“Trade played the most important role in the rise of the Niger Delta trading states.” To what extent do you agree with this statement?

The question requires that candidates consider the merits or otherwise of the statement that trade played the most important role in the rise of the Niger Delta trading states. Reasons may predate the timeframe but they must be clearly linked to the issue raised in the question. Candidates may refer to the strategic location of the states, which enabled them to control trading ports especially those used in the palm oil trade. The importance of the slave trade and slavery may also be referred to. Other relevant factors may be addressed, such as social mobility in the states, which helped in the maintenance of unity among the Niger Delta states and the rise of leaders such as Jaja of Opobo and Nana of Itsekiri. The important role of middlemen may also be discussed. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

The question required that candidates consider the merits or otherwise of the statement that trade played the most important role in the rise of the Niger Delta trading states. This question proved fairly popular and there were a number of reasonable responses. Many candidates showed knowledge of the careers of Jaja and Nana however the responses did not often extend to a wider range of issues and circumstances that were necessary to produce a strong response. Areas such as governmental structures, slave trade and relations with other communities could have been covered.