Developments in colonial policy under Clifford Colonial Nigeria

flag of british colonial nigeria



sculptural representation of africa @ colonial office building on whitehall street; created henry hugh armstead

lugard s immediate successor, sir hugh clifford, aristocratic professional administrator liberal instincts had won recognition enlightened governorship of gold coast. approaches of 2 governors colonial development diametrically opposed. in contrast lugard, clifford argued colonial government had responsibility introduce practical benefits of western experience. aware muslim north present problems, had hopes progress along lines laid down in south, anticipated general emancipation leading more representative form of government. clifford emphasised economic development, encouraging enterprises immigrant southerners in north while restricting european participation capital intensive activity.

uneasy amount of latitude allowed traditional leaders under indirect rule, clifford opposed further extension of judicial authority held northern emirs. said did not consider past traditions , present backward cultural conditions afford such experiment reasonable chance of success. in south, saw possibility of building elite educated in schools modelled on european method (and numerous elite children attended high-ranking colleges in britain during colonial years). these schools teach basic principles , should regulate character , conduct. in line attitude, rejected lugard s proposal moving capital lagos, stronghold of elite in whom placed confidence future.

clifford believed indirect rule encouraged centripetal tendencies. argued division 2 separate colonies advisable unless stronger central government bind nigeria more administrative convenience 3 regions. whereas lugard had applied lessons learned in north administration of south, clifford prepared extend north practices had been successful in south. sir richmond palmer, acting lieutenant-governor in north, disagreed clifford , advocated principles of lugard , further decentralisation.

the colonial office, lugard still held in high regard, accepted changes might due in south, forbade fundamental alteration of procedures in north. a.j. harding, director of nigerian affairs @ colonial office, defined official position of british government in support of indirect rule when said direct government impartial , honest men of alien race . . . never yet satisfied nation long , . . . under such form of government, wealth , education increase, political discontent , sedition.