Niger Coast Protectorate facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Oil Rivers Protectorate (1884–1893) Niger Coast Protectorate (1893–1900)
1898–1900
Flag Coat of arms
Anthem: God Save the Queen
Status	Protectorate of the United Kingdom
Capital	Old Calabar
Common languages	English, Igbo, Ibibio-Efik, Edo, others
Religion	Christianity, Igbo religion, Edo religion
Government	Colonial administration
Monarch
• 1884—1900	Victoria
Consul General
• 1884-1891	Edward Hyde Hewett
• 1891-1896	Claude Maxwell MacDonald
• 1896-1900	Ralph Moor
Historical era	New Imperialism
• Established	1898
• Disestablished	1 January 1900
Currency	Pound sterling
Preceded by Succeeded by Aro Confederacy Kingdom of Benin Akpakip Oro Akwa Akpa Kingdom of Bonny Southern Nigeria Protectorate

The Niger Coast Protectorate was a special area in what is now Nigeria. It was controlled by the British government. This area was first called the Oil Rivers Protectorate in 1884. It got its new name, the Niger Coast Protectorate, in 1893.

A "protectorate" means a country or region that is protected and partly controlled by a stronger country. The British wanted to control this area because of its important trade routes and resources.

What Was the Niger Coast Protectorate?

The Niger Coast Protectorate was a British-controlled territory in West Africa. It was located in the Oil Rivers region, which is now part of modern-day Nigeria. This area was important for trade, especially for palm oil and other goods.

The British government managed the protectorate. They had officials who made rules and oversaw trade. The main goal was to protect British business interests in the region.

How the Protectorate Was Formed

The story of the Niger Coast Protectorate began in 1884. It was first known as the Oil Rivers Protectorate. This name came from the many rivers in the area that were used to transport palm oil.

From Oil Rivers to Niger Coast

In 1884, Britain declared the Oil Rivers area a protectorate. This meant they would protect the local people and trade. This decision was officially agreed upon at a big meeting in Europe.

On May 12, 1893, the name was changed. The Oil Rivers Protectorate became the Niger Coast Protectorate. This new name showed its location along the coast near the Niger River.

The Berlin Conference's Role

The creation of the protectorate was confirmed at the Berlin Conference. This was a meeting held in 1884 and 1885. European countries met to decide how to divide up Africa. They wanted to avoid conflicts over land.

At this conference, European powers agreed on their claims in Africa. Britain's claim over the Oil Rivers area was recognized. This helped set the stage for the Niger Coast Protectorate.

Important Leaders

During the time of the Niger Coast Protectorate, several important people were in charge. They represented the British government.

British Monarchs

The ultimate ruler of the British Empire was the monarch.

• Queen Victoria was the monarch from 1884 to 1900. She was the head of the British Empire during this period.

Key Officials

British officials managed the protectorate on the ground. They were called Consul Generals.

• Edward Hyde Hewett was the first Consul General. He served from 1884 to 1891.
• Claude Maxwell MacDonald took over from 1891 to 1896.
• Ralph Moor was the last Consul General. He served from 1896 to 1900. These officials were responsible for governing the territory.

How the Protectorate Ended

The Niger Coast Protectorate did not last forever. It was part of a larger plan to organize British territories in Nigeria.

On January 1, 1900, the Niger Coast Protectorate merged with other areas. These other areas were controlled by a powerful trading company called the Royal Niger Company.

This merger created a new, larger territory. It was called the Southern Nigeria Protectorate. This new protectorate was a big step in forming modern-day Nigeria.

Images for kids

• 

  Queen Victoria on a stamp of the Niger Coast Protectorate, 1894