Correct Option: B. Northern Nigeria Detailed Explanation: The Native Authority system was a form of indirect rule implemented by the British colonial administration in Nigeria, particularly during the early 20th century. This system allowed the British to govern through local traditional rulers, which was seen as a way to maintain control while minimizing direct administrative costs and efforts.

1. Historical Context:
2. The Native Authority system was introduced in Nigeria after the British colonized the region. The British found it more efficient to work with existing local power structures rather than impose a completely new system of governance.
3. In Northern Nigeria, the British encountered a well-established system of emirates and traditional rulers who had significant authority and influence over their subjects. This made it easier for the British to implement indirect rule.
4. Cultural Compatibility:
5. The social structure in Northern Nigeria was more hierarchical and centralized compared to other regions. The emirs and local chiefs had considerable power and were respected by their communities. This cultural compatibility made the Native Authority system more effective, as local rulers were able to enforce British policies while maintaining their traditional authority.
6. The British relied on these local leaders to collect taxes, maintain law and order, and implement colonial policies, which they did with relative success.
7. Administrative Efficiency:
8. The Native Authority system allowed for a more streamlined administration in Northern Nigeria. The British could govern a large population with fewer resources by leveraging the existing local governance structures.
9. The system also facilitated the spread of British influence and control over vast territories without the need for a large colonial bureaucracy.
10. Resistance and Challenges:
11. While the Native Authority system was effective in Northern Nigeria, it faced challenges in other regions. For example, in Eastern Nigeria, the presence of strong ethnic identities and resistance to colonial rule made it difficult for the British to implement indirect rule effectively.
12. In Western Nigeria, the political landscape was more fragmented, and the traditional rulers did not have the same level of authority as those in the North, leading to less effective governance through the Native Authority system.

Why Other Options Are Weaker:

• A. Eastern Nigeria:
• The political structure in Eastern Nigeria was characterized by a more decentralized system of governance with various ethnic groups and less centralized authority. This made it difficult for the British to implement the Native Authority system effectively, leading to resistance and challenges in governance.
• C. Mid-Western Nigeria:
• The Mid-Western region was relatively new to colonial administration and did not have the same established traditional authority structures as Northern Nigeria. The British faced difficulties in establishing effective governance through local rulers, making the Native Authority system less successful.
• D. Western Nigeria:
• In Western Nigeria, the political landscape was more complex, with a mix of traditional rulers and emerging nationalist movements. The authority of traditional leaders was often contested, and the British faced significant challenges in implementing the Native Authority system effectively.

Revision Summary:

• The Native Authority system was most effective in Northern Nigeria due to the presence of strong, centralized traditional rulers.
• Cultural compatibility and existing power structures facilitated the implementation of indirect rule.
• Other regions like Eastern, Mid-Western, and Western Nigeria faced challenges due to decentralized governance and resistance to colonial rule.
• Understanding the historical context and local dynamics is crucial for analyzing the effectiveness of colonial governance systems.