Before Nigeria's oil boom and the advent of Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue from imports and consumables that Lagos State now boasts of, agriculture was the lifeblood of the nation's economy. Historical records from 1938 to 1948 reveal that the Northern Region, through its robust agricultural activities—primarily groundnut exports—contributed a staggering 72% of the central government’s revenue. This was a period when the country's financial backbone was not dependent on crude oil but on the sweat and toil of farmers.
The significance of this contribution cannot be overstated. These funds were pivotal in constructing the schools, ports, and essential infrastructure that laid the groundwork for Nigeria's modernization. The money was also instrumental in financing oil exploration in the Niger Delta, which later became the country's primary revenue source.
On the other hand, contributions from the Southern regions tell a different story. Despite the economic potential of cocoa and other cash crops, the South managed to contribute only 12% to the central purse during the same period. This disparity raises a fundamental question: Was it with this meager 12% contribution that the federal government was able to build prominent institutions like the University of Ibadan and other federal establishments concentrated in the South?
The narrative of the North as a "parasite" feeding off the resources of other regions collapses under the weight of historical evidence. In reality, the Northern Region, often dismissed in modern discussions, was the financial backbone of the nation during its formative years. Without the North’s agricultural wealth, key national projects and institutions might never have come to fruition.
This overlooked history challenges the dominant narratives of regional contributions and development. It calls for a reassessment of the roles played by different parts of the country in shaping Nigeria's economic and infrastructural foundation. The North's substantial input reminds us that every region has had a role in building the nation, even if history has not always acknowledged it.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with regional tensions and accusations of uneven development, this piece of history serves as a crucial reminder: the wealth of the North, cultivated from the land, sowed the seeds for the nation’s growth. It’s time to give credit where it’s due and appreciate the diverse contributions that have collectively made Nigeria what it is today.
Tags
Editorial