(a) What is meant by the term hinterland? (b) Highlight with specific examples, the importance of sea ports in the economy of Nigeria (c) State any four pro...

(a) Meaning of hinterland

A hinterland is the inland area served by, and trading through, a sea port. It is the region from which the port draws its exports (raw materials, produce) and to which it distributes its imports. For example, most of northern and central Nigeria forms part of the hinterland of the port of Lagos (Apapa).

(b) Importance of sea ports in the economy of Nigeria (with examples)

• Handling of foreign trade: ports such as Lagos (Apapa/Tin Can Island), Port Harcourt, Warri, Calabar and Onne handle the bulk of Nigeria's imports and exports (petroleum, cocoa, manufactured goods).
• Export of oil and revenue: the oil terminals (e.g. Bonny, Escravos) export crude oil, earning the greater part of national foreign exchange and revenue.
• Employment and urban growth: ports create jobs (dockworkers, shipping, clearing) and have stimulated the growth of large port cities.
• Industrial growth: port locations attract industries (refineries, cement, manufacturing) that use imported materials, and they link Nigeria to landlocked neighbours.

(c) Four problems of port development in Nigeria

• Silting and shallow water at some harbours, requiring costly dredging to admit large ships.
• Congestion of ships, cargo and traffic, causing long delays.
• Inadequate/obsolete equipment and infrastructure and poor access roads and railways to the hinterland.
• High cost of construction and maintenance, bureaucracy/corruption, and over-concentration of traffic on Lagos ports.