Gov 003

(Topic 2) Colonial Administration in Nigeria

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Colonial Administration In Nigeria
The scramble for and the partitioning of West Africa by the European nations acted as the
genesis of the establishment of colonial administration in West Africa. With the exception of
Liberia, the whole West African countries came under the colonial rule of Britain, France,
Germany and Portugal- nations that shared out West Africa as a result of its partitioning
which took place during the Berlin Conference of 1884/85. In response to the call made at the
1890 Brussel Conference, the European nations that shared out West Africa, sent their
officials to their West African territories for effective occupation and that marked the
commencement of the real colonial rule.

Therefore, the period of 1885-1950s served as period of colonial rule in West Africa. The
period witnessed economic dehumanization for the peoples of West Africa. We shall discuss
about the systems of administration of the two leading colonial masters in West Africa
Britain and France.

Features Of Colonial Administration In West Africa

Colonial administration in West Africa was organised in a hierarchical manner. The major
features of colonial administration are central administration and native administration (the
indirect rule system) at the protectorate, provincial and divisional levels.

1. Central Administration: The central administration was headed by the Governor. He was
appointed by the Secretary of State for the colonies who had the power to remove or
redeploys him. The Governor was responsible for the administration of the whole country and
was accountable to the imperial government in London through the Secretary of State. The
Governor is the President of both the Legislative and Executive Councils. He makes and
executes policies, appoint and depose chiefs, and appoint officers of government. He assisted
in legislation, can veto legislation; review the judgements by the judiciary and exercise
prerogative of mercy.

The Legislative Council was another institution of central administration. The council was
made up of the governor, official and unofficial members. The elective principle introduced
by the Clifford Constitution (1922) reorganized the Council to provide for four elected
African members. The Legislative Council became more representative with the Richards
Constitution. The role of the Legislative Council was to advise the governor in framing
legislation for the colony, but the governor was not bound to accept its advice. Whenever the

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governor overrides the advice or decisions of the Council, he must inform the Secretary of
State for the colonies of his actions.

The Executive Council was responsible for the formulation of colonial government policy
and for carrying out the laws of the colony. The Council was an advisory body to the
governor. The governor had powers to reject the decisions or advice of the council. Under the
Macpherson Constitution (1951), the Executive Council became known as Council of
Ministers.

2. Native Administration: The colonial administration instituted a system of native

administration in the protectorates, provinces and districts through the indirect rule system.
This is a system of administration which uses the traditional political institutions of the
people to govern the people in accordance with their traditional norms and practices which
did not conflict with colonial laws, and under the guidance of colonial officials.

Reasons for Colonialism

1. Economic Reasons: By the late 19thcentury, the concern about sourcing raw materials
for the growing industries in Europe and the markets for their products became a
serious issue in most European states, thus, the scramble for Africa ensued and led to
eventual colonialism.

2. Religious Reasons: The missionaries in Europe were determined to spread

Christianity all over the world. Therefore, they came to Africa for that purpose. They
informed and invited their home countries for protection purposes.

3. Exploration Reason: Many European explorers came to Africa to explore various

parts of Africa so as to discover various human and natural resources of the continent.
This activity was followed by colonialism.

4. Civilization Reason: Many Europeans claimed that Africa was a dark continent, as
such, there was the need to come down to Africa to civilise the people of the
continent.

5. Slavery Reason: In the late 18th and early19th centuries, slave trade was very high.
Laws were passed to stop the trade, and movements were formed to stop it too.
European countries thereby decided to come down to Africa for effective stoppage of
the trade.

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British System Of Colonial Administration
Britain, like other European nations sent its officials to its four West African colonies after
the1890 Brussel conference for effective occupation of the territories. By 1900, Britain has
established political influence in her four colonies of Nigeria, the Gold Coast (Now Ghana)
Sierra Leone and the Gambia.

