THE RIVER NIGER AND INTERGROUP RELATIONS IN NIGERIA: A HISTORICAL STUDY

Abstract

The Niger region has historically been a focal point of political alliances and conflicts, shaped by the economic and strategic significance of the River Niger. This study examines the historical and contemporary political struggles along the river, analyzing their causes, patterns, and implications. The research objectives include understanding pre-colonial power structures, the impact of colonial rule, and post-independence conflicts, particularly in the context of ethnic politics and resource control. A historical-analytical methodology was employed, drawing from secondary sources such as books, journal articles, and archival materials. The findings reveal that while the River Niger has served as a unifying factor for trade and governance, it has also been a contested space, leading to conflicts such as inter-kingdom rivalries, colonial resistance, the Nigerian Civil War, and the Niger Delta crisis. The study concludes that resolving political conflicts in the region requires policies that balance historical realities with modern governance strategies to foster stability and development.