Theory question 110
Nigeria: People and Economy(a) Discuss the problems of transportation on the (i) Niger-Benue waterway (ii) Lagos-Kano railway line
(b) Suggest possible solutions to these problems
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(a)(i) Niger-Benue: seasonal changes in water level (shallow in the dry season); sandbanks and silting; rapids and rocks (e.g. near Jebba before Kainji locks); water hyacinth; few modern river ports and boats; slow
(ii) Lagos-Kano railway: old narrow-gauge single track; old locomotives and wagons; frequent derailments and breakdowns; poor maintenance and management; slow; competition from road transport; vandalism
(b) Dredging and river training; locks and dams; clearing weeds; modern river ports and vessels; standard-gauge double tracks; new rolling stock; better funding and management; privatisation/concessions
Match each solution to a problem.