Why were Northern Nigeria and Southern Nigeria merged in 1914?

The amalgamation of Northern and Southern Nigeria on January 1, 1914, was carried out under the direction of the British colonial administration, following the recommendations of Sir Frederick Lugard.12

Lugard, who served as governor-general at the time, viewed the unification as a significant opportunity to consolidate the two territories into one vast state under a single central government. While the two regions possessed distinct traditions, administrative systems, and social characteristics, the British sought to streamline colonial governance through this merger.3

It is important to note that this administrative decision was part of a broader colonial strategy. The British maintained a divide-and-rule policy to prevent united opposition to their authority, keeping various Nigerian groups separate while utilizing indirect rule to manage local affairs through traditional authorities. The unification did not result in a complete fusion of the two systems, as Lugard retained a degree of dualism between the north and the south, which contributed to long-term political tensions due to the growing developmental and educational disparities between the regions.123