Urbanization in colonial Nigeria resulted in significant social changes. Among the options provided, the growth of labor unions and political activism was a direct outcome of urbanization.
Here's why:
1. **Emergence of New Economic Opportunities:** As cities grew, they became centers of economic activities, providing job opportunities in industries, transport, trade, and administration. People from various backgrounds, including rural areas, migrated to urban centers in search of better opportunities.
2. **Increase in Labor Force:** The influx of people into cities resulted in a significant increase in the labor force. This concentrated workforce found themselves with a common interest in improving their working and living conditions, which laid the foundation for the formation of labor unions.
3. **Formation of Unions:** Labor unions were formed to address issues such as fair wages, decent working conditions, and workers' rights. These unions played a crucial role in articulating the challenges faced by workers and negotiating on their behalf, which was a direct impact of urbanization.
4. **Rise of Political Activism:** As labor unions grew, they became a platform for political activism. Workers' demands extended beyond labor issues; they began to address broader socio-political concerns, such as independence from colonial rule and self-governance. This activism gradually became an essential part of Nigeria's political landscape, influencing the push for independence.
In contrast, urbanization did not lead to the complete assimilation of Nigerian elites into British culture, the immediate decline of traditional chieftaincy institutions, or the eradication of ethnic and regional differences. While these may have been influenced indirectly, the direct social change was the rise of labor unions and political awareness among the urban populace.