Decolonization Process in Nigeria: The Contributions of Nnamdi Azikiwe’s Press and Labour Strike in 1945

Abstract

The reactions to the economic and social effects of the Second World War were expressed through the press by the working class, who were the producers of the colonial economy and ironically bore the pinch of its hardship. Attempts to bring these to the attention of the colonial administration by the workers union resulted in unpleasant reactions from the former. Nnamdi Azikiwe’s press was readily at hand to assist workers to agitate for the increase of better working conditions caused by the war. At the end, the activities of these two-group led to the increased cost of living allowance (COLA) for the Nigerian workers and amendment to some of the obnoxious political policies, leading to the political independence of the country.