Locational Analysis of Industrial Plants at the 9th Mile Area of Enugu State, Nigeria

ABSTRACT This study examined the locational characteristics of the industrial activities at the 9th Mile area of Enugu State, Nigeria in order to identify the most important location factors, multiplier effects, and linkages among the industrial plants. The data analysed were collected from relevant sources using mainly the survey research method. Location quotient (LQ), Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) Analysis, and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) were adopted in the analyses of the data. Primary, secondary and tertiary industrial activities were identified in the area, and secondary activities with LQ of 1.1 are more concentrated than others. Spatially, land spaces and relief factors favoured industrial activities, especially manufacturing at Ameke than in other clans of Ngwo-Uno, Ifueke, and Nsude. MLR analysis reveals that 23 predictor variables accounted for 90.0 percent of the total variance in the location of industries. However, 11 factors were the most significant in the decisions to locate the industrial plants. PCA reduced the 19 benefits from the industrial plants to 8 underlying dimensions that contributed 75.7 percent of the total variance. Development of infrastructural facilities, social development of the people, and improvement on human environment are the major underlying dimensions. Increase in the economic and social costs, environmental pollution, and congestion are the major problems from the industrial plants. The 15 location problems were reduced to 8 underlying dimensions that together explained 73.5 percent of the total variance. Shortage of basic material needs, frequent change in the policy carriers and unfavourable government policies are the most devastating of the location problems. Functional, material and information linkages exist among the industrial plants. Therefore, we conclude that since land is available especially at Ameke and Nsude coupled with good aquifer, the study area is a good site for industrial plants particularly the types that require large space and large quantity of water.