NECO 2024 GEOGRAPHY ANSWER




(1a)
(PICK ANY THREE)
(i) Fertile Land: The Nile Valley has rich, fertile soil due to the annual flooding of the Nile River, which deposits nutrient-rich silt. This fertility makes the land ideal for agriculture, supporting dense populations through abundant crop production.

(ii) Water Availability: The Nile River provides a reliable and consistent source of water for drinking, irrigation, and sanitation. In a predominantly arid region, this accessibility to water is crucial for sustaining large populations and agricultural activities.

(iii) Historical Significance: The Nile Valley has been a cradle of civilization for thousands of years. Ancient civilizations, such as the Egyptians, settled here due to the favorable living conditions, leading to a long history of human habitation and development.

(iv) Transportation and Trade: The Nile River serves as a major transportation route, facilitating trade and the movement of people. This connectivity boosts economic activities and attracts settlements.

(v) Climate: The climate in the Nile Valley is relatively mild compared to the surrounding deserts, making it more habitable and conducive to farming and other activities.

(1b)
(PICK ANY FOUR)
(i) Over-population can lead to a surplus of labor, resulting in high unemployment rates.
(ii) Increased population puts pressure on natural resources, leading to shortages.
(iii) Over-population often leads to inadequate housing and the growth of slums.
(iv) High population density can result in pollution and environmental damage.
(v) Over-population can overwhelm healthcare systems, leading to inadequate medical services.
(vi) It can lead to Increased poverty levels

(1c)
(PICK ANY TWO)
(i) Implementing comprehensive family planning and education programs to help control population growth.

(ii) Creating more job opportunities through economic diversification, investment in various industries, and encouraging entrepreneurship.

(iii) Developing better urban planning to manage housing and infrastructure needs.

(iv) Promoting sustainable use of resources through conservation efforts, renewable energy projects, and efficient waste management systems to reduce environmental impact and ensure resource availability for future generations

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(2a)
(PICK ANY FOUR)
(i) Cultural Erosion: Tourism can lead to the commercialization and dilution of local cultures and traditions. As communities adapt to cater to tourists' preferences, there is often a loss of cultural identity and heritage. Traditional practices, languages, and customs may be abandoned or altered to fit the expectations of tourists.

(ii) Environmental Damage: Increased tourism can cause significant environmental degradation. This includes pollution from littering, increased waste, and emissions from transportation. Natural habitats may be destroyed to make way for tourism infrastructure, such as hotels and resorts, leading to loss of biodiversity and disruption of ecosystems.

(iii) Inflation: The influx of tourists can drive up the prices of goods and services in tourist areas. This can make everyday items unaffordable for local residents, leading to increased living costs and economic inequality. Locals may find it difficult to afford housing, food, and other necessities as prices are adjusted to capitalize on tourist spending.

(iv) Crime Increase: High levels of tourism can sometimes lead to an increase in crime rates. Tourists can be targets for petty theft, scams, and other criminal activities. The presence of tourists may also attract criminal elements to the area, putting a strain on local law enforcement and reducing the overall safety of the community.

(v) Overcrowding: Popular tourist destinations can become overcrowded, leading to congestion, noise pollution, and a decline in the quality of life for local residents. Overcrowding can put pressure on local infrastructure and public services, such as transportation, healthcare, and sanitation systems, making them less effective and accessible for locals.

(vi) Seasonal Employment Instability: Tourism often leads to seasonal employment, where jobs are only available during peak tourist seasons. This can result in economic instability for workers who rely on tourism for their livelihood, as they may struggle to find employment during off-peak times

(2b)
(PICK ANY FOUR)
(i) Encouraging eco-friendly tourism practices, such as responsible wildlife viewing, waste reduction, and sustainable accommodation options which helps minimize environmental impact and promotes conservation efforts.

(ii) Promoting and protecting local cultures and traditions through initiatives like cultural festivals, heritage sites, and educational programs

(iii) Implementing policies to control inflation and ensure affordability for residents by regulating prices, supporting local businesses, and promoting economic inclusivity.

(iv) Enhancing security to reduce crime rates associated with tourism.

(v) Managing tourist numbers to prevent overcrowding by implementing measures like visitor quotas, reservation systems, and off-peak promotions.

(vi) Developing a variety of tourist attractions that appeal to different types of tourists throughout the year can help reduce the seasonal nature of tourism.

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(3a)
(PICK ANY FOUR)
(i) Inadequate Infrastructure: Poor transportation networks, unreliable electricity supply, and insufficient water resources hinder industrial operations. The lack of modern infrastructure increases production costs and reduces the competitiveness of African industries.

