The historical development of Minna town in Nigeria, 1976 to 2015

Minna Town started as an insignificant Gwari settlement on the Paida hill but transformed into an important economic, political and administrative centre following the British colonial activities and post-colonial state policies. The major aim of the study is to understand the historical development of Minna town up to the end of colonial period and to know post-colonial transformations that impacted on its development. It has however been observed that literature on the historical development of Minna Town as an urban centre, the processes and dynamics of its changes and transformation have been fallow. This study in particular considers
specifically the historical development of the Minna town between 1976 to 2015 which is a watershed in its history. Using qualitative method the research employed the utilization of semi structured interview approach with thirty people across board to obtain historical information on the development of Minna Town. The information was corroborated with archival source materials to analyze and interpret the study. Minna as an important economic, political and administrative centre is one of the very few
urban settlements which its emergence is rooted in the colonial history of Nigeria. The research finds out that various administrations played significant role in its development. The research therefore is significant as it sought to explain development of towns through various State policies. The study will assist in our understanding of social, economic and political complexities of urban centres whose transformation is rooted in colonial history. It will assist government and policy makers in addressing issues associated with urban growth and transformation in the light of modernization, urbanization and changing socio-economic and political environment