Nigeria is one of the most populous countries in Africa, with a rich and diverse cultural heritage. But, the country's history is deeply rooted in colonization. The colonization of Nigeria began in the 19th century, with the arrival of the British explorers.
The British interest in Nigeria started in the 1800s when they established the Royal Niger Company to explore the trade possibilities in the region. The company aimed to control the commerce in the area of River Niger, which was the main source of trade in West Africa. In 1861, the British acquired a colony at Lagos, the principal port of Nigeria's west coast. In doing so, they took their first step towards establishing a presence across Nigeria.
In 1884, the European powers met for the Berlin Conference, where they agreed to the regulation of European colonization and trade in Africa. By 1885, the British had signed treaties with several local rulers, giving them control of their territories, and by 1901, Nigeria became a British protectorate.
The British then divided the country into two protectorates; the northern protectorate, which was primarily Muslim, while the southern protectorate had mainly Christian and animist populations. Both protectorates were administered separately.
The British colonial leaders exploited the country's resources such as crude oil, timber, rubber, cocoa, and palm oil. They also imposed their culture, religion, and language on the natives, which created some hostility and resentment.
During colonial rule, Nigeria was merged with the nearby British colony of Cameroon, which was a British mandate from the League of Nations. This merger resulted in Nigeria becoming the most populous country in Africa and the largest British colony.
In 1914, the Northern and Southern protectorates were merged to form the Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria, which gave Britain complete political control. The country became a major source of raw materials for Britain's growing industrial economy, and the colonial government invests heavily in infrastructure development.
The British colonial system had significant negative effects on Nigeria's economic, political and social development. The country's resources were exploited for the benefit of Britain, rather than improving the lives of the Nigerian people. The colonial government also did little to develop the country's infrastructure, and the education system was inadequate, which resulted in knowledge gaps and skill shortages.
In 1960, Nigeria was granted independence, and the British colonial era came to an end. However, the aftermath of colonization has lingered in the country, and Nigeria is still grappling with the challenges of democratic governance, economic development, social equity, and national identity.
In conclusion, the colonization of Nigeria was a significant period in the country's history, which impacted the nation and its people in various ways. Despite the challenges inherited from colonial rule, Nigeria is gradually developing, and with time, the country will find its place among the world's premier nations.