British Colonial Administration Of the Crown Colonies And protectorates

In West Africa, British crown colonies included; Lagos, Accra, Freetown and Bathurst
colonies. These colonies were regarded as extensions of Great Britain, so they were
administered directly by the White British officials. The laws made in Britain were applied to
these colonies. The Governor-Generals of the British territories were the Chief
Administrators of the colonies. They were assisted by the executive council members. The
council advised the Governor-Generals on policy matters and with regards to the
implementation of the imperialist laws and policies.
The British judicial system was applied to the crown colonies. They appointed British judicial
officers and the court system was like what was available in Britain. At the crown colonies,
traditional rulers were not recognised. The direct administration was possible because of the
presence of the large British officials in the colonies. Also, the colonies generated adequate
funds for their administration.
Beside the crown colonies, other interior are as were regarded as protectorates and the
indirect administrative system was used in all the places. Britain used military threats to
silence all the oppositions and resentments against its take-over of the administration of these
colonies. In all these colonies, Britain adopted the same pattern of administration known as
indirect rule.

The Functions of the Colonial Governor in British West Africa

1. He performed ceremonial functions e.g. conferment of honours and receiving of dignitaries
2. He reported to the crown through the secretary of state for the colonies.
3. He appointed some members of the executive and legislative councils including the ex-
officio members
4. He appointed, promoted and disciplined/dismissed public servants in the colony.
5 He formulated social and economic policies for the colony.
6. Presided over the meetings of both the legislative and the executive councils.
7. He assented to all bills passed by the legislative council.
8. He approved the allocations of land occupied by the government.

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9. He exercised all the powers of head of government on behalf of the British e.g. declaration
of a state of emergency, the exercising of the prerogative of mercy.
10. He exercised reserved powers in making laws for the colonies e.g. power of veto and
certification.
11. He formulated social and economic policies for the colony.

What Is Indirect Rule?

Indirect rule may be defined as a British system of ruling her colonies with the use of local
chiefs or other appointed intermediaries and traditional laws and customs with British
officials merely supervising the administration. Indirect rule was introduced in Nigeria by Sir
Lord Lugard who described the system of administration as a"child of necessity". Lord
Lugard, referred to as the "Father of the Indirect Rule" introduced the indirect rule system in
Nigeria around 1906 first in Northern Nigeria when he was the High Commissioner of the
Protectorate of Northern Nigeria. Lord Lugard who became the first Governor-General for
Nigeria after the Northern and Southern protectorates were amalgamated in 1914, also
introduced the system of indirect rule to Southern part of Nigeria.

Essential Features of Indirect Rule

1. Indirect rule used the existing traditional system of administration. It recognized the status
of traditional rulers.
3. Traditional rulers served as the pivot of indirect rule.
4. Traditional laws and customs were used in the administration.
5. The indirect rule system was supervised by British officials.
6. British officials did not exert their influence directly to the people but through the local
chiefs.
7. The system was meant to assist in the development of the traditional political institutions
for effective administration.
8. The system did not disrupt the existing traditional system of administration and political
order.
9. It was not an expensive system of administration.
10. The native authority system was used.
11. Taxes were collected.
12. Native police system was introduced.
13. Officers/Chiefs were appointed where there were no traditional chiefs or rulers.

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 Reasons for the Introduction or Establishment Or Adoption of the system of Indirect
Rule
1. Lack of Personnel: Lack of British personnel was one of the reasons that forced Lord
Fredrick Lugard to introduce the system of indirect rule in Nigeria. Lord Lugard who was the
British High Commissioner in Northern Nigeria at the time he introduced the system could
not get sufficient number of British staff for administering the vast region of Nigeria.
According to Ola Abiola, the reason was that during this period, very few Europeans were
prepared to come to West Africa which was described as the 'white-man's grave' owing to its
poor climate and the pressure of deadly insects like mosquitoes and tsetse flies.
2. Inadequate Fund: This lack of enough fund which forced Lugard to adopt the system of
indirect rule was aggravated by Britain's reluctance to involve heavily in any financial
responsibilities of its colonies.
3. Its Success in Other Countries: Lugard thought it wise to use the system because of the
significant success the system recorded in Countries like India, Uganda, etc where it was first
introduced.
4. To Preserve Traditions and Customs: The system of indirect rule was established by
Lord Lugard in order to preserve the traditions and Customs of the people of Nigeria. It was
in a bid not to destroy the cultural values and traditional system of the people of Nigeria that
Lugard used the traditional rulers. The British system of indirect rule in Nigeria, in the
opinion of Lord Lugard will maintain the cultural status quo.
5. To Involve Traditional Rulers: The system of indirect rule was established because Lord
Lugard wanted to bring the traditional rulers into the art of governance. Lugard thought it
wise that any system of government that isolates the people being governed will not succeed.
6. Britain's Unwillingness To Involve Financially: Britain's non readiness to involve
heavily in any financial responsibility in any of its colonies contributed to the introduction of
the system of indirect rule in Nigeria. British government knew it that come what may, that
one day these colonies will become independent like its former colonies of America and
India.
7. Its Cheapness: The system of indirect rule was adopted in Nigeria because, economically,
it was not expensive. To employ and pay its personnel to run Nigeria as a whole could have
been the highest stage of financial extravaganza on the part of Britain.
8. Favourable Political Atmosphere: The political atmosphere in Northern Nigeria at that
period was favourable for the introduction of the system. The method of traditional

