This chapter explores the history of urbanization in Nigeria, focusing primarily on the colonial era and, to a lesser degree, precolonial Nigeria in areas that hosted large, Indigenous urban centers like Ibadan or Kano. This chapter will argue that the primary factor that pushed Nigeria toward urbanization was colonialism, driven primarily by economic interests. This development was informed by Nigeria’s unique geographic, social, and political conditions, the specifics of which will be showcased through the exploration of Nigeria’s most prominent cities. Finally, the chapter will detail the urban policies of colonial officials and the actual development of these cities, along with the challenges that arose from uneven, exploitative practices. These issues would mire Nigeria’s urban landscape with poor planning, crime, poverty, and numerous other challenges which continue to plague the nation today.

There is a resurgence of national controversies that are birthed by religious beliefs and shielded under the enclave of theocratic identities. While these groups have an ultimate desire to control the sociocultural and socioeconomic life of the country, they have in the process enhanced internal divisions because of their competition for recognition and relevance. Consequently, the activities of the various religious identities in the country have attracted travails and encouraged conflicts and violence. Under the current system and sociopolitical arrangements, it appears that religious identities have come to occupy a comfortable position in the Nigerian environment where they continue to dictate the social and economic trajectories of the country. To therefore understand the future of Nigeria in relation to religious identities, the chapter argues that the country's different religious groups have contributed significantly to the challenges and development situation of the country.