(a) Describe Nigeria under the following headings: (i) location; (ii) size. (b) In what five ways are highlands important to the economy of Nigeria

Answer Details

(a) Nigeria under the given headings:

(i) Location: Nigeria lies in West Africa, roughly between latitudes 4°N and 14°N of the Equator and longitudes 3°E and 15°E of the Greenwich Meridian. It is bordered by the Republic of Benin (west), Niger (north), Chad (north-east), Cameroon (east), and the Atlantic Ocean/Gulf of Guinea (south).

(ii) Size: Nigeria has a total land area of about 923,768 square kilometres, making it one of the largest countries in West Africa, with a maximum extent of roughly 1,050 km north to south and 1,150 km east to west.

(b) Ways highlands are important to the economy of Nigeria:

1. Sources of rivers: Highlands such as the Jos Plateau and Eastern (Adamawa/Mambilla) highlands are the source of major rivers used for water supply and irrigation.
2. Hydro-electric power: Steep slopes and waterfalls on highland rivers provide sites for dams and HEP generation.
3. Mining: Highlands like the Jos Plateau are rich in minerals (tin, columbite), supporting mining.
4. Tourism and cool climate: The cool, healthy highland climate (e.g. Jos, Obudu) attracts tourists and resorts.
5. Agriculture: Highland areas support special crops (Irish potatoes, tea, vegetables) and grazing on their cooler slopes.