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administration at that time was very difficult for Britain to displace the Emirs from their
position so abruptly. The Emirs were respected by their people and the British did not want to
attract the hatred of the people of Northern Nigeria by destroying the premier position
occupied by the Emirs.
9. Its Beneficial Effects: Lugard introduced the system with the hope that it will be
beneficial to both Europeans and Africans. For instance, by using traditional rulers, Lugard
viewed it as away of providing employment for them.
10. Language Difficulties: The system of indirect rule was adopted in Nigeria by Lord
Lugard in order to reduce the problems posed by language. Lugard was aware that the people
of Nigeria at that time did not speak nor understand English Language, and therefore going
through traditional rulers to govern the people would reduce the language problems.
11. Vast Areas involved: The large areas of Nigeria especially the Northern Nigeria where
the system was first introduced contributed to the adoption of the system of indirect rule.
12. Lack Of Knowledge Of The Areas Involved: This and the fear of the unknown
contributed immensely to the introduction of the system of indirect rule.
13. Poor Transport And Communication System: Lack of roads, airports, postal systems,
etc, prevented Britain from adopting direct rule, instead they opted for indirect rule.

The Roles of Traditional Rulers in the Indirect Rule System

1. Collection of taxes.
2. They served as link between the local people and the colonial government.
3. They assisted the colonial government to carry out their policies and programmes.
4. They served as presidents of local courts.
5. They maintained law and order by establishing Police Force.
6. They were members of the legislative councils thereby helping in making colonial laws.
7. They controlled the native authorities.

THE SYSTEM OF INDIRECT RULE IN NORTHERN NIGERIA

As stated earlier, the system of indirect rule was first introduced in Northern Nigeria around
1906 by Lord Lugard when he was the High Commissioner of the Protectorate of the
Northern Nigeria. The system was a huge success in Northern Nigeria mainly because of the
highly developed traditional system of administration of the area. The Emirs were made use
of in the administration including a new officer appointed by Lord Lugard himself.

Factors or Reasons That Led to The Success Of Indirect Rule In Northern Nigeria
1. The Use Of Traditional Administration: One of the factors that contributed to the
successof indirect rule in Northern Nigeria was the use ofthe existing traditional system of

