The survey traces the course of European (mainly British) penetration into Nigeria from exploration to the appointment of John Beecroft as a political and liaison officer in 1849. The merchants began effective trade in commodities like palm oil and kernel, while Christian missionaries focused on evangelization and education. The treaty of cession of Lagos Island and surrounding territories strengthened British influence in Nigeria. The Berlin African Conference of 1885 recognized British political guidance, leading to the emergence of a unified federal state. Westernization brought changes to Nigeria's trade, commerce, agriculture, communications, education, transportation, and social and political life. Nigerian nationalism resurged with the education of Nigerians in high institutions of learning. However, before independence, Nigeria faces enormous problems of adjustment on both domestic and external planes.