Theory question 105
Nigeria: Physical Setting(a) Draw an outline map of Nigeria. On the map, locate and name: (i) the interior coastland of Western Nigeria; (ii) the coastal plain; (iii) the Niger delta; (iv) Port Harcourt. (b) Highlight three benefits derived from coastlands of Nigeria. (c) Identify three problems hindering the development of seaports in Nigeria.
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(a) Map: interior coastland (lowlands) of Western Nigeria behind the coast in Ogun, Ondo and Lagos hinterland; coastal plain (lagoons and sand bars) along the coast from Lagos eastward; Niger Delta with its many distributaries between the Benin River and the Cross River (Bayelsa, Rivers, Delta); Port Harcourt on the Bonny River in the eastern delta.
(b) Petroleum and natural gas; fishing grounds; sites for seaports and trade; lumbering and timber; tourism (beaches); land for crops such as oil palm, rubber, coconut; salt and sand for building; employment.
(c) Sand bars and spits across river mouths; constant silting of channels requiring dredging; lagoons and swamps; lack of natural deep harbours (straight coast); coastal erosion and strong surf; water weeds; inadequate capital and poor management; poor roads to the hinterland.
Place Port Harcourt in the eastern delta.