Coastal Trade in Awa, Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria 1900–1970

Abstract

This paper examines the contributions of communities in Awa clan to the success of the international trade in commodities from the 1900s to the end of the Nigerian Civil War in 1970. It analyses how these hinterland dwellers were railroaded into trade relations with European merchant ships and the impact of such trade on the development of settlement patterns, skills acquisition. It also critically accesses the Awa communities more than 100 years after.

Keywords: creeks, waterways, trading vessels, palm oil, kernel, rubber