Following World War II, in response to the growth of Nigerian nationalism and demands for independence, successive constitutions legislated by the British Government moved Nigeria toward self-government on a representative and increasingly federal basis. On October 1, 1954, the colony became the autonomous Federation of Nigeria. On October 27, 1958, Britain agreed that Nigeria would become an independent state on October 1, 1960.
Nigeria joined the Commonwealth of Nations and has maintained good relations with the UK.