N19 The maps show the growth of Lagos, a megacity in Nigeria

Question 1

ai. Using map evidence, identify one factor that has limited the expansion of Lagos towards the west.

Answer 1

River

Question 2

aii. Estimate how far (in km) Lagos has grown along the southern part of the lagoon between points X and Y from 1984 to 2013. [1]

Answer 2

25 (21-27)

Question 3

Suggest two social reasons for the rapid growth of a megacity such as Lagos. [2+2]

Answer 3

Conflicts in rural areas can drive people to seek safety in urban areas. The threat of ongoing wars may push people to migrate to Lagos for safety.

Lagos experiences rapid population growth due to high fertility rates. In Nigeria, cultural factors and limited access to family planning contribute to larger family sizes, resulting in significant natural increase

Question 4

Explain two reasons why the informal economic sector is important in a megacity such as Lagos. [2+2]

Answer 4

The massive influx of rural-urban migrants to Lagos surpass the creation of formal jobs. This forces many residents to turn to the informal sector, making small-scale labour intensive activities essential.

The informal sector provides cheaper alternatives for goods and services. It offers more affordable options than formal businesses in megacities with large populations of low-middle income residents