The major motivation of British colonisation of Nigeria was to______________

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks for the major motivation behind British colonisation of Nigeria. It is not asking about side effects or secondary results of colonial rule.

Step 2: Explain the concept European colonisation of Africa in the 19th and 20th centuries was driven mainly by the Industrial Revolution. Britain needed:

• Raw materials such as palm oil, cocoa, cotton, groundnuts, rubber and tin
• Markets for its manufactured goods
• Investment opportunities for surplus capital
• Control of trade routes such as the Niger River, to eliminate rival European traders

After the abolition of the slave trade, "legitimate commerce" became the focus. Britain used companies such as the Royal Niger Company, then formal colonial rule (the 1914 Amalgamation), to protect and expand its trade.

Step 3: Evaluate each option

• A. Spread religion: Missionaries did spread Christianity, but this was a secondary factor, not the main driver of colonial policy.
• B. Satisfy British economic interests: This is the central motive. The colonial administration was structured to extract resources and open markets.
• C. Westernize Nigerians: Westernisation came about as a by-product of colonial rule through education, language and administration. It was not the primary goal.
• D. Protect Nigeria from external attack: Britain's interest was protecting its own claims against rival powers like France and Germany (as in the Berlin Conference, 1884-85), not defending Nigerians.

Step 4: Answer The major motivation was economic: raw materials, markets and profit for Britain.

Tip: In colonialism questions, remember the "3 Cs": Commerce, Christianity, Civilization. When the question asks for the major or main motive, pick Commerce (economic interest). The others are usually secondary or by-products.