The correct answer is B. 1963.
Detailed Explanation:
Understanding Federation: A federation is a political entity characterized by a union of partially self-governing states or regions under a central federal government. In the context of Nigeria, this means that the country is made up of different states that have their own governments but are also governed by a national government.
Historical Context:
1914: The amalgamation of the Northern and Southern Protectorates and Lagos into a single entity known as the Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria occurred. However, this was not a federation; it was a colonial administrative decision made by the British.
1946: The Richards Constitution introduced a form of limited self-government but did not establish a true federal system. It was more about administrative reforms rather than creating a federation.
1960: Nigeria gained independence from British colonial rule, but it was still not a fully federal system. The independence constitution did not fully delineate the powers between the federal and regional governments.
1963: The 1963 Constitution established Nigeria as a true federation. This constitution provided for a federal structure with a clear division of powers between the central government and the regions (states). It marked the formal recognition of Nigeria as a federation.
Why Other Options Are Incorrect:
A. 1960: While Nigeria became independent in 1960, it did not become a federation at that time. The independence constitution did not create a federal system; it was more about self-governance.
C. 1914: The amalgamation of the Northern and Southern Protectorates in 1914 was a colonial administrative decision and did not establish a federal system. It was a unification of territories under British rule, not a federation.
D. 1946: The Richards Constitution of 1946 introduced some elements of self-governance but did not create a federal structure. It was a step towards self-governance but not a federation.
Summary of Key Points:
Nigeria formally became a federation with the 1963 Constitution.
The 1914 amalgamation was a colonial administrative decision, not a federation.
The 1946 Richards Constitution introduced limited self-governance but did not establish a federal system.
The 1960 independence did not equate to a federal structure; it was the 1963 Constitution that formally recognized Nigeria as a federation.
Revision Summary:
Nigeria became a federation in 1963 with the introduction of the federal constitution.
The 1914 amalgamation was not a federation; it was a colonial administrative act.
The 1946 Richards Constitution provided limited self-governance but lacked federal structure.
1960 independence did not establish a federal system; the true federation was recognized in 1963.