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administration. Lord Lugard recorded a huge success mainly because he used the highly
developed traditional system of administration that already existed in Northern Nigeria.
2. The Autocratic Nature of Emirs: Another reason why the indirect rule succeeded in
Northern Nigeria was because Lugard made use of the Emirs who were at that time
autocratic. The Emirs were very influential and had unlimited powers, to the extent that they
could sentence to death any of their subjects who disobeyed them. The Emirs were respected
and obeyed. These rare qualities helped the system of indirect rule to fully succeed when it
was introduced since it was a continuity of the Emirs administration.
3. Religion: Islam was the dominant religion the people of Northern Nigeria practised. Islam
by its nature is a conservative religion, and as a result helped greatly to make the people of
the area to be more obedient. That created room for the success of the system of indirect rule.
4. The Submissiveness of The People: This made the people of Northern Nigeria to accept
the indirect rule whole-heartedly without questions hence the success of the system.
5. Low Level of Education: By the time the system was established in Northern Nigeria
majority of the people were relatively illiterate. Unlike what happened in the Southern part,
these people had not got the weapon (education) to question certain things like indirect rule.
6. Centrality of The Administration: It was the centralised system of administration which
had an Emir at the head and surrounded by many powerful officials who contributed to the
efficient running of the government that the British saw and decided to continue with indirect
rule.
7. Well Organised System Of Taxation: A lot of money was generated from this system of
taxation, which was used in the running of the government of the area since the British
government was not ready to involve itself in any heavy financial responsibility.
8. Non-Interference With The Existing Traditions: Indirect rule succeeded in Northern
Nigeria because, it did not tamper with the existing religion, culture and customs of the
people.
9. Absence of Many Whites: Absence of many European whites made it possible for the
system to be introduced without raising eyebrow and it thrived without attracting criticisms.
10. Military Threat: Many Emirs of Northern Nigeria accepted the indirect rule system
because of fear of British military reprisal if it was rejected.

THE SYSTEM OF INDIRECT RULE IN WESTERN NIGERIA

When the system of indirect rule was introduced in the Southern part of Nigeria, of Which
the Western region was an integral part, the Obas were used like the Emirs in the Northern

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part. The system did not prove as successful as it did in the North, but on the other hand, it
was not a total failure as it was in the Eastern region.

Why the System of Indirect Rule Was not Totally Successful In western Nigeria
1. The Limited Powers Of Obas: One of the reasons why the system of indirect rule in the
Western region did not meet with total success was because, the Obas unlike the Emirs had
questionable and limited powers and were unable to command unequal respect like their
counterparts in the Northern region that could have made the system to succeed totally.
2. Education: Education played a significant role in the partial success of the system of
indirect rule in Western part of Nigeria. At the time the system was introduced in the West,
majority of the Yorubas were highly educated that they were in a position to question the
rationale of indirect rule. These educated people were the ones that started kicking against the
system because, there was no morality in colonialism.
3. Less Submissiveness Of The People: Another reason why the system partially succeeded
in the West was because the subjects (the people) were not as submissive as their
Counterparts in the North. This made them not to accept indirect rule blindly.
4. Religion: Majority of the Yorubas were Christians and Christianity is not as conservative
as its counterpart in the North - Islam. Christians therefore questioned the reasons for the
introduction of indirect rule.
5. Restoring Authority In The Alaafin Of Oyo: It is generally believed that the attempt
made by Lugard to restore authority in Yorubaland to the Alaafin of Oyo instead of Ooni of
Ife contributed immensely to the partial success of indirect rule in the West. The Yorubas
believe that lle-Ife is their first home because, their forefathers led by Oduduwa landed there
when they migrated from Mecca. They therefore, term lle-Ife as the headquarters of
Yorubaland and the Ooni of lle-lfe as the head of the Yorubaland. That mistake made by
Lugard earned him hatred from the people, hence the partial rejection of his system of
government.
6. Absence of Highly Centralised Administration: The Yorubas unlike the Hausa/Fulanis,
did not have highly centralised system of administration, hence, the partial success of the
system of indirect rule of Lord Lugard.
7. Absence of Well Organised System Of Taxation: This made it difficult to raise money
for the administration to thrive well since British government was not ready to involve
heavily in financial responsibilities in its colonies. A new system of taxation imposed on the
people caused riots in every part of Yorubaland like Abeokuta, Ikire, Iseyin, etc.

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8. Disregard Of Treaty: The influential class of western educated elite in Egbaland viewed
Lugard's action of bringing Abeokuta under the Protectorate government in 1914 and
extension of indirect rule of Egbaland as serious disregard of 1893 treaty. In that 1893 treaty
signed by British government, it granted a quasi-independent status to Abeokuta which its
violation by Lugard's actions sparked off violent protests.
9. Subordination Of lbadan To Oyo: Lugard's mistake of trying to make lbadan which had
been recognised as a Yoruba state in the 1890s subordinate to Oyo contributed to the failure
of the system of indirect rule in Western region.
10. Alienation Of Educated Elites: The educated elites in Western region criticised and
rejected the indirect rule system mainly because, they were not allowed to take part in the
administration. Whereas all the assignments were given to traditional rulers, the educated
elites were sharply alienated, disregarded and above all frustrated.

