Niger expedition of 1841

Background. The expedition was mounted by British missionary and activist groups in 1841–1842. It was put into motion by an Exeter Hall meeting on 1 June 1840. The organizers were the Society for the Extinction of the Slave Trade and for the Civilization of Africa, established in 1839 by Thomas Fowell Buxton. Activists relied on public meetings, as they had limited access to the British government.

Objectives. The British government backed the effort to make treaties with native peoples, introduce Christianity, and promote increased trade. The group purchased land at Lokoja, the confluence of the Niger and Benue Rivers, with the idea of setting up a center for missionary work and trade. The expedition aimed to end the slave trade and civilize Africa.

Outcome. The expedition achieved treaties against the slave trade, signed in Aboh with Obi Ossai, and Idah. However, the crews suffered high mortality from disease. One figure cites 55 deaths out of 159 Europeans before the return to England in 1842. The expedition is considered largely abortive due to these health crises.