Sabon Gari (plural: Sabon Garuruwa) is a term in the Hausa language meaning "new town" or "strangers’ quarters". It refers to sections of cities and towns in Northern Nigeria, South Central Niger, and Northern Cameroon that are predominantly inhabited by people not indigenous to Hausa lands.
Historical Background
Before the advent of British colonialism in 1900, segregated communities of strangers already existed in Northern Nigeria. These communities often maintained separation from the indigenous Hausa population for religious reasons, although they were still subject to the authority of the local emir.
With British colonization under Lord Frederick Lugard and the building of railway lines, many southern Nigerian migrants (mainly Igbo and Yoruba) moved north. They settled in newly created areas known as Sabon Garuruwa.
Key developments:
- 1914 Cantonments Proclamation: Institutionalized residential segregation by designating Sabon Garuruwa as Native Reservations, originally for government and commercial staff but de facto for southern Nigerians.
- 1917 Township Ordinance: Shifted control of Sabon Garuruwa from local emirs to direct British rule, giving residents legal rights like:
- Representation on local township advisory boards.
- Choice between Muslim law courts or British law courts.
Sabon Garuruwa were established in cities such as Kano, Kaduna, and Zaria. Maiduguri was a notable exception, never having a Sabon Gari.
City Structure Example: - Old City: Indigenous Hausa/Fulani - Sabon Gari: Southern immigrants - Tudun Wada: Non-indigenous northern Nigerians - European Reservation Areas: Europeans
1966 Pogroms
When General Aguiyi-Ironsi abolished the federation in 1966 with Decree No. 34, widespread anti-Igbo violence broke out in Sabon Garuruwa. Estimates of the dead range from 8,000 to 30,000, with children comprising half the victims. 1 to 2 million Igbos fled to the Eastern Region.
Demographic Shift
Over time, segregation began to break down. For example, by 1939, the Sabon Gari of Kaduna was ethnically mixed: - 27% Hausa - 11% Igbo - 19% Yoruba - 15% Nupe - 28% Other ethnicities
Geography
- Average Temperature: 32 °C
- Seasons: Distinct dry and wet seasons
- Average Wind Speed: 9 km/h
Economy
Trade is central to Sabon Gari's economy, with notable markets like:
- Sabon Gari Zaria Market
- Samaru Zaria Market
Other economic activities include:
- Agriculture: Cultivation of a variety of crops
- Animal Rearing
- Leather Goods Production
- Hunting
Sabon Garuruwa Today
Today, Sabon Garuruwa are still predominantly inhabited by southern Nigerians, and continue to be flashpoints for ethnic and religious tensions.
Key facts:
Sharia Law: In some northern states, Christian-majority Sabon Garuruwa are known for activities prohibited under Islamic law such as:
- Alcohol consumption
- Gambling
Cities like Zinder and Maradi (in Niger Republic) still retain Sabon Gari districts.
As of the 2016 Nigerian census, Sabon Gari Local Government Area had a population of approximately 393,300.