THE SYSTEM OF INDIRECT RULE IN EASTERN NIGERIA

While the system of indirect rule succeeded in Northern region, met partial success in the
West, the system failed completely in the Eastern Nigeria. The lbos had no centralised
traditional system of administration like the Fulani emirate system. When indirect rule was
introduced in the Eastem region, there were no real people of local influence and authority
like the Emirs and Obas in the Northern and Western regions respectively, who could be used
to carry out the system.
In a bid to solve this problem of single rulers, Lord Lugard and his British cohorts without
consideration to the customs of the people recalcitrantly made the mistake of appointing
traditional rulers called "Warrant Chiefs". These people that were appointed as chiefs by the
British without due regard for their status and the families they came from were violently
rejected. The use of these unpopular chiefs and the system of taxation in an effort to raise
fund for the prosecution of indirect rule led to among other disturbances the famous Aba
women riots of 1929.

REASONS OR FACTORS THAT LED TO THE FAILURE OF THE SYSTEM OF

INDIRECT RULE IN EASTERN NIGERIA

1. Absence of Traditional Rulers: The first reason why the system of indirect rule failed
woefully in the East was the absence of traditional rulers in many parts of the area. The
absence of chiefs, made the system impracticable since the system made use of chiefs or
other intermediaries.

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2. Appointment Of Warrant Chiefs: The British were forced by the absence of chiefs to
appoint pseudo chiefs called warrant chiefs. The so-called chiefs were rejected out rightly
because they were appointed without considering their family background and their
characters. In fact, the appointment of these warrant chiefs was one of the causes of the Aba
women riot of 1929.
3. The Type Of Political Administration Practised: The lbo political system of
administration was highly decentralised and that contributed immensely to the failure of
indirect rule. This type of administration did not give room for central decision making body.
4. Small Size Of lbo Society: The units of Ibo society were too small to carry out the
functions of an emirate system; what was obtained in lboland was a settlement contrary to an
emirate system.
5. Absence Of Well Organised System of Taxation: The Ibos unlike the Fulanis/Hausas
were not paying all sorts of tax and had no well organised system of taxation. This made the
generation of fund for the execution of the system impossible and as a result the system failed
woefully. This lack of money was aggravated by the refusal of the British government to
involve in the heavy financial up-keep of its colonies.
6. Non Submissiveness Of The People: The lbos by nature are not as submissive as their
counterparts in the Northern region. This fact contributed to the abysmal failure of the
system. This lack of total submissiveness was contributed by absence of chiefs, their
decentralised system of administration and the egalitarian nature of their society.
7. Religion: The lbos were predominantly Christians and Christianity is not a conservative
religion. This type of religion practised in lboland can be attributed as one of the contributory
factors to the failure of the system of indirect rule in Eastern Nigeria.
8. Education: Education played a crucial role in the unmitigated failure of the system of
indirect rule in the Eastern Nigeria. By the time the system was established in the East,
majority of the Ibos were highly educated that they were in a position to question the
rationale behind the introduction of indirect rule. The educated ones sparked off protest
against the system because, they were aware of the fact that there is no morality in
colonialism.
9. Interference With the Existing Traditions: Indirect rule met unmitigated disaster in the
Eastern region because, the lbos viewed the system as an intruder into their traditions.
10. Alienation Of Educated Elites: The British preferred half-educated people or those
without education for appointment as warrant chiefs. The highly educated elites were

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therefore not allowed to participate, hence the criticism and rejection of the system by the
educated elites.

