Nigeria was one of the West African countries colonized by Britain, the others were Sierra Leone, Gambia, and Ghana (Gold Coast).
Britain had come in contact with Nigeria in the 16th century. It became annexed to Lagos in 1861. Lagos became a British colony in 1886. In 1891 Britain created a skeletal administration in the oil river by appointing a commissioner and Consul-General, John Beecroft who resided in Calabar.
Before 1900, the North was administered on behalf of the British government by the Royal Niger Company headed by Taubman Goldie. That area was renamed Protectorate of Northern Nigeria in 1900, with Lord Fredrick Lugard as its first High Commissioner. Gradually British Colonialists extended their control to other parts of Nigeria through conquests, treaties, negotiations, etc.
Areas of territories conquered by the British through Military conquest were directly governed by the British Crown as Crown Colonies. A direct rule system of administration was applied in its administration.
The areas where it acquired trading settlements or influence were regarded as British protectorates. They were under the protection of the British government. Protectorates were there for British protection and exploitationTo use someone or something unfairly for your own advantage. More. They made use of traditional rulers to govern the people whilst the British officials supervised them (Indirect rule system).
The Protectorate of Southern Nigeria was merged with the crown colonies in 1906. In 1914, the Northern and Southern protectorates of Nigeria were amalgamated with Lord Lugard as its first Governor-General.
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