Transport and Communication – Basic 6 Social Studies Lesson Note (Third Term)

Transport is the movement of people and goods from one place to another, and communication is the exchange of information between people. This note covers water transport, air transport and the communication system in Nigeria.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

1. Define water transport and air transport and give examples of each.
2. Name major ports and airports in Nigeria.
3. State problems of water and air transport and suggest solutions.
4. Define communication and list the means of communication used in Nigeria.
5. State when each means of communication is best used.
6. Give reasons why telecommunication may fail.

What is water transport?

Water transport is the movement of people and goods by water.

Examples of water transport

• Canoe: small local boat, often paddled, used on rivers and creeks.
• Boat: small vessel used to carry people and light goods.
• Ferry: vessel that carries passengers and vehicles across a river or lagoon.
• Ship: large vessel that carries heavy cargo and many passengers across the sea.

What are the major ports in Nigeria?

A port is a place on the coast or a river where ships load and unload goods.

• Lagos: the busiest port area, with Apapa and Tin Can Island ports.
• Port Harcourt: serves Rivers State and the Niger Delta.
• Warri: port in Delta State.
• Calabar: port in Cross River State.

What is air transport?

Air transport is the movement of people and goods by aircraft.

Examples of air transport

• Aeroplane: carries passengers and cargo over long distances.
• Helicopter: lifts off straight up, used for short trips, rescue and oil company work.
• Jet: fast aircraft with jet engines, used for long and quick flights.

What are the major airports in Nigeria?

An airport is a place where aircraft take off and land.

• Lagos: Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
• Abuja: Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
• Kano: serves the north of the country.
• Port Harcourt: serves the south-south region.

What is the difference between water and air transport?

Water transport is slow and cheap for heavy goods. Air transport is fast and costly, so it suits passengers and urgent goods.

What are the problems of water and air transport?

The problems of water and air transport are the difficulties that reduce their safety and efficiency.

1. High cost of maintenance: ships and aircraft need costly repairs and spare parts.
2. Poor infrastructure: bad ports and old airports slow down work.
3. Lack of skilled personnel: too few trained pilots, engineers and ship workers.
4. Piracy and air accidents: piracy is robbery at sea, and aircraft can crash.
5. Poor funding: not enough money to run and improve services.

What are the solutions to these problems?

The solutions are steps that government and private bodies can take to make transport safer and better.

1. Government investment: build and repair ports, jetties and airports.
2. Training of skilled workers: train pilots, engineers and crew.
3. Regular maintenance: service ships and aircraft often to prevent breakdowns.
4. Improved security: patrol waters and guard ports and airports.
5. Public-private partnerships: government and private companies share the cost and work.

What is communication?

Communication is the exchange of information between people.

What are the means of communication in Nigeria?

The main means of communication in Nigeria are the telephone, the internet, radio and television, newspapers and magazines, and postal services.

• Telephone: mobile phones and landlines for calls and text messages.
• Internet: email and social media for messages, pictures and video.
• Radio and television: broadcast news, education and entertainment to many people at once.
• Newspapers and magazines: printed news and information.
• Postal services: letters and parcels sent through post offices, such as NIPOST.

When should each means of communication be used?

The means you choose depends on the purpose of the message.

Why may telecommunication not work?

Telecommunication fails when something stops the signal or the equipment from working.

• Network congestion: too many people use the network at the same time.
• Poor signal or coverage: some places are far from a network mast.
• Power failure: masts and phones stop working without electricity.
• Damaged infrastructure: broken cables and masts cut the connection.
• Technical faults: equipment breaks down or develops errors.

Evaluation

1. Which is NOT a water transport?
   • A) Ship
   • B) Airplane
   • C) Ferry
   • D) Canoe
2. A major airport in Nigeria is:
   • A) Apapa
   • B) Murtala Muhammed
   • C) Tin Can Island
   • D) Warri Port
3. What causes telecommunication failure?
   • A) Too many users
   • B) Good network
   • C) New phones
   • D) Clear weather
4. Which is a means of communication?
   • A) Car
   • B) Radio
   • C) Bus
   • D) Train
5. Piracy is a problem in:
   • A) Air transport
   • B) Water transport
   • C) Road transport
   • D) Rail transport

Answers: 1-B, 2-B, 3-A, 4-B, 5-B

Assignment

List 3 water transports and 3 air transports you know.