Lagos market women campaign to remove income tax, Nigeria, 1940-1941
Summary
Women market workers in Lagos, an area in western Nigeria, in the 1920s were organized into a powerful group known as the Lagos Market Women Association (LMWA). [source: nv-database]
In 1932, a rumor emerged that the British colonial government was going to begin taxing Lagosian women, which had never been done before, although taxes for men had been introduced in 1927 (in spite of coordinated resistance by different groups). [source: nv-database]
The market women felt that a tax was unfair and that they were already struggling to make a living. [source: nv-database]
The LMWA quickly organized and, led by Madam Alimotu Pelewura and leaders from other markets. [source: nv-database]
Tactics used
Tactics used
- group-lobbying
- public-speeches
- assemblies-of-protest-or-support
- petitions and e campaigning
Background
Women market workers in Lagos, an area in western Nigeria, in the 1920s were organized into a powerful group known as the Lagos Market Women Association (LMWA). [source: nv-database]
In 1932, a rumor emerged that the British colonial government was going to begin taxing Lagosian women, which had never been done before, although taxes for men had been introduced in 1927 (in spite of coordinated resistance by different groups). [source: nv-database]
The market women felt that a tax was unfair and that they were already struggling to make a living. [source: nv-database]
The LMWA quickly organized and, led by Madam Alimotu Pelewura and leaders from other markets. [source: nv-database]
What happened
Lagos market women campaign to remove income tax, Nigeria, 1940-1941 — United Market Women’s Association (Public domain). Source: lagos-market-women-campaign-remove-income-tax-nigeria-1940-1941.png
Women market workers in Lagos, an area in western Nigeria, in the 1920s were organized into a powerful group known as the Lagos Market Women Association (LMWA). In 1932, a rumor emerged that the British colonial government was going to begin taxing Lagosian women, which had never been done before, although taxes for men had been introduced in 1927 (in spite of coordinated resistance by different groups). The market women felt that a tax was unfair and that they were already struggling to make a living. The LMWA quickly organized and, led by Madam Alimotu Pelewura and leaders from other markets. [source: nv-database]
Key people & organizations
- Madam Alimotu Pelewura [source: nv-database]
- other women representatives from different Lagos markets [source: nv-database]
- Nigerian National Democratic Party [source: nv-database]
- NNDP head Herbert Macaulay [source: nv-database]
- Lagos “white-cap” chiefs [source: nv-database]
Outcome
Verdict: partial.
Per the source’s scoring rubric, the campaign scored 2 out of 6 points on achieving specific demands/goals, 1 out of 1 points on survival, and 2 out of 3 points on growth — for 5 out of 10 points overall. [source: nv-database]
This campaign can be considered somewhat successful because the actions of the campaigners resulted in a desirable change, which is consistent with the original goals, even if they were not completely achieved. [source: nv-database]
Lessons
- A campaign can survive and grow even when its core demands are not met — sustaining an organization matters as much as immediate wins.
- This campaign can be considered somewhat successful because the actions of the campaigners resulted in a desirable change, which is consistent with the original goals, even if they were not completely achieved. [source: nv-database]
- Economic pressure through strikes remains a core lever for labor and pro-democracy campaigns in West Africa.
Sources
- Global Nonviolent Action Database —
[[nv-database]]
Disclaimer: Included as a teaching example of campaign craft, not as endorsement.
Sources & verification
nv-database— grounding: primary — license: link-only- Built: 2026-07-04 from GNVAD content via T1 balance pipeline.