History of Northern Nigeria

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The history of Northern Nigeria spans from prehistoric times to the modern period of the Northern Nigerian state.

Pre-History

The Nok culture dominated much of what is now Northern Nigeria, leaving behind terracotta statues and megaliths in places like Sokoto, Kano, Birnin Kudu, Nok, and Zaria.
A related culture, the Kwatarkwashi culture, centered in Zamfara (Sokoto Province), is considered a variant or offshoot of Nok.

Originated in the Lake Chad basin; expanded significantly by the 13th century, sometimes reaching Fezzan in Libya.
The ruling dynasty, Sayfawa, reigned from 800–1846 AD.
The empire adopted Islam in the 11th century, with Mai Umme Jilmi as the first Muslim ruler.
Mai Ali Ghaji (r. 1470–1508) reformed government and extended Bornu's influence.
Idris Alauma (r. 1571–1603) led military expansion, adopted Shari'a law, and promoted Islamic scholarship.
The economy was driven by the Trans-Saharan trade, especially in slaves, salt, and livestock.

In the 9th century, successor kingdoms to the Kabara Nation emerged. These included:

These kingdoms had shared origin myths and were united by trade and cultural exchanges.

The Hausa states emerged between 500–700 CE.
Influenced by the Ghana Empire, they adopted Islam in the 11th century.
Developed a unique architectural style and used Ajami script to document their language.
Kano Chronicle is one of the most important historical records of this period.

In the early 19th century, Usman dan Fodio led a Fulani jihad, founding the Sokoto Caliphate in 1803.
The Caliphate was organized into autonomous Emirates governed by hereditary Emirs.
Though Bornu was initially absorbed, it later regained some autonomy.

The British entered Northern Nigeria via trade, particularly through the Royal Niger Company.
Frederick Lugard declared the Protectorate of Northern Nigeria in 1897.
By 1903, major strongholds like Kano and Sokoto fell.
The British used indirect rule, governing through local emirs.

Officially began on January 1, 1897, at Ida.
Northern Nigeria was formally under British rule via the 1885 Berlin Treaty.
British conquest continued with the fall of Ilorin, Kabba, and Kontagora.
On March 13, 1903, the Caliphate officially submitted to British authority.
Lugard pioneered the indirect rule system and later merged North and South Nigeria in 1914.

North was governed as part of the larger Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria.
Administered by Lieutenant Governors and Chief Commissioners.
The Richards Constitution (1945) granted significant autonomy to the North.

On March 15, 1953, Northern Nigeria was granted self-rule.
Sir Ahmadu Bello became the first Premier.
The Northern Peoples Congress (NPC) became the ruling party, with the Northern Elements Progressive Union (NEPU) as the opposition.

References to be included or linked as needed.