Britain and the Foundation of Anti-Communist Policies in Nigeria, 1945-1960

The historiography of Nigeria's transition to independence is incomplete without examining various measures against leftist activities by British officials and their Nigerian "Agents". I posit that devolution in Nigeria, as in many colonies where the potent mix of radical nationalism and communism was common, was followed by official and unofficial anti-communist measures. I argue that anti-communist policies evolved partly because of global Cold War politics, colonial disorder, leftist nationalists, increasing communist literature, and the increasing Soviet Union interest in nationalist struggles during the years preceding independence. While it is generally noted that the context of Britain's anti-Communist policies is much broader, scholars have not fully analyzed events, issues, and personalities involved in many colonies. I conclude that the success of anti-communism was central to post-colonial relations between Nigeria and Britain (including its strong ally - the United States of America).