The functions of the age-grades in the pre-colonial administration in Nigeria are as follows:
(i) Age grades helped to defend their communities against both internal and external attacks.
(ii) They carried out civil and communal works e.g. construction of roads and markets.
(iii) They performed police duties in maintaining and enforcing law and order.
(iv) They performed socializing functions.
(v) They checked wrong use of powers by the paramount chiefs and council of elders.
(vi) They performed ceremonial and cultural functions during important occasions in the community.
(vii)They helped in the execution of policies and decisions made in the community