NIGERIA ITS PEOPLES AND ITS PROBLEMS [Illustration: A BORGU CANOE-MAN. (_Copyright._) (_Photo by Mr. E. Firmin._) _Frontispiece._] NIGERIA ITS PEOPLES AND ITS PROBLEMS BY E. D. MOREL EDITOR OF “THE AFRICAN MAIL” AUTHOR OF “AFFAIRS OF WEST AFRICA,” “THE BRITISH CASE IN FRENCH CONGO,” “KING LEOPOLD’S RULE IN AFRICA,” “RED RUBBER,” “GREAT BRITAIN AND THE CONGO,” “THE FUTURE OF THE CONGO,” ETC. WITH ILLUSTRATIONS AND MAPS LONDON SMITH, ELDER & CO., 15, WATERLOO PLACE 1911 _All rights reserved_ TO THE MEMORY OF MARY KINGSLEY WHO POINTED THE WAY PREFACE I have to express, in the first place, my indebtedness to the Editor and Management of the _Times_ and of the _Manchester Guardian_ for permission to reproduce the articles and maps which appeared in the columns of those newspapers, and to all those who have so generously helped me to overcome an accident to my camera by placing their own admirable photographic work at my disposal. In the second place, I desire to record my sincere appreciation for the courtesy I received from the Colonial Office in connection with a recent visit to Nigeria; and to Sir Walter and Lady Egerton, Sir Henry Hesketh Bell, Mr. Charles Temple (Acting-Governor of Northern Nigeria) and their Staffs for the kindness and hospitality extended to me while there. Also to the Management and Staff of the Southern and Northern Nigeria railways; in particular to the Director of the Public Works Department of the Northern Protectorate, Mr. John Eaglesome and to Mrs. Eaglesome, and to Mr. Firmin, the Resident Engineer of the Southern Nigeria line at Jebba. My travels in the country were facilitated in every way possible, and the kindness everywhere shown me in both Protectorates far transcended any claim which ordinary courtesy to a stranger might have suggested. To the British merchants established in Nigeria I am under similar obligations, more particularly to Messrs. John Holt & Co., Ltd., who were good enough to place their steamers at my disposal. To Messrs. Elder Dempster & Co. I am similarly indebted. My special thanks are due to my friends Mr. and Mrs. William A. Cadbury and Mr. John Holt and his sons, for much personal kindness in connection with my journey. I am indebted to Mr. Trigge, of the Niger Company, Mr. W. H. Himbury, of the British Cotton Growing Association, and many others who have responded with unwearied patience to my importunate questionings.