(ii) Limited Access to Finance: Many African industries struggle to secure funding for expansion and technological upgrades. High-interest rates, stringent lending conditions, and limited availability of venture capital make it difficult for businesses to grow.

(iii) Skill Shortages: There is a significant gap in skilled labor needed for industrial development. Education systems often fail to provide the technical and vocational training required for modern industries, leading to a workforce that lacks the necessary skills.

(iv) Political Instability: Political instability, corruption, and weak governance can deter both local and foreign investment. Unstable political environments create uncertainty, which discourages long-term industrial investments and disrupts ongoing industrial activities.

(v) Dependence on Primary Commodities: Many African economies rely heavily on the export of raw materials with little value addition. This dependence limits the development of a diversified industrial base and makes economies vulnerable to fluctuations in global commodity prices.

(vi) Trade Barriers and Limited Market Access: Tariff and non-tariff barriers, both within African countries and in international markets, restrict the growth of industries. Limited access to larger markets reduces economies of scale and the potential for industrial growth.

(3b)
(PICK ANY FOUR)
(i) Governments and private sectors should invest in building and upgrading infrastructure, including roads, railways, ports, and energy facilities.
(ii) Financial institutions should develop more flexible lending products tailored to the needs of industrial enterprises.
(iii) Investing in education systems to provide technical and vocational training aligned with industry needs is crucial.
(iv) Strengthening institutions, reducing corruption, and ensuring political stability are essential for creating a conducive environment for industrial development.
(v) African countries should focus on adding value to their primary commodities through local processing and manufacturing.
(vi) Reducing trade barriers and expanding market access for African industries.

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(4a)
(PICK ANY THREE)
(i) Topography and Relief: Areas with favorable topography, such as plains and lowlands, are more conducive to settlement as they provide flat land for construction, agriculture, and transportation. Conversely, rugged terrain like mountains and steep hills may hinder settlement due to difficulties in building infrastructure and cultivating land.

(ii) Climate: Regions with moderate and favorable climates, such as the savannah and forest zones, are more likely to support larger settlements. These areas typically have adequate rainfall and suitable temperatures for agriculture and human habitation. Extreme climates, like arid and semi-arid regions, often have sparse populations due to harsh living conditions and limited water resources.

(iii) Soil Fertility: Fertile soils, particularly in the river valleys and delta regions, attract settlements due to their suitability for agriculture. Areas with rich, arable land can support higher population densities because they provide ample food resources and opportunities for farming.

(iv) Economic Activities: Economic opportunities significantly influence settlement patterns. Urban areas with diverse job markets, commercial activities, and industrial centers attract large populations. Conversely, regions with limited economic opportunities may experience lower population densities and smaller settlements.

(v) Availability of Water Resources: Proximity to water bodies such as rivers, lakes, and streams is crucial for the establishment and growth of settlements. Water is essential for drinking, irrigation, sanitation, and industrial purposes. Settlements often develop near reliable water sources to ensure a steady supply for various needs.

(4b)
(PICK ANY FOUR)
(i) Inadequate Infrastructure: Many settlements in Nigeria lack basic infrastructure like roads, water, electricity, and sanitation, making them unsuitable for development.

(ii) Insecurity: Some settlements are located in high-risk areas prone to crime, terrorism, or communal conflicts, making them unsafe for residents and investors.

(iii) Environmental Degradation: Settlements in Nigeria often struggle with environmental challenges like pollution, flooding, and erosion, which can have devastating effects on residents' health and livelihoods.

(iv) Overcrowding: Rapid urbanization has led to overcrowding in many settlements, resulting in the growth of slums and informal settlements, which can perpetuate poverty and social inequality.

(v) Land Disputes and Insecurity of Tenure: Many settlements in Nigeria are plagued by land disputes, unclear ownership, and insecure tenure, making it difficult to develop or invest in these areas.

(vi) Limited Access to Basic Services: Settlements in Nigeria often lack access to essential services like healthcare, education, and social amenities, hindering residents' quality of life and opportunities for economic mobility.

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(5a)


(5b)
(PICK ANY FOUR)
(i) Inadequate Infrastructure: Many airports in Nigeria lack modern facilities and equipment necessary for efficient operations. Runways, terminals, and navigational aids are often outdated or poorly maintained, affecting the overall quality and safety of air transport.

(ii) High Operational Costs: The cost of operating airlines in Nigeria is high due to factors like expensive aviation fuel, high import duties on aircraft and spare parts, and high airport charges. These costs make it difficult for airlines to maintain profitability and invest in expansion.

(iii) Regulatory Challenges: Complex and inconsistent regulatory frameworks can hinder the growth of the air transport sector. Bureaucratic delays, corruption, and frequent changes in regulations create an uncertain business environment for airlines.

