The primary goal of early Christian missionaries in Nigeria was to spread Christianity and convert the local population. During the 19th century, missionaries from Europe, particularly from Britain, arrived in various parts of Africa, including Nigeria, with a religious mission. They aimed to preach the teachings of Christianity, introduce the Gospel, and convert indigenous people to the Christian faith.
The missionaries believed that their religious teachings would bring spiritual salvation to the local populations. They conducted religious services, translated biblical texts into local languages, and established mission schools to educate people in both religious and secular knowledge. By doing so, they hoped to instill Christian values and morals among the communities they reached.
While some missionaries also engaged in other activities such as promoting education, healthcare, and in some cases advocating for social justice, these efforts were primarily viewed as part of their overall goal of religious conversion. The spread of Christianity was seen as a way to improve the lives of the people by aligning them with what the missionaries believed to be a superior moral and spiritual framework.
In summary, while the missionaries' activities had some cultural, educational, and social impacts, the central aim was to spread the Christian faith and convert the local population.