The (a) part of this question required the candidates to identify the factors considered by the British before they conquered Lagos. It was not popular among the candidates and those who attempted it gave vague answers. Indeed, if the attempt at the (a) part of the question could be described as bad, then the (b) part would be described as worse. This was because the (b) was totally unpopular among the candidates and no reasonable answer was provided to the question. However, for candidates to get good marks in this question, they were expected to identify the following points for the (a) part, while the subsequent points would be considered for the (b) part.

1.           
2. To restore peace in Lagos;
3. to put an end to the slave trade and promote legitimate trade in Lagos;
4. to protect the British commercial interests.

1.  
2. The courts were powerless and could not deal with any European

         trader who chose to ignore their authority;