Nigeria up to 1914: Some Emerging Political and Economic Issues

This chapter examines the economic system as well as the political and administrative structure of pre-colonial Nigeria from 1800 to 1914. Prior to the introduction of legitimate trade, Nigerians were active in subsistence economic activities. They were self-sufficient in the production of food crops such as yam, cassava, beans and cocoyam, among others. Hunting was also a great profession among the people. In addition, the people also engaged in crafts such as cloth weaving, basket weaving, pottery and wood-carving. Trading through barter was another major element of the Nigerian pre-colonial economy. In the political and administrative sphere, each organized unit had a unique system of administration. The system in the north was an absolute monarchy with a centralized structure under the Emir. The system in the Western part of the country was constitutional monarchy. Although a centralized structure was also in place under the Oba (i.e. king), the power of Oba was not absolute due to the existence of institutional checks. The system in the East was republican and decentralized in structure. The village was also the centre of governmental activities. However, the unique economic structure and political arrangements of these groups were dislocated by colonial imperialism.