Ulearngo

How Indirect Rule Operated in West Africa

How Indirect Rule Operated in Northern Nigeria

The position of an Emir

The system made provision for the position of an Emir. There was already existing Emirs in Northern Nigeria who traditional had control over their Emirate. The Emirs were appointed according to the tradition of the people.

District and Village Heads

Directly under the Emir were District Heads and below the District Heads were the Village Heads. Policy direction emanated from the British colonial officials through the Emirs. The Emirs, in turn, relayed the information to the District Heads and then onward to the Village Heads. The Village Heads were therefore the direct enforcers of the British policies on the grounds.

Native Courts

The system maintained the Islamic judicial administration that was operating prior to the introduction of Indirect Rule. The difference was that, they made sure it conformed to good governance and public morality as pertained in Britain. Also where death sentence was handed down to a suspect, it was subject to the approval of the District Officer in charge of the area.

District Commissioner

There was the position of District Commissioner. He was a British political Officer who was resident in the colony. Though he was not permitted to exercise executive powers, he advised the chiefs so that they always conformed to British policies as was handed down to them.

Prison Service

The system made provision for the existence of a prison. Under this, the traditional chiefs were allowed to establish a prison where convicted criminals were kept until they had completed their full prison term or a pardon was given to them.

Court of Appeal

The system made provision for a Protectorate Court which was presided over by a resident British official. Anybody who was dissatisfied by the ruling handed down to him/her at the native court could appeal the ruling at this Protectorate Court.

Taxation

The system also made provision for the collection of taxes from the people. Lord Lugard cancelled the traditional tax system and introduced a uniform tax assessment. After collecting the taxes, twenty five percent went to the British authority and the rest was kept in the native treasury.

How Indirect Rule Operated in the Gold Coast

Creation of a Native Authority

The British created a Native Authority with the mandate to make laws, maintain law and order and provide some basic amenities for the people. The Native Authority was made up of a group of traditional states organized into paramountcies and assisted by some sun-chiefs.

Provision for a Native Treasury

The colonialists made provision for a Native Treasury where taxes, fines and other levies collected were deposited. Part of the monies so generated was sent to the colonial powers and the rest was kept for use by the Native Authority.

Native Courts

Native courts were created to help in the administration of justice at the local level. Every Native Authority had a native Court, where cases were adjudicated. Anybody who was dissatisfied by the ruling of the Native Court could appeal alone the chain till it reaches the court of the Native Administration. This court was headed by the Paramount Chief.

District Commissioners

Just above the Native Authorities were the District commissioners who headed the various paramount areas that constituted the Districts. They were the British officials who directly supervised the work of the Native Authorities at the bottom of the structure.

Provincial Commissioners

Some Districts constituted a province which was headed by a Provincial Commissioner. The Provincial Commissioners were the direct supervisors of the District Commissioners. The Regional Commissioners were answerable to him for the work they are expected to do.

Regional Commissioner

Each colony was divided into regions with each region being headed by a Regional Commissioner. The Regional Commissioner supervised the work of the Provinces under it jurisdiction.

Governor

At the very top of the administration of the colony was the Governor. His duty was to ensure the smooth administration of the entire colonies.

This lesson is part of:

West-African Colonial Administration

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