Case Study - Lagos, Nigeria

Question 1

Location and importance

Answer 1

• Southwestern Nigeria, coastal city
• Largest city in Africa with 15-21 million population
• Economic hub of Nigeria and major port

Question 2

Causes of growth

Answer 2

• Rural-urban migration from across Nigeria
• Natural increase (high birth rate)
• Development of port and industrial facilities

Question 3

Opportunities in Lagos

Answer 3

• Economic: Jobs in manufacturing, finance, and informal sector
• Social: Better access to education and healthcare
• Cultural: Vibrant music and film industry (Nollywood)

Question 4

Challenges in Lagos

Answer 4

• Housing shortages leading to development of squatter settlements like Makoko
• Traffic congestion with commutes taking 3+ hours
• Water supply issues affecting 60% of population
• Waste management problems
• Frequent flooding during rainy season

Question 5

Management strategies

Answer 5

• Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system to reduce congestion
• Eko Atlantic City development on reclaimed land
• Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA)
• Urban planning initiatives like Lagos Urban Development Initiative

Question 6

Location and global importance

Answer 6

-West Africa, Gulf of Guinea coastline
-Most populous African country (approximately 200 million)
-Member of OPEC, Commonwealth, and ECOWAS

Question 7

Political context

Answer 7

-British colony until 1960
-History of military rule and civil war
-Democracy restored in 1999

Question 8

Social context

Answer 8

-Over 250 ethnic groups (Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo largest)
-Religious divisions (Muslim north, Christian south)
-Rapidly growing population

Question 9

Connections to wider world

Answer 9

-Member of Commonwealth and United Nations
-Major oil exporter
-Cultural influence through film (Nollywood) and music

Question 10

Industrial structure

Answer 10

-Primary: Oil and gas extraction, agriculture
-Secondary: Manufacturing growing but relatively small
-Tertiary: Rapidly growing services sector including telecommunications and banking
-Quaternary: Emerging tech hub in Lagos (“Yabacon Valley”)

Question 11

Transnational Corporations (TNCs) in Nigeria

Answer 11

-Shell, ExxonMobil (oil and gas)
-MTN, Airtel (telecommunications)
-Unilever, Nestlé (consumer goods)

Question 12

Positive impacts of TNCs

Answer 12

-Job creation
-Infrastructure development
-Technology transfer
-Tax revenues

Question 13

Negative impacts of TNCs

Answer 13

-Environmental damage (especially oil industry)
-Profit repatriation
-Uneven development
-Economic dependency

Question 14

Changing relationships with the wider world

Answer 14

-Less reliance on Western nations
-Increased investment from China
-Growing regional influence in West Africa

Question 15

Environmental impacts of economic development

Answer 15

-Oil spills and gas flaring in Niger Delta
-Deforestation and soil erosion
-Urban air pollution
Water pollution

Question 16

Effects of economic development

Answer 16

• improved living standards for some
• Growing middle class
• Better access to technology
  -Persistent inequality between regions
  -Increased environmental problems

Question 17

Aid in Nigeria

Answer 17

-Humanitarian aid for conflict-affected northeast
-Health programs (malaria, HIV/AIDS)
-Water and sanitation projects
-Education initiatives