What is the most important factor influencing the location of the iron and steel industry at Ajaokuta?

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks for the most important factor behind locating the iron and steel industry at Ajaokuta (Kogi State).

Step 2: The underlying concept Industrial location depends on the nature of the production process. Industries are often "weight-losing" (bulk-reducing), meaning the raw materials weigh far more than the finished product. For such industries, it is cheaper to locate near the raw materials than to carry heavy, bulky inputs over long distances.

Step 3: Apply it to Ajaokuta

• Iron and steel production uses iron ore, limestone, coal/coke and other heavy raw materials.
• Much of the iron ore comes from nearby deposits, such as Itakpe in Kogi State, which is linked to Ajaokuta by rail. Limestone and other minerals also occur in the region.
• Transporting such bulky ore over long distances would greatly increase production costs.
• So the dominant location factor is closeness to raw materials.

Step 4: Check the other options

• A. Labour: Important, but labour can be recruited or moved. It is not the deciding factor for a heavy industry like this.
• B. Power: Needed, but power can be supplied by grid or gas pipelines to different places.
• D. Transport: Useful, and the rail link helps, but transport is there to serve the raw material supply. It is secondary.

Answer: C. Nearness of raw material

Exam tip: For heavy, weight-losing industries (steel, cement, sugar refining, palm oil milling), think "raw material first." For light, weight-gaining industries (such as bottling or assembly), think "market first."