JAMB 2022 Economics · Question 63

One benefit a country can derive from the extraction of crude oil is increase in

Options

  1. A.population
  2. B.employment
  3. C.money supply
  4. D.demand for imports

Answer: B. employment

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question: The question asks for a benefit a country gets from extracting crude oil. We need the option that is a positive economic gain directly linked to the oil industry.

Explain the concept: Crude oil extraction is an activity in the primary/extractive sector. It brings several benefits to a country:

  • Jobs for workers (directly in oil companies and indirectly in services, transport, and construction)
  • Foreign exchange earnings from exports
  • Government revenue from royalties and taxes
  • Growth of related industries (refining, petrochemicals)

Step-by-step solution:

  • A. Population: Extraction does not directly raise a country's population. Population is driven by birth rates, death rates, and migration. Also, a bigger population is not necessarily a "benefit".
  • B. Employment: Oil exploration, drilling, refining, transportation, and support services all need workers. This creates jobs, raises incomes, and lowers unemployment. This is a clear benefit.
  • C. Money supply: Money supply is controlled by the Central Bank and the banking system. An increase in it is not a direct benefit of extraction, and it can even cause inflation.
  • D. Demand for imports: Higher demand for imports is not a benefit. It can worsen the balance of payments. Oil revenue might indirectly raise import demand, but that is a side effect, not a benefit.

Answer: The correct option is B. employment.

Exam tip: In "benefit of an industry" questions, look for the option that is a direct, clearly positive outcome. Employment, foreign exchange, and revenue are the usual correct answers. Be careful with options that sound economic but are neutral or negative, such as import demand or money supply.

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