The British colonial administration established two main protectorates in the region by the early 20th century: the Northern Nigeria Protectorate and the Southern Nigeria Protectorate.

Following the Berlin Conference of 1884-85, which formalized the European 'Scramble for Africa,' Britain solidified its claims over the territories surrounding the Niger River. This led to the establishment of distinct administrative units. The Southern Nigeria Protectorate was formed in 1900, incorporating territories that included the Oil Rivers Protectorate and the Lagos Colony. Concurrently, the Northern Nigeria Protectorate was established from the vast interior territories, largely overseen by the Royal Niger Company. These two protectorates, though under the same imperial power, were administered with different policies and approaches, reflecting the diverse pre-colonial societies they encompassed. The Southern Protectorate, with its coastal access, was more involved in trade and Christian missionary activity, while the Northern Protectorate maintained a more indirect rule, often preserving existing Islamic emirates and their administrative structures.