TRADE IN PRE-COLONIAL IGBO LAND: A CASE STUDY OF NNEWI

Abstract

This study examines the dynamics of trade in pre-colonial Igboland, with a focused case study on Nnewi, a prominent commercial hub in southeastern Nigeria. By analyzing historical records alongside oral traditions, the paper explores the economic structures, trade networks, and market systems that underpinned Nnewi’s role in regional and trans-regional commerce prior to colonial intervention. The research highlights the interplay between indigenous trade practices, social organization, and resource distribution, illustrating how Nnewi’s strategic location and entrepreneurial spirit facilitated the exchange of goods such as palm oil, textiles, and metal works. Furthermore, the study sheds light on the socio-political implications of trade, including the formation of market alliances and the integration of Nnewi within broader Igbo economic landscapes. Despite its historical significance, Nnewi remains under-researched in terms of its pre-colonial commercial history. This study seeks to fill that gap by providing an empirical, place-specific analysis of trade and commerce in Nnewi within the pre-colonial Igbo world. Ultimately, this investigation contributes to a deeper understanding of indigenous economic systems in pre-colonial Africa, challenging colonial narratives that often marginalized African agency in trade history.