Theory question 108
Nigeria: People and Economy(a) On an outline map of Nigeria, locate and name: (i) the rail lines linking Lagos to Nguru (ii) the railway line linking Port-Harcourt to Kaduna (b) Explain any four ways in which rail contributed to the economic development of Nigeria (c) Highlight any three problems of rail transportation in Nigeria
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(a) Western line: Lagos-Ibadan-Ilorin-Jebba-Minna-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano-Nguru. Eastern line: Port Harcourt-Aba-Enugu-Makurdi-Kafanchan-Kaduna.
(b) Carries bulky export crops (groundnuts, cotton, cocoa) to the ports; carries minerals (coal, tin) and fuel; distributes imports and manufactured goods inland; growth of towns along the lines (Kaduna, Kafanchan); employment; movement of people; national unity.
(c) Old track and engines; single narrow-gauge lines; slow speed and delays; poor maintenance and management; competition from road transport; inadequate funding; vandalism.
Draw the lines with the main towns named.