(a) Draw a sketch map of Nigeria and on it, locate and name (i) three major zones of modern manufacturing industries (ii) two important towns within each zo...

Answer Details

(a) Industrial zones and towns

As shown on the map above, the three major zones of modern manufacturing industries in Nigeria are:

• Lagos-Ibadan industrial zone in south-western Nigeria: Lagos and Ibadan.
• Kano-Kaduna-Jos industrial zone in northern Nigeria: Kano and Kaduna.
• Port Harcourt-Aba-Onitsha industrial zone in south-eastern Nigeria: Port Harcourt and Aba.

These zones developed because they have large markets, better transport links, relatively good electricity and water supply, access to labour, capital, ports or raw materials.

(b) Problems resulting from the concentration of industries in these zones

1. Pressure on social amenities: Heavy industrial concentration places great pressure on electricity, water supply, housing, roads, hospitals and schools.
2. Pollution: Factory smoke, industrial waste, noise and effluents pollute the air, land and water, thereby creating health hazards.
3. Congestion and high cost of living: Industries attract workers and migrants, leading to overcrowding, traffic congestion, high rents, slums and increased pressure on urban land.

(c) Measures for encouraging industries outside these zones

1. Provide basic infrastructure: Government should extend reliable electricity, water supply, roads, rail transport, telecommunications and health facilities to less-industrialised areas.
2. Give investment incentives: Entrepreneurs who establish industries outside the major zones should be offered tax holidays, low-interest loans, grants and subsidised or free land.
3. Establish industrial estates near raw materials: Government can develop industrial layouts and processing centres in other regions, especially near agricultural and mineral raw materials, while improving transport links to markets.