Abdullahi Ganduje has argued that British colonial rule was driven by economic interests, particularly the supply of raw materials, rather than a genuine desire to unite Nigeria’s diverse communities. He praised the country’s founding nationalists for securing independence through organised political pressure and urged present-day leaders to turn diversity into a national asset.
Former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has said British colonial authorities brought Nigeria’s diverse communities together primarily to produce raw materials for Britain’s economic development, rather than to build a united country.
Ganduje made the remarks on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, while delivering a goodwill message at the fifth annual conference of the Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria in Abuja.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s colonial history, he said the country’s different ethnic groups had their own cultures and systems of leadership before the colonial authorities brought them together under a single administration.
According to Ganduje, the British colonial project was largely driven by the need to obtain resources for the development of the colonial power.
He said Nigerians should recognise the economic interests behind the country’s colonial formation while appreciating the nationalist politicians who later mobilised to secure independence.
The former governor commended First Republic politicians for building a sense of nationalism, forming political parties and using organised pressure to achieve independence from Britain in 1960.
He argued that Nigeria was fortunate to have secured independence through political movements and pressure groups rather than a prolonged armed struggle.
However, Ganduje expressed concern that the nationalist outlook of some early political leaders later gave way to ethnic considerations, with political parties increasingly organised around regional and ethnic identities.
He said the experience showed the importance of building a common national identity that rises above ethnic and cultural differences.
Ganduje urged political leaders and other stakeholders to accept responsibility for strengthening national unity, stressing that Nigeria’s diversity should be used to support development rather than deepen divisions.
His remarks came during a conference focused on nation-building, leadership, civic attitudes, culture and the relationship between political leaders and citizens.
The former governor’s comments also renewed attention on the legacy of British colonial rule, which shaped Nigeria’s political and economic structures before independence. Historical accounts document how colonial economic policies encouraged the production and export of agricultural commodities and minerals to support British commercial and industrial interests.
Ganduje called on Nigerians to work towards a shared national purpose, arguing that the country’s different cultures and identities should be treated as strengths rather than obstacles to unity.
His central message was that independence alone cannot guarantee national cohesion; sustained efforts by political leaders and citizens are needed to build trust and a stronger sense of belonging across the country.