Skip to main content

Seven (7) Reasons for the Colonization of Nigeria

INTRO: Colonialism is a consistent theme in the history of Africa. It laces through the formative tapestry of the majority of African states today, Nigeria inclusive. Colonialism as a concept could be seen from different perspectives. Generally however, it may be defined as the practice or policy of controling a weaker nation by a stronger nation especially for socio-economic and political gains. The territory known today as Nigeria was colonized by Britain. The reasons for the colonization of Nigeria are  simply the same with the rest of African countries.

In his masterpiece, "How Europe Underdeveloped Africa," Walter Rodney stated that Europe came to Africa with three Bs: Business, Bible and Bullet. These items represent perfectly the reasons for the notorious European incursion into the pristine and tranquil African continent, which are broadly categorized as economic, socio-political and religious reasons.


A. Economic Reasons

1) Search for Raw Material: The migration to new largely automated method of manufacturing of commodities popularly known as Industrial Revolution of 18th century made increased production possible; and there arose the need to keep the supply of raw material at par with the industrial demands. When it was obvious that European continent could not supply the volume of raw materials demanded at the industries, industrialists began to venture overseas. They made away with African valuables such as gold, ivory, rubber, palm oil, wood, cotton, etc.

2) Search for New Markets: The increase in the volume of production following the Industrial Revolution rendered European markets oversaturated with finished goods. Prices nosedived and profits crashed. The need for new markets for the finished goods forced the industrialists to return to Africa where they exchanged their goods with other goods of value such as raw materials.

3) Search for Cheap Labour: This reason brought the Europeans into Africa prior to Industrial Revolution when machines were yet to be adopted in production of goods and services. The origin of slave trade is traceable to this search for cheap labour. Able-bodied Africans were amassed to the European tobacco plantations by force, deceit or exchange.

B. Socio-Political Reasons

4) Quest for Power Among European Countries: Countries of Europe after years of war wished to outdo each other in power and influence. The European economic venture outside Europe represents one of such moves, as the prevailing economic thought then preached that the "Wealth of Nations," that is, amount of gold from export receipts of a country determines the future of the country.


5) Berlin Conference of 1884/85: Conflicts of interest in the economic ventures in Africa reached a crescendo when the Berlin Conference summoned by Otto von Bismark, the first Chancellor of Germany to settle economic disputes arising from African colonies set out the modus operandi for claims and economic activities in Africa. A total of 14 countries of Europe as the following participated: Austria-Hungary, Belgium, Denmark, France, German Empire, Italy, Netherlands, Ottoman Empire, Portugal, Russian Empire, Spain, Sweden-Norway, United Kingdom, and United States. One of the resolutions of the conference was the "Principle of Effective Occupation" which provides that a country must establish effective occupation by flying their flag and maintaining administrative control in an area in order to lay claims to the ownership of the area. This principle signalled and formalized the substantive colonization of Africa by European countries.

6) Propagation of Culture: Europeans saw Africans as barbaric and uncivilized; and considered African culture as inferior to their own and therefore needed to be replaced. This motive is reflected in the quote from King Leopold II, “To open to civilization the only part of the globe where it has yet to penetrate…is, I dare to say, a crusade worthy of this century of progress”. Thus, countries like France initiated the Policy of Assimilation which was purely a "Frenchinization" policy. In Nigeria, Britain operated Indirect Rule but the design of educational curriculum was purely on the promotion of English culture.


C. Religious Reason

7) Propagation of Religious Belief: The missionaries joined the throng of the economic and political adventurers into Africa, to proclaim Christ which they argue is the only true God (and yes, He is, I believe in Him). They demonized African religion and its practices, and elevated Christianity to enviable heights.

Comments

  1. Colonization of African countries still have an impact even today e.g head of African states still good to UK for medical check up and also still report to the queen after being sworn in as President's of that particular country.so much confusion when it comes to religious because they introduce Christianity in Africa and we follow it and forget about ours,today just have a look how many wars are being fought in our continent because of clash of believe system they set up while they are stealing our resources

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree with your position. The post-colonial states of Africa are only "post-colonial" in name. The truth is that as it was in the beginning, is now and may be but God forbid, ever shall be, world without end.

      Delete
  2. Um. You didn't need to state that Christ is the only god in your personal opinion especially in a paper about a place that is polytheistic but go off I guess :/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Seriously

      Delete
    2. Check the post again, he mention one true God. There is God in almost every religion. Where did you see Christ???

      Delete
    3. God is every you cannot see him unless you are holy . Respect God.

      Delete
    4. even if u are holy u cannot see GOD unless u have a good faith

      Delete
  3. It is very good

    ReplyDelete
  4. God is ever faithful.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Sorry their was a mistake God is every where.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I love the socio political reasons

    ReplyDelete
  7. Thanks for the update

    ReplyDelete
  8. love the reasons you gave

    ReplyDelete
  9. Do you think colonialism was necessary in Nigeria

    ReplyDelete
  10. It is neither here nor there. Colonialism flaunts a number of benefits, but the exploitation that lived in its very heart is still haunting Nigeria. I regret however that Nigeria did not maximize the benefits of colonialism. If she had, she would have healed like China and USA.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Definitely. The Berlin Conference remains a slaughter house of the African Pride.

      Delete
  11. Well actually when speaking on history we need to forget all about our religion in some cases. I'm also a Christian and I also believe that Christ exit, but I don't support adding ones belief in a history article.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Our colonialists really exploited Nigeria

    ReplyDelete
  13. Keep up the good work๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘

    ReplyDelete
  14. Really helped me with assignment
    Jss3 corricular

    ReplyDelete
  15. It really helped me in my jss3 class assignment thank you very much.

    ReplyDelete
  16. You didn't mention more religious reasons for the colonisation of Nigeria. You only mentioned one.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nice observation. Let me go and change religious reasons to religious reason, removing the plural because it has just a reason which is spreading the gospel of salvation.

      Delete
  17. Thank you just saved my day

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment