SELF-ASSESSMENT EXERCISE What role did the amalgamations play in the evolution of Nigeria as apolitical unit 3.3 Nigerian Peoples and the Colonial Predicament You should always remember that colonial rule was forcibly imposed on the people of Nigeria. As stated earlier, colonial intention has never been for the benefit of Nigerian people. It was exploitative and this engendered protests from prominent Nigerians. The pursuit of economic goals was their catalyst. The British were busy looking for cheap raw materials and creating markets for the sale of their finished products. In doing that, their objectives became clear they pursued policies which in their entire ramification were geared towards the economic, political and social benefits of the British overlords.