Nigeria was formed in 1914 through the amalgamation of the Northern and Southern Protectorates by the British colonial government. The amalgamation resulted from the efforts of the colonial masters to bring about administrative convenience and economic development in the region. The amalgamation of the Northern and Southern Protectorates of Nigeria in 1914 was administered by the British colonial government, specifically by the colonial administrator, Lord Frederick Lugard.

 

Lord Lugard was a British colonial administrator who played a significant role in the formation of Nigeria. He was appointed as the first High Commissioner of Northern Nigeria in 1900 and served in this role until 1906. He was appointed as the Governor of Northern Nigeria in 1906 and served in this role until 1912.

 

Lord Lugard is credited with the “indirect rule” system of administration, which involved using traditional rulers and local institutions to administer the territories under British control. This system was implemented in Nigeria and other parts of Africa and allowed the colonial government to control the regions with minimal resources and personnel.

 

However, it is essential to note that the amalgamation of the Northern and Southern Protectorates was not solely the work of Lord Lugard. It was a policy decision made by the British colonial government, and Lord Lugard was merely the implementing agent.It is also important to note that the amalgamation of the Northern and Southern Protectorates was not carried out with the best interests of the people of Nigeria in mind. Instead, it was driven by the covert agenda of the British colonial government to expand its territorial control and exploit the natural resources of the region for the benefit of Britain.

 

The amalgamation of the Northern and Southern Protectorates was, therefore not only a result of the errors and shortcomings of the colonial masters but also a reflection of the colonial agenda to advance their own interests at the expense of the people of Nigeria. With hindsight, the British may regret not doing a good job in merging the two regions of the Niger area. The amalgamation was mired with many errors and shortcomings. One of the significant errors of the colonial masters was the lack of consultation with the people of the Northern and Southern Protectorates before the amalgamation took place. The people were not allowed to express their views on the merger imposed on them by the colonial government.

 

Another error of the colonial masters was the failure to adequately address the cultural and religious differences between the North and the South. The North is predominantly Muslim, and the South is primarily Christian. The colonial government did not take steps to ensure that the two regions could coexist peacefully and harmoniously.

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Furthermore, the colonial government needed to adequately address the issue of regional imbalances in terms of development and economic opportunities. The North was less developed compared to the South, which led to a sense of inequality and resentment among the people of the North.

 

In 2023, the government of Nigeria needs to address these errors and shortcomings of the amalgamation of 1914. This can be achieved through policies that promote national unity and integration, as well as efforts to address regional imbalances in terms of development and economic opportunities. It is also crucial for the government to consult with the people and involve them in decision-making processes that affect their lives. This will help to foster a sense of ownership and responsibility among the citizens of Nigeria and promote a more inclusive and cohesive society.

 

Nigeria continues to suffer the consequences of the errors of the amalgamation. Particularly the ambiguity that surrounds the census of 1959, subsequent census, the constitution of 1999 and the uneven distribution of its derivation from its internally generated revenues. It is easy to conclude that the errors and shortcomings of the colonial masters in bringing about the merger have had far-reaching consequences, and it is crucial for the government of Nigeria to address these issues to build a more united and prosperous nation.

 

The forthcoming presidential election in February 2023 is vital to the national equity and fairness discussion. If Nigeria must correct the colonial errors, it must begin by becoming a nation that values fairness and equity.

 

Abraham Great is a current affairs analyst, motivational speaker and Life coach.