Table of Contents
What Is Nigeria's Former Name?
Nigeria, located in West Africa, is a country with a rich history and culture. It is the most populous country in Africa and the seventh most populous in the world. Nigeria is known for its diverse ethnic groups, languages, and religions. However, the country's name has evolved over the years. What was Nigeria's former name? In this article, we will explore the history of Nigeria's name and how it has changed over time.
The Origin of Nigeria's Name
The name Nigeria was coined by the wife of Lord Lugard, who was the first British Governor-General of Nigeria. Her name was Flora Shaw, and she suggested the name "Nigeria" in her article for The Times in 1897. The article was about the River Niger and its potential for trade and commerce. Flora Shaw proposed that the region be called Nigeria, which is a combination of two words – "Niger" and "Area." The name was officially adopted in 1914 when the Northern and Southern protectorates were merged to form the Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria.
Pre-Colonial Nigeria
Before Nigeria was colonized by the British, there were several indigenous kingdoms and empires in the region. The Benin Empire, the Oyo Empire, and the Sokoto Caliphate were some of the prominent ones. These kingdoms had their own languages, cultures, and traditions. The region that is now Nigeria was known as the "Slave Coast" during the transatlantic slave trade. Europeans traded slaves with the local people and shipped them to the Americas.
Nigeria under British Rule
In 1861, Lagos became a British protectorate. The protectorate was expanded in 1901 with the addition of the Northern Nigeria Protectorate. In 1914, the Southern Nigeria Protectorate and the Northern Nigeria Protectorate were merged to form the Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria. Nigeria was under British colonial rule until 1960 when it gained independence.
Nigeria's Name Change in 1963
After Nigeria gained independence from Britain in 1960, it became a republic in 1963. At this time, the country changed its name from the "Federation of Nigeria" to the "Republic of Nigeria." This was done to reflect the country's new status as a republic.
The Biafran War and its Impact on Nigeria's Name
In 1967, the Eastern Region of Nigeria declared independence and formed the Republic of Biafra. This led to a civil war that lasted from 1967 to 1970. The war had a significant impact on Nigeria's name. During the war, the Federal Military Government of Nigeria changed the country's name to the "Federal Republic of Nigeria." The name change was done to reinforce the idea of Nigeria as a unified country.
Conclusion
Nigeria has a rich history that is reflected in its name. The name "Nigeria" was coined by Flora Shaw in 1897, and it was officially adopted in 1914 when the Northern and Southern protectorates were merged. Nigeria gained independence in 1960 and became a republic in 1963. The country's name changed from the "Federation of Nigeria" to the "Republic of Nigeria." The Biafran War led to another name change, and the country became known as the "Federal Republic of Nigeria." Despite the name changes, Nigeria remains a diverse and culturally rich country with a fascinating history.
