What were the functions of the Secretary of State for the colonies in the colonial period?

Answer Details

The Secretary of State for the Colonies was a British cabinet minister based in London who was in overall charge of the administration of the British colonies, including Nigeria. He was the link between the colonies and the British government and Parliament. His functions were:

1. Overall supervision of the colonies: he was responsible to the British Parliament for the general administration and good government of all the colonies under his ministry.
2. Formulation of colonial policy: he formulated and directed the colonial policies to be carried out by the Governors in the colonies.
3. Appointment and control of Governors: he advised the Crown on the appointment, transfer and discipline of Governors and other senior colonial officials, and gave them instructions.
4. Approval of laws and constitutions: he reviewed and approved (or rejected) laws, ordinances and constitutional proposals from the colonies, and could disallow legislation passed by colonial legislatures.
5. Financial oversight: he supervised the finances of the colonies and approved their budgets and major expenditure.
6. Link with Parliament: he answered questions in Parliament concerning the colonies and defended colonial policy before the British legislature.
7. Channel of communication: he served as the official channel of correspondence between the colonial governments and the British government.