Nigeria

Question 1

Where is Lagos

Answer 1

1. Lagos lies in the South West of the Nigeria on the coast of the Gulf of Guinea close to the
   country’s border with Benin.

Question 2

What is the regional importance of Lagos

Answer 2

It is important in its educational provision including schools and universities along with
hospitals
* It provides opportunities for leisure, employment and recreation
* It is of cultural and artistic importance
* It is a transport hub, with an international and dock providing raw materials for local
industries

Question 3

What is the international importance of Lagos

Answer 3

• Highest standard of living in Nigeria and Africa
• ICT centre of western Africa
• Major sporting events have been held here including the African Cup of Nations
  Tournament
• The port is the fifth busiest in Africa
• It is an international transport hub through its port and airport

Question 4

What has the been the driver of growth in Lagos

Answer 4

The main driver of growth in Lagos over the past 50 years has been rural– urban migration.
People are encouraged to leave the countryside by push factors such as the lack of job
opportunities and low wages (Figure 14.6). They are brought to the city by pull factors such
as the prospect of well-paid work and the attraction of an urban lifestyle.

Question 5

What causes Lagos to have a high population

Answer 5

Another reason for Lagos’ population growth is the high rate of natural increase in the city’s
population. This is due to the city’s youthful population, since most migrants to the city are
young. Nigeria is becoming an increasingly urbanised country. By 2015, just over half the
population was still living in rural areas, but as rural– urban migration continues, the
majority will be urban within the next few years.

Question 6

What are the main pull factors for Lagos

Answer 6

There are more healthcare centres and hospitals and a better range of medicines in
Lagos.
* 68% of the population of Lagos has a secondary education (40% don’t even attend
primary school in rural areas in the north of the country).
* In Lagos, people can use electricity for cooking and lighting. Access to electricity also
means people can develop businesses.
* Water treatment plants provide safe water piped directly to areas of the city.
* There are more schools and universities located in Lagos than there are in rural areas.
People with an education are more likely to get a job in one of the growing industries in
Lagos.
There are also a number of economic opportunities in Lagos
* Rural Nigeria is very poor — most people come to Lagos in search of better jobs.
* The rapid growth of the city means there are lots of construction jobs, e.g. building the
new commercial centre, Eko Atlantic.
* Lagos is home to many of the country’s banks, government departments and
manufacturing industries (e.g. making food and drink). There are two major ports and a
fishing industry.
* Lagos also has a thriving film and music industry — ‘Nollywood’ films are very popular.
* There are more jobs are available in Lagos than anywhere else in Nigeria. Even if you
can’t find work in the formal economy, paying tax, it is possible to work in the informal
economy, for example as a street vendor or recycling waste, paying no tax.

Question 7

What are the push factors for going to lagos

Answer 7

• Few job opportunities are available in rural areas. Farming pays low wages but requires a lot
  of hard work.
• Due to rapid population growth, there is a shortage of land available in rural areas.
• The oil industry has caused heavy pollution in the Niger Delta region.
• The terrorist group, Boko Haram, is active in the north of Nigeria. This insecurity has been
  caused by political unrest.

Question 8

Three challenges wit growth in Lagos

Answer 8

• The lack of affordable housing has led to the growth of squatter settlements
• 75% of squatter households live in one room
• 50% of households are without a kitchen, bathroom or toilet
• Just 11 per cent of households have access to safe piped water
  Providing clean water, sanitation and energy:
• Only 10 per cent of the population have access to safe, piped water
• Lagos lagoon is heavily polluted with raw sewage
• Energy supplies are unreliable with many large businesses relying on back-up generator

Question 9

two environmental problems with Lagos

Answer 9

• Waste disposal – the city authorities collect only 40% of the 10000 tonnes of waste
  produced daily. Only 13% of the waste is recycled, the rest goes to landfill.
• Air pollution is five times higher than the internationally recommended limit

Question 10

How is urban planning helping the poor

Answer 10

. Increasing street lights make people feel safer at night. Upgrading policies usually focused
on demolishing squatter-settlements, working with community groups to identify the needs
of the local population and develop strategies to support these people. Squatter
settlements located on swampy grounds have benefited from upgrading roads, construction
of schools and health centres, along with toilets and bathrooms. Many of these
developments have involved labour form the local community, improving the employability
skills of local people.