**The Unseen Face of British Involvement in Brazilian Slavery** As we in Nigeria reflect on our own history of slavery and the transatlantic slave trade, it's interesting to examine how other nations, like the UK, contributed to this dark period in human history. A recent study has revealed the shocking truth about British companies' involvement in Brazilian slavery, even after it was officially abolished. In 1845, a British mining company in Brazil, St John d'El Rey, "rented" 385 enslaved people from their Portuguese owners. This may seem like a minor detail, but it's a telling example of how the UK's laws against slavery were not always enforced, especially when it came to its own companies operating overseas. The 1843 Slave Trade Act allowed for the "renting" of enslaved people, which meant that British companies could continue to profit from the practice. The story gets even more disturbing. The 123 survivors of this "rental" system were not freed until 1879, over 30 years later, thanks to the efforts of a Brazilian abolitionist. Unfortunately, the vast majority of the enslaved people did not live to see their freedom, having died in captivity. This case is just one of many examples of British involvement in Brazilian slavery, a phenomenon that continued for over half a century after the UK Abolition Act of 1833. Historian Joseph Mulhern argues that this aspect of British history is often overlooked, with the country's role in the slave trade being portrayed as a self-congratulatory narrative. Mulhern's research reveals that the UK's involvement in Brazilian slavery was significant, with the country playing a major role in the transatlantic slave trade. In fact, it was only after intense pressure from the UK that Brazil banned the trafficking of enslaved Africans in 1831. However, this law was widely ignored, and slavery continued to thrive in Brazil for many years. As we in Nigeria continue to grapple with the legacy of slavery and colonialism, it's essential to acknowledge the complex and often uncomfortable history of other nations, including the UK. By shedding light on these previously overlooked connections, we can gain a deeper understanding of the global nature of slavery and its ongoing impact on communities around the world.