First colonial claims Colonial Nigeria

flag of lagos colony (1886–1906)

as part of anti-slavery campaign , pretext making inroads lagos, britain bombarded lagos in november 1851, ousted pro-slavery oba kosoko , established treaty newly installed oba akintoye, more amenable. lagos annexed crown colony in 1861 via lagos treaty of cession.

british expansion accelerated in last decades of nineteenth century. history of lagos colony 1 of repeated attempts end yoruba wars. in face of threats divided yoruba states dahomey , sokoto caliphate, represented emirate of ilorin, british governor—assisted cms—succeeded in imposing peace settlements on interior.

colonial lagos busy, cosmopolitan port. architecture in both victorian , brazilian style, many of black elite english-speakers sierra leone , freedmen repatriated brazil , cuba. residents employed in official capacities , active in business. africans represented on lagos legislative council, largely appointed assembly. colony governed british colonial office in london.

captain john glover, colony s administrator, created militia of hausa troops in 1861. became lagos constabulary, , subsequently nigerian police force.

in 1880, british government , traders demonetised maria theresa dollar, considerable dismay of local holders, in favour of pound. in 1891, african banking corporation founded bank of british west africa in lagos.

oil rivers protectorate

queen victoria on stamp of niger coast protectorate of 1894

after berlin conference of 1884, britain announced formation of oil rivers protectorate, included niger delta , extended eastward calabar, british consulate general relocated fernando po. protectorate organised control , develop trade coming down niger. vice consuls assigned ports had concluded treaties of co-operation foreign office. local rulers continued administer territories, consular authorities assumed jurisdiction equity courts established earlier foreign mercantile communities. constabulary force raised , used pacify coastal area.

in 1894 territory redesignated niger coast protectorate , expanded include region calabar lagos colony , protectorate, including hinterland, , northward niger river far lokoja, headquarters of royal niger company. protectorate, did not have status of colony, officials appointed foreign office , not colonial office.

in 1891, consulate established niger coast protectorate force or oil rivers irregulars .