Correct Option: C. July 1886 Detailed Explanation: The Royal Niger Company was established in the late 19th century as a trading company that operated in the Niger River area of Nigeria. The company was granted a royal charter by the British government, which allowed it to conduct trade and administer territories in the region.

1. Historical Context:
2. The late 1800s were a period of intense colonial expansion by European powers in Africa. The British were particularly interested in the resources and trade opportunities in West Africa, including Nigeria.
3. The Royal Niger Company was formed to facilitate trade, particularly in palm oil and other commodities, and to establish British influence in the region.
4. Royal Charter:
5. A royal charter is a formal document issued by a monarch granting a right or power to an individual or organization. In this case, the charter allowed the Royal Niger Company to govern and trade in the territories along the Niger River.
6. The charter was granted in July 1886, which is the correct answer. This date is significant as it marked the beginning of formal British commercial and administrative control in Nigeria.
7. Significance of the Date:
8. The granting of the charter in July 1886 was a pivotal moment in the history of Nigeria, as it laid the groundwork for further British colonization and the eventual establishment of Nigeria as a British protectorate.
9. The Royal Niger Company played a crucial role in the exploitation of Nigeria's resources and the establishment of trade routes, which had lasting impacts on the region's economy and society.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect:

• A. December 1888:
• This date is incorrect as it is after the actual granting of the charter. By December 1888, the Royal Niger Company was already operational under the charter granted in 1886.
• B. May 1887:
• This option is also incorrect. The charter was not granted in May 1887; it was granted a year earlier in July 1886. This date does not align with the historical timeline of the company's establishment.
• D. August 1885:
• While this date is close to the time of increased European interest in Africa, it is not the correct date for the granting of the charter. The Royal Niger Company was not yet established as a chartered company by this time.

Summary of Key Points:

• The Royal Niger Company was granted a royal charter in July 1886, allowing it to trade and govern in Nigeria.
• The charter marked the beginning of formal British control and exploitation of Nigerian resources.
• Understanding the timeline of colonial expansion is crucial for grasping the historical context of Nigeria's development.
• The other options (A, B, D) are incorrect as they do not reflect the actual date of the charter's granting.

This detailed understanding of the Royal Niger Company's charter is essential for grasping the broader implications of colonialism in Nigeria and the economic history of the region.