Who named Nigeria and in what year: learn all the details

The Federal Republic of Nigeria is a West African country renowned for its vibrant economy and huge population, currently exceeding 200 million. The country is geographically located between the Sahel and the Gulf of Guinea. Like numerous other African countries, Nigeria has a rich history deeply intertwined with European trade and colonization. Who named Nigeria and in what year, where did the name come from, and what does it mean?

Flora Shaw (L), A map and flag colours of Nigeria (R). Photo: @OnlyAfricaFacts, Elika (modified by author)
Source: UGC

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Numerous African countries did not have formal borders and typically existed in the form of groups of indigenous communities. These structures changed drastically when European colonialists arrived on the continent.

Who named Nigeria and in what year?

The name Nigeria was coined by Flora Shaw, a British journalist and colonial editor for The Times newspaper, on 8 January 1897. She proposed the name in an article where she suggested it as a shorter and more convenient term for the territories under British control along the Niger River, which dominates much of the country's landscape.

History of the name 'Nigeria'

The choice of the name was linked to the significant geographical and economic role the Niger River played in the region's history. Shaw later married Lord Lugard, one of the most prominent British colonial administrators of the time, who played a key role in the amalgamation of the Northern and Southern Protectorates in 1914.

The neighbouring Republic of Niger derives its name from the same river. The name Niger is believed to be an iteration of the words "egerew n-igerewen", commonly used by Tuareg inhabitants who lived near the rivers. Others believe the name to mean "black."

What was Nigeria called before it was named Nigeria?

Nigerians holding up their country's flags. Photo: pexels.com, @Tope A. Asokere
Source: UGC

Before the name 'Nigeria' was coined, the region was largely known by the titles associated with different colonial territories. The name's history dates back to 1879 when George Goldie, a British businessman, founded the United African Company (UAC), later known as the Royal Niger Company, which controlled the lower areas of the Niger River.

During this period, the areas were informally referred to as the 'Niger Territories' or the 'Royal Niger Protectorate,' reflecting the company's influence and the central role of the Niger River.

The company was later given a charter to administer the entire Niger Delta. A few years later, the company had its charter revoked, forcing George to sell his holdings to the British Government.

The lasting impact of Nigeria's name and colonial history on the country today

The name "Nigeria," derived from the Niger River, and its colonial history have significantly shaped modern Nigeria in various ways:

• The name has become a symbol of national identity for Nigerians, uniting diverse ethnic groups under a common identity.
• Nigeria's colonial past has influenced its governance structures and political dynamics.
• The economic policies established during colonial rule prioritized resource extraction, setting a precedent for the continued exploitation of Nigeria's natural resources.
• The historical context of colonialism has perpetuated social issues such as inequality and marginalization of certain groups.
• The blend of indigenous cultures with colonial influences has resulted in a rich, diverse cultural landscape.
• British colonialism introduced Western education, infrastructure, and administrative systems.
• The imposition of Western culture has led to the erosion of traditional Nigerian cultures.

A brief look into Nigerian history

Here is a quick look at some of the most important events that have happened in Nigerian history.

The merger of protectorates (1914)

How old is Nigeria? The country was formed more than 100 years ago. In 1914, colonial authorities combined the then southern and northern protectorates to form what was known as the Protectorate and Colony of Nigeria. This makes the country about 109 years as of 2023.

The country was in a 3-year civil war from 1967

The civil war began when the Republic of Biafra seceded from the rest of the country. The secession was preceded by two coups and civil unrest that saw more than a million Igbos head back to their native region in southeast Nigeria.

The government declared war on the secessionists, which lasted about 30 months, eventually coming to an end in 1970.

The country’s oil boom began in the 1970s

Sometime during the 1970s, Nigeria was the wealthiest African country because of the oil boom. By 1976, the country’s profits from oil had reached a record N5.3 billion. The country joined the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) in 1971.

In 2014, Nigeria became Africa’s largest economy

In mid-2014, the country's Bureau of Statistics confirmed the rebasing of the GDP to approximately $509.9 billion. This lifted Nigeria above South Africa's nominal GDP of $322 billion, making it the largest economy in Africa.

The country became independent in 1960

Nigeria gained independence from British rule in 1960, initially adopting a British style of government. The country’s first head of government was Abubakar Tafawa Balewa.

The country has been under military rule for a combined 29 years

Soldiers in the field. Photo: pixabay.com, @Matthew Hintz
Source: UGC

At the beginning of 1966, a group of UK-trained Nigerian army soldiers overthrew the sitting government in a violent coup. This was followed by a chain of military rule for 29 of the 33 years between 1966 and 1999.

When was the name Nigeria founded?

The name was suggested by Flora Shaw, a British journalist, on 8 January 1897. She named it after the Niger River, which dominates much of the country’s landscape.

How did Flora Shaw name Nigeria?

The woman who named Nigeria, Flora Shaw, suggested the name based on the Niger River, which flows through the country. She was wife of Sir Frederick Lugard.

Who sold Nigeria to the British?

In 1899, Sir George Goldie, the founder of the Royal Niger Company, which operated in the region, transferred the company's administrative rights over the Southern Nigeria Protectorate to the British government for £865,000.

This transaction laid the foundation for formal British colonial rule over what would later become Nigeria. The name Nigeria, having already been suggested by Flora Shaw, became more widely used as the British began formalizing their colonial administration.

Which country colonized Nigeria?

The British Empire ruled colonial Nigeria from the mid-nineteenth century until its independence in 1960.

Who named the Nigeria currency Naira?

Obafemi Awolowo is credited with coining the name "Naira" for the Nigerian currency. He was a prominent Nigerian politician and statesman who served as the Federal Commissioner for Finance in the 1960s. The name "Naira" is derived from the word "Nigeria."

How old is the country Nigeria?

Nigeria celebrated its 64th Independence Day on October 1, 2024. The country gained independence from British colonial rule in 1960.

Is Niger different than Nigeria?

Niger is a landlocked country located in West Africa. It shares borders with Libya, Chad, Cameroon, Benin, Burkina Faso, and Mali.

Nigeria is also located in West Africa and shares borders with Benin, Niger, Chad, Cameroon, and the Gulf of Guinea. Unlike Niger, Nigeria has a coastline on the Atlantic Ocean.

Who named the Nigerian flag?

The Nigerian flag was not named by a specific person. The flag was designed in 1959 by Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi, a student at Norwood Technical College, London. Today, the country's flag is usually hoisted in front of public buildings, government houses, the National Assembly, embassies, and buildings housing major international bodies.

The question of who named Nigeria and in what year is quite common. The country’s name is deeply intertwined with the Niger River as well as the British who first arrived in West Africa.

Legit.ng recently published an article about the Nigeria Civil Defence, one of the numerous paramilitary, military, and police agencies in Nigeria. These bodies serve various functions, all related to safety, law enforcement and order in one way or another.

This federal security agency was created to help mitigate any threats and forms of attack against Nigeria and its populace.

Source: Legit.ng