Independence Day: 15 photos of Nigerians celebrating in 1960

As expected there were lots of celebrations around the country especially in the then capital, Lagos. From fireworks to dance troupes, masquerades, even a state banquet where dignitaries mingled and danced was held.

The celebrations were also topped by a grand ceremony hosted by the prime minister, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa. At the time, Nnamdi Azikiwe was governor-general, a role shared with Sir James Wilson Robertson.

Queen Elizabeth II, who was still the country's sovereign, was represented by a member of the British royal family, Princess Alexandra.

In celebration of Nigeria's Independence, Pulse has rounded up 15 photos from Nigerians celebrating back in 1960.

The photo shows Nigerians celebrating the first ever Independence day in London (Credit - The Guardian) Nigerian archives

The celebrations were also topped by a grand ceremony hosted by the prime minister, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa (Credit - Lost Photos) Nigerian archives

Tafawa Balewa delivering his speech (Credit - Lost Photos) Nigerian archives

Abubakar Tafawa Balewa giving his Independence day speech 1960 (Credit - africanspotlightcom) Nigerian archives

Nigeria's indepedence at 1960 [Credit - Nigerian Archives] Nigeria's indepedence at 1960 [Credit - Nigerian Archives] Nigeria archives

A state banquet where dignitaries mingled and danced was held (Credit - Nigerian Archives) A state banquet where dignitaries mingled and danced was held (Credit - Nigerian Archives) Nigerian archives

Nigerians celebrating (Credit - Google) Nigerian archives

From L to R; Obafemi Awolowo, Nnamdi Azikwe, Tafawa Balewa on Independence day (Credit - Buzz Nigeria) Nigerian archives

Nigeria celebrates her Independence in 1960 [Credit - Lost PHOTOS] Nigerian archives

Dignitaries at Nigeria’s Independence (Credit - iStock) Nigerian archives

As expected there were lots of celebrations around the country especially in the then capital, Lagos (CrEDit - Nigerian Archives) Nigerian archives

Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Sir James Wilson Robertson, Queen Elizabeth II, who was still the country’s sovereign, was represented by a member of the British royal family, Princess Alexandra (Credit - Nigerian Archives) Nigerian archives