The major stages of the country's history at a glance
A few milestones to place the major stages in the building of the modern country — not an exhaustive summary of Nigerian history.
From the Lagos colony to colonial amalgamation
The United Kingdom annexed Lagos in 1861 and then took control of the interior, divided in 1900 into Northern and Southern protectorates. In 1914 Frederick Lugard merged them, mainly for budgetary reasons, despite their deep religious and cultural differences — a decision that still weighs on the north–south balance. Independence came on October 1, 1960.
Milestones
January 1, 1914
Amalgamation of the Northern and Southern protectorates
Frederick Lugard merges the two protectorates and the Lagos colony into a single colony, British Nigeria.
October 1, 1960
Independence of Nigeria
A parliamentary system, with Abubakar Tafawa Balewa as Prime Minister.