The British company granted the charter to rule and administer the northern area before direct colonial rule was known as

Analyze the question The question asks for the name of the British company that received a royal charter (in 1886) to govern and administer the northern area of what became Nigeria, before the British Government took over direct control.

Explain the concept Before direct colonial rule, Britain often used chartered companies to administer territories at little cost to the Crown. In Nigeria:

• Sir George Taubman Goldie formed the United African Company (1879), which became the National African Company (1882).
• In 1886, it was granted a royal charter and renamed the Royal Niger Company.
• The charter gave it powers to trade, govern, and administer territories along the Niger and Benue rivers, covering much of the northern area.

Step-by-step solution

1. The question refers to a company with a charter to rule the northern area. This points to the Royal Niger Company.
2. Check the options: • A. Royal Crown Company: not a historical entity here. • B. Britain Royal Company: not a historical entity. • C. Royal Niger Company: correct, chartered in 1886 under Goldie. • D. British Nigeria Company: not a historical entity.
3. On 1 January 1900, the charter was revoked. The company's territory was transferred to the British Government, and the Protectorate of Northern Nigeria was created, with Sir Frederick Lugard as the first High Commissioner. The company's assets were sold for £865,000.

Answer: C. Royal Niger Company

Exam tip Remember "Goldie, 1886, Royal Niger Company, revoked 1900." If an option has "Niger" and "Royal" together, it is usually the right one. Also note the link: charter revoked in 1900, then Lugard arrived as High Commissioner of Northern Nigeria.