Historical Context of Nigeria's Borders and Conflicts

The article examines how Nigeria's borders were established during the Berlin Conference in November 1884, where fourteen European nations, including Britain, France, Germany, and Portugal, convened under the invitation of German Chancellor Otto von Bismarck. Notably, no African leaders were present, and the conference aimed to divide Africa among European powers to prevent conflict.

The British created separate northern and southern protectorates in Nigeria, which were merged into a single colony in 1914 by Governor-General Frederick Lugard. This merger disregarded the common identities of the people, leading to divisions that still affect Nigeria today.

The article highlights the historical context of the Yoruba people in the Benin Republic and the impact of colonial decisions on ethnic groups, such as the Hausa, Efik, Igbo, and Fulani, who now find themselves divided across multiple countries.