COLONY of Lagos2026-05-122026-05-121886-03https://nigeriareposit.nln.gov.ng/handle/20.500.14186/2605This primary historical document is the third issue of the Government Gazette for the Colony of Lagos, published on March 31, 1886. It serves as the official record for the colonial administration during a pivotal period of transition—specifically the separation of Lagos from the Gold Coast to become a distinct colony. The gazette provides a comprehensive overview of the administrative, legal, and economic landscape of late 19th-century Lagos. The document contains various government notices, such as the licensing of Wesleyan churches in Ereko and Badagry for marriages and the appointment of key officials like Frederick Evans as Colonial Secretary. It also enforces administrative discipline through departmental instructions regarding the hiring of apprentices. Economically, the gazette is a rich resource, featuring detailed tables on the quantities and values of imports and exports, ranging from palm oil and ivory to textiles and spirits. It tracks the movement of government vessels and provides meteorological observations alongside prison and hospital returns. Furthermore, the publication details legislative developments, including the assent to Ordinance No. 2 of 1886 for the service of the colony. By documenting everything from the arrival of new staff to the absconding of prison officers, the gazette offers a granular view of the daily operations and socio-economic priorities of the British colonial government in West Africa.• Government Notices: Includes marriages, judicial appointments, and departmental instructions • Post Office Notices: Guidelines for money orders and mail registration • Legislative Information: Details on Ordinance No. 2 of 1886 • Commercial and Shipping Data: Import/export statistics and shipping intelligence • Official Changes: Returns of new appointments and salary changes for the March quarterenBook