Economy

The economy of the old Western Region of Nigeria was primarily driven by agriculture, particularly the production of cash crops like cocoa, which became the region’s economic backbone and a major export for Nigeria. Cocoa farming generated significant revenue and played a key role in financing many of the region’s social and infrastructural projects.

Key Features of the Western Region's Economy:

Agriculture: Cocoa was the dominant crop, alongside others like rubber, palm oil, and kola nuts. The region's climate was ideal for agriculture, and the government encouraged farming through agricultural cooperatives and initiatives.

Trade and Industry: The region invested in light industries, including textile mills, cement factories, and food processing plants. Major urban centers like Ibadan and Lagos (before it became a separate entity) were hubs for commercial activities, benefiting from both domestic and international trade.

Infrastructure and Education: Revenues from cocoa exports helped fund extensive infrastructure development (roads, industrial estates) and social programs (notably, the free education policy). Education created a skilled workforce that further stimulated economic growth.

Overall, the Western Region’s economy was marked by agricultural prosperity, supported by industrialization and forward-looking social policies, making it one of Nigeria’s most developed regions at the time.