Features of Indirect Rule

1. A Governor

One of the features of Indirect Rule was the position of a Governor. He was the highest political figure in
the colony. He was responsible for the formulation and implementation of policies in the colony.

2. Regional Commissioners

The colony was divided into regions for ease of administration and each region was headed by a Regional
Commissioner.

3. District Commissioners

Each region was further divided into Districts and each was headed by a District Commissioner. These
District Commissioners were responsible for the implementation of official policies through the Chiefs at
the local level.

4. Native Authorities

Under the system of indirect rule, native authorities were created across the various colonies. The Native
Authority was made up of the paramount chief, sub-chiefs and a Council of Elders. The main reason for
their establishment was to help in the implementation of the policies of the British government at the
local level. They were also tasked with the responsibility of maintaining law and order with the help of a
local police.

5. Native Treasury

The system also made provision for a Native Treasury where taxes, court fines and other fees collected
by the traditional rulers, on the behalf of the British colonialists were lodged. After the taxes were
collected, part of it was paid into the central government treasury and the rest kept by the Native
Authority for the development of the area.

6. Native Courts

The system also made provision for Native Courts. The courts comprised the chiefs and their elders who
were supervised and guided by District Commissioners. The District Commissioners who were whites.
The main function of the Native Court was to ensure the administration of proper justice.

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.