Which of the following is the leading industrial zone in the West African sub-region?

Analyze the question: It asks which industrial zone leads the whole of West Africa, so we need the region with the largest concentration of industries, the biggest market and the best infrastructure.

Concept: Industrial zones grow where there are:

• a large population (a ready market)
• good power supply and transport (ports, roads, rail)
• raw materials and capital
• government support

Evaluating the options:

• A. Western industrial zone of Nigeria: This zone centres on Lagos, Ikeja, Agbara, Ibadan and Abeokuta. It has the largest consumer market in Africa, major seaports (Apapa and Tin Can), and an international airport. It also has the greatest variety of industries, including textiles, food processing, breweries, automobile assembly, pharmaceuticals, and metal and plastic products. This makes it the leading industrial zone in West Africa.
• B. Accra-Tema (Ghana): It is important, with Tema port, the aluminium smelter (VALCO) and oil refining, but it is smaller than Lagos-Ikeja in scale, output and market size.
• C. Freetown (Sierra Leone): The industries are small-scale and limited by a small market and a history of conflict.
• D. Banjul (The Gambia): The country is very small, with a very limited industrial base.

Exam tip: For "leading in West Africa" questions, think of Nigeria. It has the largest population and economy, and so the largest industrial base. Remember Lagos as the industrial hub, and Accra-Tema as the second-ranked one.