Paper short abstract:

Street naming has a rich dossier of the past. It however, constitutes one of the neglected aspects of sources and methodology in the reconstruction of history in Nigeria.

Paper long abstract:

Street naming has a rich dossier of the past. It, however, constitutes one of the neglected aspects of sources and methodology in the reconstruction of history in Nigeria. In the post-colonial era, Nigerian cities are still in the process of reframing their colonial history of street naming. This paper argues that contestation over street naming has followed the trajectory of historiographical patterns, namely; nationalist historiography, coloniality and decoloniality. Many urban areas and local authorities were eager to revisit their local histories on street naming. Some progress has been made over the last two decades in terms of decolonial awareness. In the final analysis, this paper submits that street naming as integral component of local histories and sources of historical reconstruction, continued to serve as a tool of control of over urban landscapes, symbols of power and site of contestations.