ABSTRACT
This chapter presents the more important features, in the hope that the enlightened policies pursued by the makers of Nigeria might be emphasized. Frederick Lugard succeeded in reducing the power of the Fulani emirs and established the system of indirect rule, but was unable to do much in the way of developing the economic resources of the conquered territory. The development of transport facilities has had important economic and social results and has been of definite advantage from an administrative point of view. Economic development in Nigeria has been unique in that the efforts of private capital to exploit the resources of Nigeria have been held in check and a policy of economic self-determination adhered to. Economic freedom contributes much to the development of a people, yields important results in the form of internal peace and prosperity, and increases greatly the capacity of the native to buy manufactured products. Agriculture remains the principal economic pursuit of the native.
