It was difficult for the Nigerian coastal chiefs to give up the slave trade after its abolition because

The Nigerian coastal chiefs found it difficult to give up the slave trade after its abolition because it was still crucial to the economy of their states. The slave trade had been a major source of income for the coastal chiefs and their communities for centuries. The abolition of the trade meant a significant loss of revenue, and many coastal chiefs were reluctant to give up such a profitable business. Additionally, the British Navy was not always effective in enforcing the abolition, and some African rulers were able to continue the trade secretly. While the slave trade had been a part of African culture in the past, this was not the primary reason why the coastal chiefs found it difficult to give it up after abolition.