Nigeria, West Africa Knowledge Organiser

• Rapid economic development

• 21^st largest economy

• 12th largest oil producer in the world

• Leads African development in finance, media and communications

• Role in the UN for peacekeeping

• Lagos is a global economic hub

• Nigeria is the most developed country in Africa

• Highest GDP 

• Highest agricultural output

• Largest population

• Leads Africa’s development
  

• During the colonial period Europeans exploited Africa’s resources and people

• Nigeria became independent from the UK in 1960.

• There have been civil wars up to 2000 because of a more stable government

• Other countries are now heavily investing in banking, technology and business

• Multi-ethnic

• Huge inequality between the north and south which lead to conflict

• Films

• Music

• Literature

• High profile footballers

• North is significantly drier and a semi-desert environment

• South is still warm, however more forest grows
  

• Trades with many countries

• Main exports are oil, gas, rubber, cocoa & cotton

• Main imports are cars, telephones, rice, wheat and petrol from the EU and USA

• Crude oil is its biggest export because of its good quality

• Reliance on oil has meant that exportation of agricultural goods has reduced

• In 1999 Nigeria’s employment structure was 66% agriculture subsistence farming, and only grow enough food to live

• Given people more regular work

• Stimulates growth in other sectors

• Attracted foreign investments from TNCs

• Developed chemical industry from oil

• Required more tax for the government

Trans National Corporations = Companies that have the headquarters and production plants in different countries

• Cheap labour

• Access to market

• Few environmental regulations

• Cheap tax rates

• Provide work

• More money in the economy

• Invest in infrastructure

• Support other companies

• Poor pay

• Poor conditions

• Long hours

• Well paid jobs go to foreign employees

• Profits go abroad

• Makes soap and food

• Employs 1500 people

• Promotes improvements in health, education and water

• Employs 65000

• Has contracts with Nigerian companies

• Profits go abroad

Oil spills:

• Cause water pollution

• Kill fish

• Destroy fishing industry

• Emit toxic fumes from flares

• Oil theft and sabotage can occur
  

Two types of aid:

• Emergency - for in emergencies like earthquakes

• Development - to help a country develop (building roads)

Nigeria is a developed African countries but still very poor compared to many countries high level of poverty

Nigeria receives 4% of all aid given to Africa - From the UK, USA and charities.

Aid improves education, protects against HIV & Malaria, helps orphans

Industrial growth has had impacts on the environment:

• Desertification

• Air pollution

• Water pollution

• Deforestation

• Squatter settlements

• Pressure on services

• Traffic congestion

• Waste issues

• Soil erosion

• Conflict

• Oil spills – Bodo oil spill 2009 caused major damage, Shell paid £55 million in compensation.

• HDI (human development index) and quality of life is improving in Nigeria

• Healthcare, education and employment rates are all increasing

• Oil is making people and industries wealthy but 65% of the people are still in poverty - increased inequality.

• Corruption an issue

• Historical conflict between tribal groups

• Spread of disease and illness from oil spills

• Over dependence on oil - when it runs out they will need new source of income