CURRENT AFFAIRS

Detailed explanation-1: -The colonial period proper in Nigeria lasted from 1900 to 1960, after which Nigeria gained its independence.

Detailed explanation-2: -The entire territory of the Royal Niger Company came into the hands of the British government. On 1 January 1900, the British Empire created the Southern Nigeria Protectorate and the Northern Nigeria Protectorate. In 1914, the area was formally united as the Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria.

Detailed explanation-3: -During the Berlin Conference of 1884–1885, European leaders determined who had rights to what “spheres of influence.” The two protectorates were joined in 1914 under British governor‐general Frederick Lugard, and the Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria was established.

Detailed explanation-4: -Further, explain the three distinct stages of British colonialism with their respective features. The three stages were: Mercantilism (1757-1813), Laissez Faire (1813-60), and Finance Imperialism (1860-1947).

Detailed explanation-5: -British administration in Nigeria formally began in 1861, when Lagos became a crown colony, a step taken in response to factors such as the now-illegal activities of slave traders, the disruption of trade by the Yoruba civil wars, and fears that the French would take over Lagos.