This is What Nigeria Was Called Before She Was Named By Flora Shaw

Do you know what Nigeria was called before the British journalist, Flora Shaw, named her? Well, this is a question that sounds simple, but only few people will be able to provide concrete answer to this. However, according to 'Artsandculture', before the name 'Nigeria' emerged, the British had taken control of Lagos and Southern Coast. The region which has been taken over by the 'Royal Niger Company' was generally referred to as Royal Niger Company territories. This is the first name Nigeria was referred to during the era.

Picture Credit: artandculture

Nigeria was also referred to as Central Sudan by some geographers and travellers. This was revealed through documents that attempts to explain the root of the word 'Niger'. One of such documents from the witwatersrand university, Johannesburg. According to the document, in London 1670, a map which shows a region called 'nigritarum' south of Sahara, makes one to suspects that 'nigritia' is but a latinising of the Arabic word Sudan. The word Sudan was termed as the land of Blacks.

Picture Credit: persee

It was also said that the Portuguese referred to Nigeria as Nigger Area. The word Nigger is often traced to the Latin word 'Niger' meaning Black. Nigeria was also referred to as Hausa territories and so on.

Picture Credit: artandculture

Flora Shaw suggested the name 'Nigeria' in an article she wrote in 'The Times Of London' in January 8, 1897. She had put together an outstanding article that exposes the inaccuracies of the previous names which Nigeria was called. However, it was noted that as at then the name applies to the 'Royal Niger company territories' and 'The Southern Protectorate'. The name Nigeria was later extended to the northern region after Frederic Lugard conquer sokoto and Kano.

Picture Credit: africafactzone

In conclusion, before Nigeria was finally named, it has been called several other nicknames which include; Royal Niger company territories, Central Sudan, the Niger Sudan, Hausa territory, Niggar Area.

I hope this article educates you and gives you more enlightenment on our dear country Nigeria. Kindly do well to subscribe and follow my account for more research-based articles.