Nigeria in World War 1
World War 1: As a British colony, Nigeria became involved in World War I, enduring the fear and uncertainty that accompanied it, along with adjustments to the departure of German commercial entities, shipping shortages, and the need for resources to support the war effort.
Although the war did not last long enough for Nigerians to organize significant resistance against the British, the period saw numerous protests and the emergence of anti-imperialist sentiments. While Nigeria remained loyal to the colonial administration led by Lord Lugard, the first governor-general, there were still protests in the southern regions.
Even in newly conquered areas in the north, opposition was relatively quiet, despite efforts by the Ottoman caliph to unite Muslims. The exploitative aspects of colonial rule were either just beginning to emerge or had yet to be fully felt in many places, so widespread protest was not justified at the time.
Chiefs and kings found no reason to oppose a system that allowed them to strengthen their authority. Similarly, the educated elite supported the war effort and lacked the means to rally large-scale public backing. For most people, knowledge of the war was limited, though they responded to economic changes.
Nigeria contributed to three key war objectives. First, it provided essential raw materials. Second, it supplied around 30,000 men as part of British West Africa’s contribution. Recruitment was largely voluntary and did not significantly disrupt the population or social structures. Soldiers fought in Cameroon and East Africa, later returning to suppress local uprisings in Abeokuta.
Third, colonies were required to adjust their budgets to ensure Britain had sufficient funds for the war. Contributions, even small ones, were expected for the Prince of Wales’ National Defense Fund. Although no battles occurred within Nigeria, the country was close to conflicts in the German colonies of Togo to the west and Cameroon to the east, where fighting took place on African soil.
The British and French seized control of Togo and German Cameroon. The German community in Nigeria was detained and eventually sent to England. Initially, the withdrawal of German firms involved in cash crop exports caused hardship, but the economy quickly recovered as Britain and France increased demand for wartime goods. Despite declines in some cash crop exports, the overall economy remained stable due to its reliance on food production.
The war nonetheless had profound effects on the people and future history. Immediate consequences included economic disruption and trade interruptions. Trade with Germany, a major importer of cash crops, ceased entirely. Germany was the largest buyer of palm kernels and other products, and local traders favored German credit terms over British ones.
New markets had to be sought for groundnuts, cocoa, and palm products. Additionally, substitutes for popular German imports, known for their quality and durability, were needed. During certain periods, export prices dropped while import prices rose, leading to complaints.
However, due to high wartime demand, prices for groundnuts and palm oil eventually increased, though British trading firms exploited this situation for their benefit. Other economic impacts included competition between foreign and local companies, unemployment, halted development projects, and inflation.
Politically, the war brought security concerns from Germany’s presence in Cameroon, fears of insurrection, and worries about potential jihad if support for Turkey grew. The introduction of indirect rule also sparked revolts. Nigerian troops serving in the British army gained new insights into Europeans and broader global perspectives.
Many soldiers and elites were drawn to the idea of self-determination—the right of peoples to govern themselves—wondering why it wasn’t applied to them. British officials feared problems if discharged soldiers, accustomed to better living conditions, weren’t properly reintegrated. Lord Lugard worried that Africans exposed to modern weapons might use them against the British in the future.
The transfer of former German colonies, Togo and Cameroon, to the League of Nations under British and French mandates promoted the concept of imperial responsibility: preparing Africans for eventual self-governance while ensuring Africa supplied raw materials in exchange for “civilization.”
Rebellions emerged, some directly linked to the war, others opposing indirect rule in the south, and still others as acts of anticolonial resistance. Causes included weakened British administration, economic recession, unemployment, and harsh wartime policies. In the Niger Delta, Prophet Elijah II gathered followers against the British, capitalizing on hardships caused by declining palm-oil exports.
His movement lost momentum as the palm oil trade recovered. In the east, unoccupied areas resisted British rule through uprisings. Among the Yoruba in the west, introducing indirect rule, which empowered traditional chiefs, led to complaints and protests. Lugard extended this system nationwide, despite differing political and cultural contexts.
In the north, denied princes, resentful religious leaders, and impoverished farmers burdened by heavy taxes all organized their own revolts. A different form of protest came from the educated elite, who expected postwar reforms and greater participation in governance as a reward for their loyalty.
The National Congress of British West Africa, aligned with British war goals, sought reforms to indirect rule, which had marginalized the educated class. This disappointment fueled agitational politics that gained strength in subsequent years.
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