The British rule in Nigeria became established through a series of hesitant steps adopted EXCEPT

Analyze the question: The question asks which one was NOT among the steps by which British rule was established in Nigeria. The word "EXCEPT" means four options were used and one was not.

Concept: British control over Nigeria was gradual. The usual stages were:

1. Trade and missionary activity, including the palm oil trade after the abolition of the slave trade.
2. Trade treaties and treaties of friendship, signed with local rulers, for example with the Oba of Benin and with chiefs in the Niger Delta.
3. Gunboat diplomacy, where naval power was used to threaten or coerce rulers. Examples are the bombardment of Lagos in 1851 and the deposing of King Jaja of Opobo and of Nana of Itsekiri.
4. Use of force, meaning military expeditions such as the Benin expedition of 1897 and the conquest of the Sokoto Caliphate in 1903.
5. Treaties of cession, such as the 1861 Treaty of Cession of Lagos.

Checking each option:

• A. Award of contract: This was not a method of establishing British rule. Contracts for projects were awarded after colonial administration was already in place, so this is not a "step" in the establishment of rule.
• B. Gunboat diplomacy: It was used, so it is not the answer.
• C. Trade treaties: They were used, so it is not the answer.
• D. Treaties of friendship: They were used, so it is not the answer.
• E. Use of force: It was used, so it is not the answer.

Answer: A is the only method that was not part of the process.

Tip: For EXCEPT questions, list the known methods first (treaties, gunboat diplomacy, force, missionary and trade activity), then pick the option that does not fit. For British conquest of Nigeria, remember "T-G-F": Treaties, Gunboats, Force.