Explain why Britain decided to rule her own portion of Cameroon as part of Nigeria. Outline the reasons why Britain implemented the policy of indirect rule in Southern Cameroons. In which ways did the British neglect the economic and social development of British Southern Cameroons.

a) i) Britain developed little interest in the annexation of Cameroon before 1884 because it already had extensive colonial commitments and trading interests in other parts of West Africa, particularly in Nigeria and the Gold Coast, which were considered more economically viable. ii) The cost of administering a new colony was high, and Cameroon was not perceived to offer significant immediate economic or strategic advantages to justify such an investment at the time. b) Cameroon was annexed by Germany and not by Britain due to: • German Initiative: Germany, a latecomer to the scramble for Africa, actively sought colonies and dispatched Gustav Nachtigal to secure territories. • British Indecision: Britain was hesitant and slow to respond to the petitions from the Duala chiefs for annexation. • Treaties with Local Chiefs: Nachtigal quickly signed treaties with the Duala chiefs in July 1884, establishing a German protectorate before Britain could act decisively. • Economic Interests: German traders had established a presence and saw potential for plantations and trade in the region. c) After the First World War, Cameroon was partitioned between Britain and France in the following ways: • League of Nations Mandate: Following Germany's defeat, its colonial territories, including Cameroon, were transferred to the Allied powers as League of Nations mandates. • Territorial Division: The territory was divided into two main parts: a smaller western strip, known as British Cameroons, and a larger eastern portion, known as French Cameroons. • Administration: British Cameroons was administered as part of Nigeria, while French Cameroons was administered separately by France. a) Britain decided to rule her own portion of Cameroon as part of Nigeria for several reasons: • Administrative Convenience: It was more cost-effective and administratively simpler to govern British Cameroons as an extension of the already established and larger colony of Nigeria. • Economic Integration: The economy of British Cameroons was largely integrated with that of eastern Nigeria, making joint administration practical for trade and infrastructure. • Lack of Resources: Britain did not want to commit additional resources to establish a separate administration for a relatively small and less economically significant territory. b) Britain implemented the policy of indirect rule in Southern Cameroons due to: • Cost-Effectiveness: Indirect rule was cheaper as it utilized existing traditional structures and personnel, reducing the need for a large number of British administrators. • Preservation of Traditional Institutions: It was believed that indirect rule would preserve local customs and institutions, making colonial rule more acceptable to the indigenous population. • Limited Manpower: Britain had limited administrative staff, and indirect rule allowed them to govern vast territories with fewer European officials. c) The British neglected the economic and social development of British Southern Cameroons in the following ways: • Limited Investment: Britain invested very little in infrastructure (roads, railways, ports), education, and healthcare, prioritizing other colonies or regions within Nigeria. • Focus on Nigeria: As it was administered as part of Nigeria, Southern Cameroons often received less attention and resources compared to the core Nigerian provinces. • Educational Disparities: Educational facilities were scarce and often left to missionary societies, leading to lower literacy rates and limited access to higher education.