While it is true, in line with the extant literature (most significantly, Olukoju 2003), that the first electrical plant was opened in Lagos in 1896, I argue in my paper that Lagos natives were already conscious of the influence and danger of electricity in daily life during the previous decade. By 1886, electricity had been introduced in Lagos through lights beaming from Victorian HMS carriers, and a native had died by electrocution. The deliberations on electrification, which began in the late 1880s, was with the intention to supply all crown subjects, irrespective of residential segregations. The first Electricity Ordinance was passed in 1894. It was a disagreement over a “small house tax” proposed to finance the project that delayed the installation of the first plant.
Using a collection of recently digitised nineteenth century Nigerian newspapers, in addition to colonial correspondence, I argue that between 1886 and 1914 – the beginning of the First World War provided new impetus for electrification – electricity played indispensable roles in the realisation of the colonial “civilising mission”. The electric light demonstrated the technological superiority of Britain to fascinated natives. It was an instrument of colonial (crime) control. The possession of electrical appliances became a feature of the “modern” home.
This is first detailed study of this early period in the history of electrification in Nigeria. The research contributes to studies which negates Coquery-Vidrovitch’s 2003 assumption that the development of electricity in Africa was insignificant until after the Second World War. Finally, it negates the perception of racial segregation in the provision of colonial infrastructure, by arguing that the African residents of Lagos, not only benefited from electricity during this period, but also were influential agents in the discourses that led to its generation and supply.