Slow Death for Slavery
The Course of Abolition in Northern Nigeria 1897–1936

Paul E. Lovejoy (Author), Jan S. Hogendorn (Author)

9780521447027, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 1 July 1993

412 pages
22.9 x 15.2 x 2.3 cm, 0.6 kg

'Ending slavery in a Muslim society as large and complex as northern Nigeria was not the simple event it is often assumed to be, but a contentious, often devious process that took over thirty years to complete. In this pioneering study Professors Lovejoy and Hogendorn dissect that process in great detail. They reveal, as never before, the debates and subtle shifts in implementing colonial policies on slavery, and in doing so illuminate as well a crucial, yet still hidden aspect of Nigerian social history. It is thus a work of real importance, one that alters our understanding of early twentieth-century Nigeria and shows how much we need a series of further such detailed studies, both locally and for elsewhere in Africa.' Murray Last, editor of Africa

This book examines the gradual decline of slavery in Northern Nigeria during the first forty years of colonial rule. At the time of the British conquest, the Sokoto Caliphate was one of the largest slave societies in modern history. The authors have written a thoughtful and provocative book which raises doubts over the moral legitimacy of both the Sokoto Caliphate and the colonial state. They chart the development of British colonial policy towards resolving the dilemma of slavery and how to end it.

List of maps
List of tables
Preface
1. Slavery and the British conquest of Northern Nigeria
2. Fugitive slaves and the crisis in slavery policy
3. The debate on legal-status abolition
4. Emancipation and the law
5. Upholding proprietary rights to land
6. The role of taxation in the reform of slavery
7. The colonial economy and the slaves
8. The persistence of concubinage
9. Legal-status abolition: the final phase
Appendix
Notes
Glossary
Bibliography
Index.

Subject Areas: 20th century history: c 1900 to c 2000 [HBLW], African history [HBJH]