What was the indirect rule in Northern Nigeria?

The British Empire used the system of indirect rule to govern northern Nigeria from 1899 to 1906. The system used native leaders who collected taxed for the British while continuing to rule their former lands.

The British also applied the indirect rule system in Kenya and India. The system was advantageous for the British because it spared them the cost of running a local government and keeping the country secure. In Northern Nigeria, the Fulani aristocracy helped the British with indirect rule. Even though the native leaders ruled the area, the British carried out several reforms such as the elimination of domestic slavery.