- Religious Conversion: The primary objective of missionaries was to convert the Nigerian population to Christianity. Missionaries believed that Christianity offered a path to salvation and eternal life, and they saw the spread of the Christian faith as their duty.
- Western Education and Civilization: Missionaries also sought to bring Western education and civilization to Nigeria. They believed that education would empower Nigerians to improve their lives, and that contact with Western civilization would lead to progress and development. Missionaries established schools and hospitals throughout Nigeria, providing access to education and healthcare for local communities.
- Social Reform: Missionaries were often involved in social reform efforts, particularly related to issues such as slavery, polygamy, and child marriage. They advocated for the abolition of these practices, which they viewed as harmful and inconsistent with Christian values.
- Cultural Exchange: Missionaries facilitated the exchange of ideas, culture, and technology between Europe and Nigeria. They introduced new crops, agricultural methods, and technologies to Nigeria, and also shared aspects of Nigerian culture with their home countries.
- Building Local Church Infrastructure: Missionaries aimed to establish and grow local Christian communities by constructing churches, training local pastors and catechists, and fostering communal activities and religious life.
It is important to note that the arrival of missionaries in Nigeria and the methods used for achieving their goals were complex and multifaceted. Missionaries had diverse motivations and approaches, and their work produced a range of effects, both positive and negative, on Nigerian society.