British colonization of Nigeria

Prior to the annexation of Lagos in 1861, the British first sought to establish formal contact with the coastal regions of what later became Nigeria through trading activities.
The British punitive expedition, referred to as the British bombardment of Lagos came in 1851, marking the first attack at taking over the region. The British entered into the Chieftancy conflict between Kosoko and Akitoye over who to ascend the throne in Lagos. The British signed a treaty with Akitoye and moved to attack and dethrone Kosoko. The punitive expedition marked the first formal incursion of the British into Nigeria.
After the 1884/1885 Berlin Conference and the withdrawal of the Royal Charter from the Royal Niger Company Led by George Taubman Goldie, the British saw a need to formally colonize Nigeria from 1900.

Multiple Choice

Why was the Treaty of Cession in 1861 significant in the British colonization of Nigeria?

• It ended the slave trade in Nigeria

• It allowed Britain to acquire Lagos and administer it directly

• It established the Oil Rivers Protectorate

• It created the Royal Niger Company

Multiple Select

Which of the following were key stages in the British colonization of Nigeria?

• Annexation of Lagos in 1861

• Establishment of the Oil Rivers Protectorate in 1885

• Granting of a charter to the Royal Niger Company in 1886

• Formation of the United African Company in 1900

Open Ended

How did the process of amalgamation in 1914 change the administration of Nigeria under British rule?