WARRANT CHIEFS
The traditional pattern of authority in the Eastern Region was decentralised and decisions
were made by councils of elders rather than by a single head. People exercised authority in
different spheres. This made it difficult for the British to find paramount rulers in the East as
they did in the West and North. It became difficult to discover the real people of local
influence and authority who could be used for the purposes of indirect rule. Consequently, the
foreigners employed the services of the most forward among the people by making these
chiefs by warrant (recognition) without due regard for the status of the people concerned.
Warrant chiefs were agents of the British, and they possessed powers conferred on them by
the British. So much power was concentrated in the hands of the Warrant Chiefs, and they
became intoxicated, ruthless and high-handed.
FUNCTIONS OF THE WARRANT CHIEFS
1. Collection of tax.
2. They serve as government agents in wealth assessment.
3. Administration of justice through the Native Courts.
4. They are empowered to undertake executive functions such as repair of roads.
5. Enactment of bye-laws.

FUNCTIONS OF RESIDENTS AND DISTRICT COMMISSIONERS

1. Direction and supervision of traditional rulers within the provinces in the work of
administration.
2. Presiding over provincial courts after the abolition of traditional courts.
3. To check possible abuses inherent in the collection and assessment of direct and cattle tax.
4. Payment of a fixed salary to traditional rulers for their administrative functions.
5. Conduct of political education for traditional rulers in their duties and functions.
6. Transmission of orders of administration to the people through the traditional rulers.
7. Provision of information that will guide the colonial government in the making of policies.

EFFECTS OR ADVANTAGES OR MERITS OR ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE

SYSTEM OF INDIRECT RULE
1. One of the advantages of the system of indirect rule was that the system was less
expensive. The introduction of a direct system could have cost the Europeans and Nigerians
more than what indirect rule cost.

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2. The system except in the Eastern region tried not to disturb the existing traditions and
cultures of the people
3. The system brought the colonial ruler closer to their subjects through their traditional
rulers.
4. The system contributed in training traditional rulers in the art of modern local government
administration.
5. The spirit of nationalism developed earlier in the British colonies as a result of the
alienation of educated elites in the system of indirect rule.
6. As a result of the mildness of indirect rule, people from the British colonies where the
system was adopted did not feel the harsh effects of colonial rule.
7. The system helped to restore peace and tranquillity and prepared the ground for the
development of political activities.
8. The system helped in the development of the colonies where it was introduced because,
money collected was used in those colonies for such purpose.
9. British administrators were protected from the native revolt which the imposition of a
direct rule could have caused.
10. The introduction of the system helped to put a stop to some evil practices like human
sacrifice and killing of twins that were hitherto going on.
11. The system recognised and modernised local institutions like traditional courts, laws and
customs.
DEFECTS OR WEAKNESSES OR DISADVANTAGES OR DEMERITS OF
INDIRECT RULE

1. The system of indirect rule alienated the educated elites in preference to the illiterate ones.
2. Traditional rulers were made to be autocratic as a result of power vested in them by the
indirect rule system.
3. The system brought about division between the traditional rulers who were looked upon as
British puppets and the alienated educated elites thereby, strengthening the policy of divide
and rule.
4. The system denied the people the power of appointment and deposition of chiefs which
was given to the British governor.
5. The system contributed in the concentration of power in the hands of few traditional rulers
thereby, marginalising majority of the people.

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6. The system contributed in the delay of constitutional development mainly because, the
puppet chiefs did not want any change that may deny them of the enormous powers they were
enjoying.
7. The appointment of traditional rulers (warrant chiefs) in Eastern Nigeria led to social,
political and economic upheaval.
8. The concentration of too much power in the traditional rulers led to serious abuse of
power.
9. Traditional rulers under the system of indirect rule became corrupt and enriched
themselves at the expense of their subjects as there were cases of embezzlement and
mismanagement of tax money.
10. The system denied the people the democratic system of checks and balances that were
existing before the advent of the British.
11. Traditional rulers were deprived of their personal initiatives and the power to defend the
interest of their people against British colonial rulers.
12. The system encouraged tribalism and sectionalism at the expense of national
consciousness; no wonder one part of Nigeria did not want independence when other parts
were clamouring for it.
13. The British indirect rule did not spell out how the system can metamorphose into a central
government in Nigeria.
14. Another weakness of the system was its inability to state the limit of the functions of
different local authorities which was one of the causes of many disorders in many parts of
Nigeria, for example the Aba women riots of 1929.
15. Finally, the system had no universal application because it could not be applied to all
environments, no wonder the system failed woefully in Eastern Nigeria.

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