Concept:Nigerian nationalism grew from grievances caused by colonial policies, especially the system of indirect rule.
Explanation:Indirect rule allowed traditional chiefs to govern under British supervision.
It preserved traditional institutions but excluded the educated Westernised elite from real political power.
This educated elite became frustrated and started demanding representation and self-government.
The policy also deepened ethnic and regional divisions, which later shaped nationalist politics.
The Atlantic Charter of 1941 came later and did not influence early 20th-century Nigerian nationalism directly.
Assimilation was a French colonial policy, not a British one.
The Berlin Conference of 1884-1885 involved the partition of Africa, before Nigerian nationalism emerged.
Therefore, indirect rule is the most significant early factor among the options.
Answer:C. The introduction of indirect rule