The Nigerian Council of Lord Lugard Significance and Structure

Board Members 

After the amalgamation of the Northern and Southern Protectorates in 1914 Lord Lugard established the Nigerian Council. The establishment of the council marked a historical milestone in the development of Nigeria. The council consisted of 36 members and is made up of 23 European official members and 13 non-official members of which 7 were Europeans and 6 Nigerians. The 7 European non-official members were appointed to represent the various commercial interest like the chambers of commerce, shipping, banking and mining business. The 6 Nigerians non-official members were appointed to represent diverse ethnic groups among these were; two Emirs from the North, the Alaafin of Oyo and one member each from Calabar, Lagos and Benin-warri area. The council acted as an advisory body and had no executive authority and it's resolutions had no force of law as power still ultimately remained in the hands of the Governor-general. The meetings were irregular and attendance very poor the Nigerian Chiefs Lugard had thought could represent their people were illiterates and did not show much interest in the affairs of the council. 

   Significance/Importance

The Nigerian Council of Lord Lugard had it's significance as it was the first council set up to debate the administration of Nigeria and it was also the first British administration to welcome Nigerians as members. But the council has its limitations for example even though the council had African members it was still dominated by British officials and the Africans involved were illiterates not the educated elites. 

  Structure

 As the first council created for the administration of Nigeria as one country after amalgamation, the Nigerian Council of Lord Lugard had the following structures;

- The state was made up of three regions, the Colony of Lagos, Southern Protectorate and the Northern Protectorate. The capital was in Lagos. 

- The Governor-general was the head of government and each region was headed by a governor.

- The Nigerian Council was the legislative council and it was set up to make laws for the country.

- The council met once a year to discuss the governor's speech and decisions taken can only be approved by him.

- The council introduced Indirect Rule system

  The Nigerian Council of Lord Lugard was abolished in 1922 but it was still the first council to Introduce Nigerians into the British administration which proved substantial in giving Nigerians experience in terms of political administrations.