The amalgamation of the Northern and Southern Protectorates of Nigeria in 1914 was carried out by

Frederick Lugard, as Governor-General, amalgamated the Northern and Southern Protectorates of Nigeria on January 1, 1914, creating the Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria. Lugard was the principal architect of this unification, which he believed would make administration more efficient and economical. Ralph Moor and Walter Egerton were earlier administrators, while Hugh Clifford succeeded Lugard.