In the Year 1960, on this very day, October 1, Nigeria gained full independence from the British after almost 99 years of the British colonial rule.
What Led To Nigeria's Independence
There was no armed conflict involved, meaning there was no war, and Nigerians didn't have to fight. It was more of a gradual process that took years. In those years, a lot of things were happening.
In 1920 through 1940, the Nigerians who had the opportunity to go abroad to gain higher education began questioning the British rule in areas of racial discrimination and political exclusion. The educated Nigerians created strong network politically, and made use of newspapers to spread the message and organize Nigerians together.
A Few People Stood Out
Herbert Macaulay (father of Nigerian nationalism) created the Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP).
Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe. Used his influential newspaper, the West African Pilot, to spread the anti-colonial message across Nigeria.
Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Sir Ahmadu Bello were political pillars that pushed for self governance away from the British.
While educated people were doing their thing, world war II also played in role in Nigeria's independence.
WWII
Around 1939 through 1945, upon returning from war, many of the Nigerians who fought for the British began to challenge them, demanding for equal rights. They saw that the white man who was ruling them wasn't superior or better than them (Nigerians).
Note
Nigerian troops were not included in the victory speech by commanding officer General William Slim.
The war also shook the British empire because they were weakened financially, and economically. Business could no longer carry on as usual.
Under the Atlantic charter, the U.S. and the United Nations pressured European powers (UK & the rest). They were basically saying: “You promised in the Atlantic Charter that people everywhere should have the right to govern themselves. That includes your colonies. Let them be independent.”
The Ordinary Men
Ordinary Nigerians in the Labor Force also challenged the British. They carried out protests calling out the British for their exploitation and taxes which they felt was too much.
In 1945 there was a general strike led by labor leader Michael Imoudu. Over 42,000 workers across the country shut down railways and public utilities for over 40 days. The British never saw this coming, It shook them.
Let's not forget the Egba women's revolt, led by Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti. Mass protests by women. They successfully resisted unfair colonial taxation, forcing them to stop British-backed local rulers.
Due to the pressure from the educated Nigerian men, the world war II, as well as labor workers, the British gave Nigerians more seats in government. This established a federal structure for Nigerians.
The Turning Point
The turning point was in 1953 when nationalist Chief Anthony Enahoro formally moved a motion in the House of Representatives demanding "self-government for Nigeria in the year 1956". This was the defining moment which led to final constitutional meetings in London and Lagos that legally finalized what led us to this day, the October 1, 1960 transition.
Today, these men and women would not believe this is the Nigeria they fought and died for. Men of action, united together, pushed boundaries, demanded for their rights. A time when Nigeria saw the real woke generation. It's not in mouth but in action. We've come a long way to still have a long way to go.
Nigeria @66 HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY 🇳🇬