• Evolution means the gradual development of something over time.


• The evolution of the Nigerian state refers to the historical processes through which the different peoples, kingdoms, and territories in the area now called Nigeria came together under one administration.


• This process involved: treaties, conquest, colonization, amalgamation, and eventually independence.

• By the late 19th century, European countries were competing fiercely for colonies in Africa.


• This struggle is known as the Scramble for Africa.


• To avoid conflict among themselves, European powers met in Berlin, Germany, between November 1884 and February 1885.


• The meeting is called the Berlin Conference, and the agreement reached is known as the Berlin Treaty.


• It was hosted by Otto von Bismarck, the German Chancellor.

Major Reasons for the Berlin Treaty

1. To settle disputes among European nations over African territories.


2. To regulate the scramble for Africa and prevent wars in Europe.


3. To organize trade and navigation on the Niger and Congo rivers.


4. To stop the slave trade and encourage legitimate trade.


5. To give international recognition to European claims in Africa.

Major Features (Provisions) of the Berlin Treaty

1. A European power could not just claim territory in Africa; it had to show effective occupation (actual control of the land and people).


2. Free navigation of the River Niger and the Congo River was guaranteed for all nations.


3. The Congo Free State was recognized as the private property of King Leopold II of Belgium.


4. The treaty condemned the slave trade and encouraged Christian missionary work and “civilizing” activities.


5. Every European nation must notify others before claiming any part of Africa.

Effects of the Berlin Treaty on Africa and Nigeria

1. It officially divided Africa into spheres of influence among European powers.


2. African leaders and peoples were not consulted; their lands were shared without their consent.


3. It increased European rivalry in Africa, leading to military conquest of African societies.


4. It gave Britain the legal right to control territories along the River Niger, which later became Nigeria.


5. It marked the beginning of formal colonialism in Africa.

• During the 19th century, Europeans were competing for trade and territories in West Africa.


• In Nigeria, one major company became very influential: the Royal Niger Company (RNC).


• It was originally formed as the United African Company by Sir George Taubman Goldie in 1879.


• In 1886, the British government granted it a charter, giving it both commercial and political powers in the Niger area.


• Its headquarters was in Lokoja, at the confluence of the Niger and Benue rivers.

1. The charter gave it authority to make treaties with African rulers.


2. It could administer justice, collect taxes, and maintain law and order.


3. It was allowed to build forts and stations along the rivers.


4. It had the right to trade and control commerce in its territories.

1. Signing Treaties
   
   
   • The company signed numerous treaties of protection with local chiefs and rulers.
   
   
   • These treaties gave Britain legal rights over Nigerian territories.
   
   
   • For example, it signed treaties with chiefs in the Niger Delta and Middle Belt areas.
   
   
2. Establishing Trade Monopoly
   
   
   • The company created a monopoly of trade along the Niger and Benue rivers.
   
   
   • African traders and other European merchants found it difficult to compete.
   
   
   • It encouraged the trade in palm oil, kernels, and other raw materials instead of slave trade.
   
   
3. Political and Administrative Control
   
   
   • The RNC acted as a government in many areas under its control.
   
   
   • It built administrative posts, appointed agents, and settled disputes.
   
   
   • It maintained private police and military forces to protect its interests.
   
   
4. Expansion of British Influence
   
   
   • By controlling trade and treaties, the company paved the way for British colonization.
   
   
   • It resisted competition from French and German traders, thereby securing the area for Britain.
   
   
5. Handing Over to the British Government
   
   
   • By the end of the 19th century, administering the territories became too expensive for the company.
   
   
   • In 1900, the British government revoked its charter and took over direct control.
   
   
   • The company was paid £865,000 as compensation.
   
   
   • This marked the beginning of official colonial rule in Nigeria.
   
   

• It laid the foundation for British rule in Nigeria.


• It helped to stop foreign (especially French and German) expansion in the Niger area.


• It developed trade and communication along the rivers.


• It was a link between the period of free trade and full British colonial administration.

• After the Berlin Conference (1884–1885), European powers rushed to establish control over African territories.


• Britain was given the Niger area, but to make this effective, it had to conquer local states and set up administration.


• The period of conquest in Nigeria stretched from the late 19th century to the early 20th century, after which Britain formally controlled the whole territory.

Britain used several strategies to bring Nigerian peoples under control:

1. Treaties of protection with traditional rulers (e.g., with chiefs in the Niger Delta).


2. Military force against states that resisted (e.g., Benin, Arochukwu, Sokoto).


3. Diplomacy and alliances with rival local groups.


4. Divide-and-rule tactics, exploiting internal disputes among Nigerian peoples.

• Benin Kingdom (1897): Benin resisted British influence. After the killing of some British officials, the British launched a “punitive expedition” in 1897, destroying Benin City and exiling Oba Ovonramwen.


• Arochukwu (1902): The Aro people controlled a powerful trade and religious network in Eastern Nigeria. The British attacked and conquered them in 1902, ending their influence.


• Sokoto Caliphate (1903): Lord Lugard led British forces against the Fulani emirates. Sokoto and Kano fell in 1903, bringing the Caliphate under British control.


• Other Areas: Nupe, Tiv, and other Middle Belt peoples were subdued through military campaigns.

By 1906, almost all Nigerian territories were under British rule.

1. Early Administration

• In 1900, Britain officially took over from the Royal Niger Company.

• Nigeria was divided into:

• Protectorate of Northern Nigeria


• Protectorate of Southern Nigeria


• Colony of Lagos

2. The Amalgamation of 1914

In 1914, Lord Frederick Lugard merged the North and South with Lagos to form one political entity called Nigeria.

This made Nigeria easier to govern as a single colony.

3. System of Administration

The British introduced the Indirect Rule system, especially in the north, where local rulers governed under British supervision.

In the south, where centralized systems were weaker, indirect rule was less successful.

1. Nigeria was ruled by a Governor-General (e.g., Lord Lugard).


2. The colonial government was responsible to the British Crown.


3. The economy was based on producing raw materials (palm oil, cocoa, groundnuts, cotton) for export to Britain.


4. The colonial army and police maintained law and order.


5. Courts, taxation, and communication systems (railways, telegraphs, roads) were established.

Positive Effects

1. Construction of railways, roads, and ports.


2. Introduction of Western education and new political ideas.


3. Spread of Christianity and Western culture.


4. Unification of different peoples into one country called Nigeria.

Negative Effects

1. Loss of political independence and sovereignty.


2. Exploitation of resources for the benefit of Britain.


3. Harsh taxation and forced labor.
4. Cultural disruption and erosion of traditional authority.