Which of the following is a light industry?

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks which option is a light industry.

Step 2: Explain the concept Industries are often classed by the weight and bulk of their raw materials and products:

• Heavy industries use large, heavy, bulky raw materials, need large capital, big factory space, and lots of power. They often produce goods used by other industries. Examples: iron and steel, shipbuilding, petroleum refining, and metal smelting.
• Light industries use smaller, lighter raw materials, need less capital and space, and produce consumer goods. Examples: textiles, food processing, electronics, garments, and footwear.

Step 3: Evaluate the options

• A. Petroleum industry: Involves refining crude oil with massive plants and heavy capital. This is a heavy industry.
• B. Metallurgical industry: Involves smelting and refining metals from bulky ores. This is a heavy industry.
• C. Textile industry: Turns fibres such as cotton into fabric and clothing. The products are light and sold directly to consumers. This is a light industry.
• D. Shipbuilding industry: Involves huge, heavy steel structures and large capital. This is a heavy industry.

Step 4: Answer

Tip: Think of light industry as "things you can wear, eat, or carry" (clothes, biscuits, radios). Heavy industry is "things that are big, steel, or fuel" (ships, steel, oil refining). Textile is a classic light industry example in Nigerian exams, such as in Kaduna and Lagos.