The History Of Nigeria From 1914 Till Date Pdf
Nigeria, officially known as the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is a country located in West Africa. With a population of over 200 million people, it is the most populous country in Africa and the seventh most populous country in the world. The country has a rich history that has been shaped by colonization, independence, military rule, and democracy. In this article, we will take a closer look at the history of Nigeria from 1914 till date and explore how the country has evolved over the years.
The Colonial Era
The history of Nigeria dates back to the 19th century when the British, who had established a presence in the coastal city of Lagos, began to expand their influence into the interior parts of the country. In 1914, the Northern and Southern protectorates of Nigeria were merged to form the Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria, which was under British colonial rule.
Under British rule, Nigeria's economy was largely dependent on agriculture, with the export of cocoa, groundnuts, and palm oil being the mainstay of the economy. The country was also divided along ethnic and religious lines, with the North being predominantly Muslim and the South being predominantly Christian.
The Struggle For Independence
Nigeria gained independence from British colonial rule on October 1, 1960, after years of struggle and protests by nationalist leaders such as Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo, and Ahmadu Bello. However, the country's early years of independence were plagued by political instability, corruption, and ethnic tensions.
In 1966, a group of army officers led by Major Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu staged a coup d'etat, which resulted in the overthrow of the civilian government and the installation of a military regime. This was followed by several other coups and counter-coups, which further destabilized the country.
The Era Of Military Rule
Nigeria was under military rule for most of the period between 1966 and 1999. During this period, the country's economy suffered due to mismanagement, corruption, and the fluctuation of global oil prices. The military regimes were characterized by human rights abuses, political repression, and censorship of the media.
One of the most notorious military rulers in Nigeria's history was General Sani Abacha, who seized power in a coup in 1993. Abacha's regime was marked by widespread corruption and human rights abuses, including the hanging of political activists such as Ken Saro-Wiwa.
The Transition To Democracy
In 1999, Nigeria made a transition to civilian rule when Olusegun Obasanjo was elected as the country's president. Obasanjo's administration embarked on a number of economic and political reforms aimed at stabilizing the country and promoting democracy.
Since then, Nigeria has held several democratic elections, although they have been marred by allegations of rigging and violence. The current president of Nigeria is Muhammadu Buhari, who was re-elected in 2019.
Conclusion
The history of Nigeria from 1914 till date is a story of a country that has faced many challenges and struggles. From colonization to independence, military rule to democracy, Nigeria has experienced numerous changes and transformations over the years.
Today, Nigeria is a country that is rich in culture, diversity, and natural resources. Despite the challenges that it has faced, the country continues to strive towards a better future and a more prosperous society for all its citizens.