(iv) Limited Skilled Personnel: There is a shortage of trained and experienced aviation professionals, including pilots, engineers, and air traffic controllers. This skills gap affects the quality of services and safety in the air transport sector.

(v) Security Concerns: Issues such as terrorism, aircraft hijacking, and general insecurity in some regions of Nigeria deter both domestic and international travelers. Enhanced security measures increase operational costs and affect passenger confidence.

(vi) Economic Instability: Economic fluctuations, including inflation and currency devaluation, impact the affordability of air travel for passengers and the operational costs for airlines. Economic instability also affects investment in the aviation sector.

(5c)
(PICK ANY THREE)
(i) The government and private sector should invest in upgrading and modernizing airport infrastructure, including runways, terminals, and navigational aids.
(ii) Providing subsidies on aviation fuel and reducing import duties on aircraft and spare parts can help lower operational costs for airlines.
(iii) Streamlining and simplifying regulatory frameworks can create a more conducive environment for air transport development.
(iv) Establishing and supporting aviation training institutions can help address the skills shortage.
(v) Investing in advanced security technologies and practices can improve the safety of air travel.
(vi) Implementing policies that promote economic stability, such as controlling inflation and stabilizing the currency, can make air travel more affordable and sustainable.

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(6a)
(PICK ANY THREE)
(i) Promote Economic Integration: This objective involves creating a cohesive economic space among member states. The aim is to eliminate trade barriers and foster the free movement of goods, services, capital, and people across national borders.

(ii) Enhance Cooperation: ECOWAS strives to foster cooperation in various sectors such as agriculture, transportation, telecommunications, and industry. By working together, member states can share resources, knowledge, and technology, which can lead to improved productivity and innovation.

(iii) Peace and Security: Ensuring regional peace, stability, and security is a cornerstone of ECOWAS's objectives. The organization has established mechanisms for conflict prevention, management, and resolution, including peacekeeping missions and diplomatic interventions.

(iv) Harmonize Policies: ECOWAS seeks to standardize and harmonize economic and monetary policies, tariffs, and fiscal policies across member states. This harmonization is crucial for creating a stable economic environment that facilitates cross-border trade and investment.

(v) Human Development: Improving the social conditions of the people within member states is a fundamental objective of ECOWAS. The organization implements various initiatives aimed at enhancing education, health, and social welfare.

(6b)
(PICK ANY TWO)
(i) Political Instability: Frequent political crises, coups, and conflicts within member states disrupt regional cooperation and economic activities.

(ii) Economic Disparities: Significant economic differences among member states make it difficult to implement uniform policies and achieve balanced economic integration.

(iii) Poor Infrastructure: Inadequate transportation, communication, and energy infrastructure limit connectivity and economic activities within the region.

(iv) Corruption and Governance Issues: High levels of corruption and weak governance structures undermine efforts to implement regional policies and initiatives effectively.

(6c)
(PICK ANY TWO)
(i) Strengthen Political Stability: Enhance mechanisms for political dialogue, democracy promotion, and conflict resolution to ensure stable governance within member states.

(ii) Invest in Infrastructure Development: Mobilize resources and investments to develop critical infrastructure such as roads, railways, telecommunications, and energy networks to improve regional connectivity and economic activities.

(iii) Promote Economic Diversification: Encourage member states to diversify their economies to reduce dependency on a few sectors and balance economic development across the region.

(iv) Strengthen Anti-Corruption Measures: Implement robust anti-corruption policies and strengthen governance structures to ensure transparency, accountability, and effective implementation of regional initiatives.





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QUESTIONS:

(1a) Explain three reasons for the high population density in the Nile valley
(1b) State four problems of over-population in an economy.
(1c) Give two solutions to the problems in (b) above

(2a) Elucidate four negative impacts of tourism, on the society.

(2b) Highlight four ways these impacts can be mitigated.


(3a) Discuss four problems facing industrial development in Africa.

(3b) Give four solutions to (a) above.


SECTION B

GEOGRAPHY OF NIGERIA

(4a) Expatiate three factors responsible for the distribution of settlements in Nigeria.
(4b) State four problems associated with citing settlements in Nigeria.

(5a) On a sketch map of Nigeria, name and locate the terminal of the eastern and western rail lines,
(5b) Explain four factors that limits air transport development in Nigeria.
(5c) Give three solutions to the problems in (b) above.

(6a) Explain three objectives of Economic Community of West African States.
(6b) Highlight two problems that hinder the achievement of ECOWAS' objectives.
(6c) Proffer two solutions to the problems highlighted in (b) above.