Salt Processing In Igede-Yala Pre-Colonial Economic Relations

Abstract

One of the critical challenges Nigeria faces since independence till contemporary period
is lack of unity and nation-building among her diverse ethno-cultural and religious
groups. It is against this backdrop that this work captures a case study of the nature of
the pre-colonial relations and interdependency among the component groups that made
up the country. The work outlined how the long peaceful relations and coexistence
among the two groups (among several others) occasioned in the sharing of technological
ideas between them. It traced the origin of salt refining ideas in the regions of Middle
Benue and Cross River Basin of Nigeria. The study discusses the processes involved in
the refining of indigenous brine salt and its immeasurable value to the pre-colonial
economy and society of the regions. It juxtaposes that such degree of interdependence
and cohesion predates colonial amalgamation of entities that made up Nigeria, thereby
wading off inaccurate perception that the coming together of the component groups as
accident of history. Using historical methodologies particularly substantial oral
evidence for the study tangible result was maximally achieved and presented to boost
scholarship and contribute to Nigerian question.