(a) Draw a sketch map of Nigeria, and on it mark and name (i) one area of high population density (ii) one area c population density (iii) one town in each ...

As shown on the sketch map above, Lagos and its surrounding south-western urban belt represent an area of high population density, while the Middle Belt area around Makurdi represents an area of low population density. The towns marked are Lagos in the densely populated area and Makurdi in the sparsely populated area.

(b) Reasons for the high population density in Lagos

1. Commercial activities: Lagos is Nigeria's leading commercial centre, with large markets, banks, offices and business organisations that attract people.
2. Industries: Many manufacturing and processing industries are located in and around Lagos, providing jobs for workers.
3. Employment opportunities: Government offices, transport services, ports, trade, tourism and private companies offer a wide range of employment opportunities.
4. Port and transport facilities: Lagos has major seaports, an international airport, rail and road links. These encourage trade, migration and settlement.
5. Former federal capital: Lagos was formerly the Federal Capital of Nigeria, so many administrative offices, institutions and services developed there.
6. Social amenities: The area has many schools, hospitals, electricity, water supply, communication facilities and recreational services.

Reasons for the low population density in the Makurdi or Middle Belt area shown

1. Limited industrial development: Compared with Lagos, there are fewer large industries and commercial establishments to provide employment and attract migrants.
2. Predominantly agricultural occupation: Much of the surrounding area is rural and people are mainly engaged in farming, which does not concentrate population as strongly as urban industrial activities.
3. Inadequate social amenities: Some rural parts of the area have fewer good roads, hospitals, schools, pipe-borne water and other services than major urban centres.
4. Health hazards: In some riverine and bush areas, tsetse flies and black flies have historically discouraged settlement because they spread diseases such as sleeping sickness and river blindness.
5. Accessibility problems: Seasonal flooding of rivers and poor road conditions in some places may make movement and settlement difficult.
6. Historical insecurity: Past slave raids and communal conflicts in parts of the Middle Belt discouraged permanent settlement in some areas.

Any four relevant reasons for each area are sufficient.