Siollun’s work is a timely reminder of the need for Nigerians to confront their colonial past and to build a more just and equitable future. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of Nigerian history and the ongoing challenges facing the country.

Siollun reveals that the British exploited Nigeria’s resources on a massive scale, extracting wealth and resources without providing adequate compensation or investment in the country. The British also imposed their own economic systems, including a monoculture economy that was based on the export of cash crops, such as cotton and rubber.

In 1914, Britain colonized Nigeria, which was then a collection of disparate ethnic groups and kingdoms. The British imposed their own system of governance, economy, and culture, suppressing local traditions and institutions. The colonizers exploited Nigeria’s natural resources, including its rich oil reserves, and imposed a system of forced labor, taxation, and land expropriation.

In “What Britain Did To Nigeria,” Max Siollun provides a searing indictment of British colonial rule in Nigeria. The book is a powerful exploration of the darkest aspects of colonialism, revealing a narrative of oppression, resistance, and resilience.

The British colonial regime was also marked by the systematic exploitation of Nigeria’s natural resources. The British established a system of taxation, which forced Nigerians to pay taxes on their own land and resources. The British also imposed a system of forced labor, which was used to build infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and railways.

The legacy of British colonial rule in Nigeria is complex and multifaceted. Siollun argues that the colonial era had a profound impact on Nigeria’s development, creating a nation-state that was artificially constructed and lacking in cohesion.

Siollun argues that the amalgamation was a cynical experiment designed to consolidate British power and control over the region. The British imposed a system of governance that favored the north, which was more heavily influenced by Islamic and Arabic traditions. This created tensions and divisions that persist to this day, including the Biafran civil war, which was sparked in part by regional and ethnic tensions.

According to Siollun, the British colonial regime was characterized by a profound disregard for Nigerian lives and culture. The British saw Nigerians as inferior and treated them with contempt, often using brutal force to maintain control. The colonial era was marked by numerous uprisings and resistance movements, including the Egba Women’s Union, which fought against British colonial rule and the imposition of forced labor.