Youth Movement (NYM)
Founded in 1933, the NYM promoted national consciousness and advocated unity across ethnic lines. By the 1940s, it provided a platform for educated youth to engage with political issues and set the stage for later radical activism.
National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC)
Led by Nnamdi Azikiwe, the NCNC was founded in 1944. It combined nationalist sentiment with advocacy for social and economic reform. The party leveraged newspapers, public meetings, and regional networks to mobilise support in Eastern Nigeria and Lagos.
Zikist Movement
Emerging in the late 1940s as a youth-oriented offshoot inspired by Azikiwe, the Zikist Movement demanded immediate independence and engaged in strikes, civil disobedience, and public demonstrations. Colonial authorities suppressed the group, but it influenced nationalist rhetoric and youth participation in politics.
Trade Unionism
Labour movements, particularly strikes led by Michael Imoudu and other unionists, were central to radical nationalism. These actions connected economic grievances to political demands and demonstrated the power of collective action. Strikes affected railways, ports, and public services, highlighting colonial economic vulnerabilities.
Women’s Resistance
Women’s participation, exemplified by the Egba Women’s Revolt, challenged colonial taxation and economic policies. This activism demonstrated the intersection of gender, economic, and political mobilisation within nationalist struggles.
Key Figures
Nigeria’s nationalist movement was shaped by a diverse group of leaders whose contributions reflected regional, political, and social currents. Herbert Macaulay (1864–1946) emerged as a pioneer nationalist and founded the Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP), laying early foundations for organised political opposition to colonial rule. Nnamdi Azikiwe (1904–1996), a journalist and politician, became one of the most influential nationalist voices and co-founded the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC).
In the Western Region, Obafemi Awolowo (1909–1987) led the Action Group and advanced programmes centred on education, social welfare, and mass political mobilisation. Alongside these political figures, Michael Imoudu played a crucial role as a trade unionist and labour leader, using strikes and organised labour to link economic grievances with political demands. In Northern Nigeria, Ahmadu Bello and Tafawa Balewa shaped regional political structures while also engaging with the broader nationalist project that eventually led to independence.
Causes of Radical Nationalism
African resistance and nationalism under colonial rule were driven by a convergence of political, economic, social, and cultural grievances. Limited African participation in governance created a sense of political marginalisation, while colonial economic policies favoured British firms and weakened indigenous enterprise, deepening economic resentment. Racial discrimination, expressed through segregation and unequal access to opportunities, further fueled opposition to colonial authority.
At the cultural level, the erosion and devaluation of indigenous institutions encouraged the growth of cultural nationalism as Africans sought to reclaim identity and dignity. These pressures were intensified after the Second World War, as returning African soldiers who had fought abroad demanded equality, recognition, and rights at home. At the same time, an expanding nationalist press, particularly newspapers such as the West African Pilot and the Nigerian Tribune, played a critical role in disseminating nationalist ideas, mobilizing public opinion, and linking local grievances to broader anti-colonial struggles.
Global Influence
Radical nationalism in Nigeria was part of a wider wave of postwar decolonisation. The Atlantic Charter, Indian independence, and African and Asian anti-colonial movements inspired Nigerian leaders and activists. Socialist and communist thought offered tools to critique colonial exploitation and advocate social justice, though its influence was largely confined to educated elites and urban youth.
Challenges and Contradictions
Radical nationalism in Nigeria confronted several structural and political obstacles that limited its coherence and effectiveness. Deep ethnic and regional diversity made the task of forging a unified national movement difficult, as competing identities and interests often took precedence over collective goals. These divisions were further entrenched by colonial divide-and-rule strategies, particularly indirect rule, which reinforced regional hierarchies and encouraged ethnic competition.
Economic constraints also posed significant challenges, as uneven development and limited resources restricted the scope and sustainability of proposed reforms. In addition, the influence of socialist and communist ideas within nationalist circles remained limited, constrained both by local political realities and by active colonial suppression of radical ideological movements.
Economic and Political Impact
Radical nationalism challenged colonial economic control through strikes and protests, threatening trade monopolies and increasing operational costs for British firms. Labour activism pushed for policies favouring local industries and economic self-reliance. Politically, mass mobilisation pressured colonial authorities to concede to constitutional reforms and, eventually, self-governance.
Legacy
Radical nationalism laid the foundation for Nigeria’s independence in 1960. It cultivated mass political participation, strengthened national consciousness, and inspired successive generations of political leaders. The period also highlighted persistent challenges, ethnic fragmentation, regional inequality, and ideological diversity, that continue to shape Nigeria’s political landscape.
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Author’s Note
Between 1945 and 1960, Nigeria’s radical nationalists transformed political consciousness. Through strikes, civil disobedience, youth movements, and organised political parties, Nigerians challenged British authority and articulated visions of social and economic justice. Leaders such as Azikiwe, Awolowo, Macaulay, and Imoudu mobilised diverse constituencies, creating a mass-based political culture that remains central to Nigeria’s democratic experience.
References
Falola, T., & Aderinto, S. (2011). Nigeria, Nationalism, and Writing History. Boydell & Brewer.
Iweriebor, E. E. (1996). Radical Nationalists in Nigeria: The Significance of the Zikist Movement.
Tijani, H. I. (2005). Britain, Leftist Nationalists and the Transfer of Power in Nigeria, 1945–1965. Routledge.
