The changing economy of the Lower Niger Valley

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Periodical article

Title:	The changing economy of the Lower Niger Valley
Author:	Udo, R.K.
Year:	1969
Periodical:	The Nigerian Geographical Journal
Volume:	12
Issue:	1-2
Pages:	113-124
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Nigeria
Subjects:	economic conditions food crops
Abstract:	The Lower Niger begins below the Niger-Benue confluence at Lokoja and extends for a distance of about 185 miles in a southerly direction to the town of Aboh which is considered to be the northern limit of the Niger delta. In pre-colonial days the Lower Niger Valley, in which politically the Igalas were the dominant ethnic group, was an area of considerable trade between the peoples living there. The river provided, before the development of rail and road transportation the only means of contact with the outside world, and served for the transport of palm-oil. Since the existence of the road and railway to Port Harcourt many riverine ports and trading beaches more or less completely ceased to exist while gradually trade and traffic began to concentrate on Onitsha. Onitsha is the centre of economic activity in the central part of the Lower Niger Valley. Onitsha has an important market function. Igala has an important oil-palm industry. After a geographical introduction this paper deals with the several aspects of the changing economy of the Lower Niger Valley. Ref., figures.