Concept:The Portuguese were the pioneer European traders who first reached Nigeria's coastline.
Explanation:Portuguese explorers sailed to the West African coast in the late 15th century.
They landed on the shores of what is now present-day Nigeria, including areas such as the Benin Kingdom and Lagos.
Their goal was to establish trading contacts with the local people.
They exchanged European goods for items like pepper, ivory, and gold.
This trade relationship was established before any other European nation arrived.
Historical records show the Portuguese reached the Benin coast around 1472 and strengthened their trading ties in 1485.
The British, French, and Spaniards came later to the region.
Thus, the first group of Europeans to trade on Nigerian soil were the Portuguese sailors and merchants.
Answer:D. Portuguese