The country is located in West Africa, is the most populous country in Africa and takes its name from the Niger River running through the country. 1st Stamps issued 1874 (Lagos)
Southern Nigeria Protectorate was a British protectorate in the coastal areas of modern-day Nigeria, formed in 1900 from union of the Niger Coast Protectorate with territories chartered by the Royal Niger Company below Lokoja on the Niger River. The colony around Lagos was added in 1906, and the territory was officially renamed the Colony and Protectorate of Southern Nigeria. In 1914, Southern Nigeria was joined with Northern Nigeria to form the single colony of Nigeria
Initially using the postage stamps of the Coast Protectorate, in March 1901 a set of nine values, depicting Queen Victoria in a 3/4 portrait, went on sale. The Queen was soon succeeded by her son Edward VII, necessitating a new issue of stamps, which came out in 1903. The design, a profile of the King, continued in use throughout his reign, with changes of color, watermark and paper. The 1d. value was redrawn in 1910, and is distinguishable by the "1" in "1d" being thinner, while the "d" is taller and broader.
In 1912, the vignette was replaced with a portrait of George V, for a set of 12, with values ranging from 1/2d. to 1 Pound.
Postage stamps were issued specifically for Northern Nigeria beginning in March 1890. All stamps issued were the of Key Plate design, differing in the sovereign depicted, watermarks, and choice of colored or colorless numerals for the denomination.
Unusually, a 25-pound stamp was issued in 1904. This was really intended as a revenue stamp, it being nearly impossible to invent a piece of mail needing so much postage. It was used to pay for imported liquor licences.
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