In the early period, the **primary economic activity** that drew Europeans to Nigeria was the **transatlantic slave trade**. This trade began in the 15th century and continued into the 19th century. Europeans were heavily involved in the capture, buying, and selling of enslaved Africans, primarily for labor in the Americas.
The **slave trade** was immensely profitable for European traders, as African slaves were exchanged for goods like guns, textiles, and manufactured products. These goods were then sold for high prices in Europe and the Americas. The coastal regions of Nigeria became key locations for the exchange of slaves due to their ability to access the interior where the enslaved individuals were captured.
While **agricultural exports** and other industries did play a role in Nigeria’s interaction with Europeans, it was not until the abolition of the slave trade in the 19th century that these activities became more prominent. After slavery was banned, Europeans shifted their focus to agricultural products like palm oil, cocoa, and groundnuts, which were highly valuable as raw materials for industries back in Europe.
In summary, although **textile manufacturing** and **agricultural exports** were important economic activities, it was the **transatlantic slave trade** that initially attracted European interest and economic involvement in Nigeria.