The Return of Dr. Namdi Azikiwe from Gold Coast to Nigeria in 1937 was a great step in the growth of Nigeria's nationalism. Formerly an editor of "the African Morning Post" in Gold Coast, Dr. Namdi Azikiwe started a nationalistic newspaper. This was the "West African Pilot".

In 1943, he laid down and published a work plan for the attainment of Nigeria's independence.

In 1944, a political party known as "National Council of Nigerians and Cameroons (NCNC) was formed

In 1946, Governor Richards gave the Nigerians the "Richards constitution" which divided the country into three regions- the Northern, Eastern and Western regions.

Between 1948-50, workers rioted demanding for increased wages.

In 1949, the "Northern Peoples' Congress" (NPC) was formed under the leadership of Ahmad Bello.

In the same year, the "Action Group" (AG) was formed under chief Awolowo, The two parties articulated nationalistic feelings.

In 1950, the new governor of Nigeria- Macpherson summoned Nigerian nationalists for a conference at Ibadan and a number of constitutional reforms were discussed.

In 1951, the Macpherson constitution was issued and by it, Nigeria was to adopt a federal government

In 1953, nationalists of the AG pressurised for Nigeria's independence by 1956 but this was opposed by the NPC led by Ahmed Bello who feared over dominance by Southerners since the northerners were not yet learned enough.

In 1954, the British colonial secretary Lytllelton invited Nigerian political leaders to London to work out a new constitution for Nigeria.

In 1954, The British organised the first pre-independence federal elections.

A final constitution for Nigeria was agreed upon in 1957.

In 1959, another round of general elections was organised by the British, NPC won in the North, the AG won in the West and the NCNC won in the East.

On 11^th October 1960, the British granted independence to Nigeria.