The primary role of the Executive Council in colonial Nigeria was to

The Executive Council gave advice to the Governor-General. Members discussed policies and administrative decisions. However, the Governor-General made final decisions on everything.

The Legislative Council made laws, not the Executive Council. Courts operated separately from the Executive Council. Local government had its own structures through Native Authorities.

This advisory role was mostly symbolic during early colonial rule. Real power stayed with British officials, especially the Governor-General.