Pre-Colonial Inter-Group Boundary Relations in Africa: The Nigerian Experience

Abstract

This paper examines “Pre-Colonial Inter-Group Boundary Relations in Africa with reference to Nigeria’s Experience”. it examines the impact of inter-group boundary relations or interactions on Nigerian federation since evidence indicates that, for several decades long before the arrival of the European imperialist and the  subsequent creation of the Nigerian State, the states, empires, nationalities and ethnic groups that today make up the Nigeria State today were engaging on serious inter-group relations or interactions. That these sustained prevalence of the  interactions were a serious boost to Nigerian federalism, a principle that was  adopted on the basis of its capacity to further encourage integration and interethnic competition amongst the amalgam of people that constitute Nigeria today . The  objective of this research is to highlight the positive impact of these pre-colonial inter-group boundary relations on the Nigerian federation by drawing the attention of Nigerian policy makers and researchers to the “neglect” of the relevance of  boundary issues and inter-group relations. The historical methodology adopted for this research involved the use of both primary and secondary sources. Archival materials and oral interviews used for the analysis of the paper constitute the primary sources. The secondary sources include published and unpublished works on the vexed issues.The research however submits that, inter-group boundary relations between pre-colonial Nigerian peoples was basically moderated by incessant interactions ranging from economic, social, cultural and political. The affected areas have been developed arising from urbanization and interactions. It recommended that, both federal and state governments should continue to introduce integrative policies that will further enhance development and unity.