Niger Co Ltd

Sectors:

  • Merchanting & trade, international & inland General trading co & agency house activities
  • Merchanting & trade, international & inland International trading inc chartered companies activities
  • Merchanting & trade, international & inland Ivory, horn, etc, trading & trade
  • Merchanting & trade, international & inland Palm oil trading & trade
  • Agriculture & fishing Plantation management, palm oil

Notes:

Traced origins to the National African Co Ltd, formed in 1882 to acquire the United African Co Ltd and other companies trading in the Niger region. Negotiated concessions with local chiefs giving rights to trade and mine as well as to administer territory. Received royal charter 1886 which, inter alia, authorised its right to govern when renamed Royal Niger Co Chartered & Ltd. 1893 local business of the African Association Ltd acquired. 1900 charter revoked by British government which compensated company for giving up administration rights. Then continued as a commercial entity and renamed Niger Co Ltd. By 1900 had 40 trading stations and very important palm oil plantations. Sold manufactures, salt, tobacco, etc, and purchased palm oil, ivory, etc. 1920 acquired by Lever Brothers Ltd. 1929 merged with African & Eastern Trade Corp Ltd to form United Africa Co Ltd, fully owned by Levers, later Unilever Ltd [2023]

Groups: